The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1913-07-08
Railroads Bow to
theCOurt'S Decision
Attorneys Confer With Railroad and
Warehouse Commission on Rates
and Refunds
ADJUSTMENT is DIFFICULT
Minneapolis and St. Louis Road Will
Adopt New Rates; Great Western
Refractory
ADJUSTMENT is DIFFICULT
(By Minnie.)

The big fellows at the head OF the
railroads of Minnesota, realizing that
the decision in the rate cases handed
down by the Supreme Court of the
United States, has left absolutely no.
thing for them, have been getting
busy ever since their attorneys told
them what the court said in the su-
perb decision written by Mr.. Justice
Hughes.
June oath they directed their attor-
neys to confer with the railroad and
warehouse commission of this state
with the view of putting into effect
the rates prescribed by the Minnesota
legislature, and also to arrange for
return of the excess freight paid by
thousands of patrons ever since the
memorable decision by Judge Sanborn
of the circuit court of appeals in 1911.
1t is understood that within a few
days after this article goes to press
in The Gazette the two cent passenger
rate will be restored and the fellow,
who rides only few miles will not
have to pay any more than the fellow
who has been able to buy two thous-
and mileage book. The freight rate
fixed by the legislature for the trans
portation of commodities, and which
the circuit judge set aside, will also be
restored at about the same time.
Settlement Difficulty
But here comes the trouble. The
legislature of Minnesota, by an enact
ment, provided that the railroad COM
panies must show to the railroad and
every item whereby the companies re-
ceived money for transportation of
freight, and all of these items have
been filed with the commission from
time to time ever since the law was
enacted AS result that body knows
every shipper and his address since
the Sanborn decision.
The railroad attorneys, at meet
ing with the commission held on June
oath, attempted to have the commits
sion agree to allow the railroad COM
panies to settle with these shippers
who have been overtaxed since the
Sanborn decision, undoubtedly seeing
an opportunity to get a probable con-
cession from nearly all, if not all of
these shippers, who have paid vast
amount of money into the railroads
for excess freight, and who will not
be permitted to charge interest on the
excess amount, although they will
have that amount returned.
The commission promptly realized
that if they permitted the companies
to make these settlements there would
be an endless number of complaints
for years afterwards from shippers
who would complain that the railroads
had not treated them squarely, and
consequently they are insisting that
the amounts returned to the shippers
must be approved by the commission.
1t is probable that this is the manner
in which excess freight will be re-
turned, although the matter is not
definitely settled at this time.
Those who were wise enough to Sc
cure receipts for three cents passeng-
er fare will also be able to have the
excess returned. providing that they
are not against certain lines.
NJ. and St. L. VIII Reduce
The reader will understand that
while the Minneapolis & st. Louis
system, under the decision, is not re-
quired to reduce its rates, it proposes
to do so, General Manager Bierd ever
concluding to do this at non-competi
tive points. He feels that all are en-
/ titled to fair and like treatment, anC
that is what Minneapolis & st. Loui:
! patrons will secure.
This line will not have to return ex
cess freight or passenger fare, for th'
reason that the United States Suprem,
court held that the rates were confis
catory as to this company, the stat'
not having shown that the compan!
was paying fair return on its actua
investment. Since the time that tn,
showing was made the business o
the ST. Louis has increased, and Nh
-8ierd feels certain that the rat,
adopted by the legislature, will still
cave the stockholders of his compan,
fair percentage on their investment
The Chicago Great Western and tn
ock Island systems were said to b
smaining outside of the breastwork
- the proposition of returning tn