The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-12-28
commission HAS
POINTS TO SETTLE
WITH RAILROADS
Lumber Rates From South Is
One Question the Commerce
Board Will Answer
TAP LINE EARNINGS
WILL BE CUT OUT
An Inquiry Shows That These
Roads Have Been Getting
About 200, 900 Yearly
From Shippers

WASHINGTON. Dec 2s.-The
railroads which have complained of
late that the interstate commerce COM
mission has been too strict with
them. will take consolation In the
fact that what they have already re-
oeived In the way of regulation has
been just forstate OF what they
are about to get
Recent new legislation and Supreme
court interpretations of existing
statutes Will be responsible for max
ing the coming year the busiest period
that the interstate commerce COM
mission has ever enjoyed.
One OF the first things 10 be done
In 1913 will be to bring TO a conclu-
sion the tremendous task of remodel
ing the practices and rates of the ex-
press companies. Much has already
been done. This work included the
elimination OF double charges, and OF
removing causes for complaint in
many directions-for example. grow
ing out OF the refusal of the companies
10 route through nearest junction
points.
In general the practices now in
operation are regarded an reasonable.
but the commission is by no means
through with the regulation of ex-
press rates. Up to date more than
$4,000 rates have been prepared by
the commission and served on the
express comps MES, with orders TO
show cause why they should not be
put into effect.
Anthracite Coal Roads
Another important task TO be
brought to a quick conclusion In the
investigation into the rates and prac-
tees OF the anthracite coal roads.
A few days ago the commission
mailed list Of fffty-eiSht questions
TO the members OF the so-caiied an
thracite coal ring, with orders to an
swer them fully and truthfuiiy by
March LIST. 1t took the commission
six months to prepare the questions.
and they cover every possible phase Of
the coal producing and coal carrying
industries
About the same time the investiga-
ton into lumber rates from the South
to all other sections OF the country
will be brought to a close. This Is
most important effort by the com
mission to reduce the freight rates on
lumber. 1t grows out OF the tap line
inquiry The corenissIon found that
the tap lines were getting about s2.-
. 000,0a0 a year, and II ordered this
cut off. Now 1t is trying 10 help the
tshippers henefit by the saving
II Some time during the year. tho
kisommission will take up the question
Il railroad ownership of steamship
7 lines in preparation for the operation
of the Panama canal act. Among
other things. the act provides that AT
ter July /. 1914. it will be unlawful
for a railroad 10 own an interest In
@ steamship line with which II might
be in competition, II the steamship
line wee otherwise owned, 1t will
be necessary for the commission to
probe the connections between the
railroad and steamship lines OF the
country.
Long and Short Haul.
One Of the most extensive campaign
of regulation ever undertaken by the
commission will follow Immediately on
the expected decision of the United
States Supreme court in the So called
long and short haul case. The decision
will make clear the power Of the COM
mission, and the fourth section OF the
act 10 regulate commerce. and what
ever its effect. il will be the duty Of the
commission to modify hundreds OF
thousands OF railroad rates to conform
with II. The nature OF the modifica-
ton will he to make the rates to in
termediate points just ana >eQuitahls
when compared with rates to greater
distances.
The bill authorizing the commission
TO proceed TO value the railroads of
the country on \ physical basis has
passed the house, and Is expected to
pass the senate at an early date. The
work will cost several million dollars
and will be continuous operation.
The purpose of this legislation is to
provide the commission with a way to
properly determine the reasonableness
OF railroad charges.
nv ~~xSn 49,
as passcd
The commission will continue its at
tacks on discrimination and rebates
whether by device or otherwise. The
recent decision OF the SupremA court in
the Chicago stockyards case. whom the
law was interpreted to mean that
railroad shall offer no Inducements ct
any kind toa shipper to locate on its
line. went right to the heart OF the
question Of rebating by device. and re-
moved the uncertainty previously felt
by the commission ~ to its authority.
Relief For Shippers.
Greater attention will be given by
the commission during the coming
years to its informal work through the
secretary's office in an effort to ex-
pedite relief to shippers and cthe.s In
trouble. Wherever possible. the secre-
tary will keep complaints on the for
mai docket and will endeavor to secure
immediate relief by correspondent e.
mail and telegraph. Much vas done In
this way during the past fall in re-
iieving car shortage IN the middle West.
1t has been found that in many cases
the railroads will respond TO prodding
by the secretary preferring to acauiesce
instead OF going through the regular
course OF tedious and expensive hear
ings, and waiting for formal orders
from the commissioners
Finally. the commission will take
over full supervision OF the methods
In which thu railroads and water car
Fiers subject to its jurisdiction shall
keep their accounts. In the case Of
the Goodrich company, OF Chicago. the