The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1913-03-10
LOWER
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lily which produces traffic in the vol
ume, for all classes Of equipment,
that this section does, in supplying
loads for empty cars Immediately
must appeal to any student of traffic
as an important element for mini
mum rate. 1t takes no exhaustive
comparison to prove that from a mile
age standpoint this district, to the
attractive eastern, western and south
ern markets, displays shorter hauls
Than on business to and from the
Pittsburg district. If we consider the
Baltimore and Ohio haul from these
two territories, we find that we hold
in this district the short line mileage.
and even when we consider the short
line distances over other lines, from
the Pittsburg district, we are still less
TO much territory, and event for these
shorter mileages we are in some in
stances given the Pittsburg rates and
in many instances charged in excess
Of them 1t is significant also that
the Pittsburg rates to long haul points
are applied from Wheeling, and points
east and west of Pittsburg within
forty mile radius. 1t is not necessary
in the Pittsburg district, within this
radius, that a point shall be located
on the main line, but the branches
which originate much of the traffic are
extended the same general basis,
1 whereas, in our district here, a point
but few miles from the main line,
such as Weston, is bearing an ex-
\ traordinary advance even over the
Clarksburg rates. The principle Of
making rates to and from branch
points, which curtail development at
such points has been denounced by
the commission on the presumption
that the branch, originating the
traffic, might show higher cost for
operation per ton, but that the in
creased expense incurred is nee
essary incident to transportation and
a condition precedent to the prof.
table operation of the line as a whole.
1t follows, therefore, that branch
points should not be treated as they
have been Ain West J Virginia, but
! shuold EN- S the same relative
through ray for the service as is
granted ma fine points. Mileage is
one of the controlling elements In rate
construction, I'D from this standpoint,
and others, the freight rates for this
locality must be recast. The general
business and the principles set down
by the commission having outgrown
the basis Of, rates, which seems to
have been changed little for number
of years, With proper rate adjustment
there seems to be no reason why this
territory should not attract large cap
ltal and bevome as potent factor as
the great Pittsbnrg district, since it
has all the natural advantages of the
great center and lacks only railroad
competition. The fuel supply will
necessarily make cost of production
in central West Virginia less than the
Pittsburg district, greater period of
time and proper foresight would seem
to dictate policy for the Baltimore
and Ohio system that would encour-
age for itself the large benefits that
will come through an equitable rate
adjustment; even selfish motives
would seem TO prompt this adjust
Iment, yet it is doubtful whether they
will come to recognize the Importance
of immediate action, if the public and
the business interests of this district
fail to appreciate their preogative,
and give no expression of their com
mercial disadvantages. Uniformity
of action is therefore, conductive to
the desired end, and similarity of To-
cation on the part, of the several.
towns and cities in central West yir-
ginia presents condition with many
parallels from traffic standpoint.
1t is not necessary that these inter-
ests should assume an antagonistic
latitude toward the Baltimore and
Ohio, on the contrary both the rail-
road and the people join in the bene-
fits to be derived. That this should
be the most progressive and desirable
locality for industry on the Baltimore
and Ohio lines is obvious, and the in
creased tonnage and revenues that
would result to the Baltimore and
Ohio would be Incompatible with the
share of business which it secures
from such competitive districts, as
Wheeling, Pittsburg and similar large
producing and competitive points. A
prejudice. however, exists toward the
voluntary reduction in rates by any
carrier, lest it jeopardize its in
terests with other carriers and other
localities, and its further fear that
materials reductions in rates may be