Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-19
WHATLOWER EXPRESS RATES
WILL MEAN TO GEORGIA.

searching inquiry of than three years
has convinced the Interstate Commerce Commission
that express rates are excessive and unjust The
Commission has accordingly prescribed that the
present charges be reduced approximately fifteen
per cent and also that the Determinations from
which certain cities, notably Atlanta and other
Southern points. now suffer be removed. On octo-
Der the ninth next, the express companies will be
given an opportunity TO show, If they can, why
definite order making these proposed changes effect
i've shall not be issued. Every fact and reason in
the case would indicate that the Commissions
present opinion will stand mistaken and that this
relief Of which the American public has been so
long and sorely in need win be granted
No part OF the country is vitality interested
in the reduction and equalization Of express rates
than is Georgia Atlanta's oppressive experience in
this regard is shared by of towns throughout
the state and section. This city and many of its
neighbors are compelled to pay rates that are
discriminatory as well as excessive Points in other
sections which are not appreciaby nearer the east
than are our own communities, granted much
lower rates. II is this circumstance that weighs
most heavily and most unfairly upon merchants
and industries Thus the readjustments the commits
sion proposes viii not only hundreds of thou
sands Of dollars for consumers, but it will also open
4 freer field Of trade for commercial interests.
Particular credit is due the Atlanta Freight Blu
this and other Georgia cities the national investi
cation. Through its officers and its attorneys.
Hessrs Wimbish and Ellis the Freight Bureau laid
before the Commission wealth of evidence and
eument that was doubtless of great value to that
soard in arriving at its conclusions Certain it is
hat whatever benefits accrue to Georgia and the
South from the Commissions inquiry viii be due
TER largely to the able and aggressive efforts of
he Atlanta Bureau.
A reduction of express rates will conserve the
sopular interests and quicken the business life of
me entire country Commissioner Lane believes,
Ind with good reason that it will be measurable
Fep toward reducing the cost of living. What the
United States really needs is parcels post SO that
ne producer and the consumer may be brought into
laser and cheaper communication But the next best
hing to that win be lower scale of express rates
Whenever it is made possible by any means for the
lty housewife to buy her table supplies directly
rom the farm. the cost Of living viii become appre-
Eaby lower and the incentive production will be
lar keener.
Even If this aspect Of the situation be dsre-
larded it Is evident that farer rates express ship
fents win mean a tremendous saving to the public
is dificult for the people. whole, to realize
ist how much they lose each year from exorbitant
ntes on freight and express. The fact that this
mount comes out of the individual pocket in COM
faratively small in no wise lessons the truth
bat. after ALL it is the community the state
lhich has to pay. The companies entitled to a
hir and liberal return their investment,
lut they have right public service companies,
b charge the people penny more; and when they
10 SO. the peoples rights and interests sacrificed
The Interstate Commerce Commission has render
ID the nation incalculabIe service in having gone
hto this matter so thoroughly ana when the lower
btes inaugurated there will follow of
keer trade and richer prosperity.