The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-03

that year the railroad companies in the
United States approached the interstate
commerce commission with intent to per-
suade that body to permit the railroads
to increase their freight rates. This ap-
plication Immediately was offset by an
opposition which was voiced in the pro-
test of shippers all over the united
States. Hardly any of the shippers were
willing that there should be even a
slight advance in the rates charged for
transportation of commodities. At a
meeting of representative shippers held
IN 1910 many were the speeches which
We're made for the purpose of counseling
earnest and united opposition on the part
of the shippers
The shippers seemed to represent prev
alent feeling throughout the United
States. Hardly any trade organization
ventured to disagree with the shippers.
Popular sentiment, so far as 1t was heard
at all, was opposed to the plea of the
railroads Therefore the railroad COM
panies stood alone, nor did their elaboi
rate arrangement of statistics, with which
it was hoped the interstate commerce
commission would be persuaded that the
railroads were justified in asking for an
increase in rates, produce the effect upon
the minds of the commission which was
hoped for.
At the Buffalo meeting, which was held
In mid May, many subjects deemed of
Importance to the shippers of the United
States were discussed. 1t was fair to
assume that the shippers were convinced
that business activity which began last
summer was likely to be continued for
some time. Not a whisper was heard at
that gathering containing any reference
to the recent application of the eastern
railroad managers for an increase of
freight rates When the meeting had
almost completed it's business some one
offered a resolution which, II adopted,
might have led to discussion upon this
matter But It was speedily tabled
A Change of Sentiment
The attitude of those who took part In
this meeting cannot be accurately de-
scribed as one of disapproval of the plea
of the railway managers for increase of
rates. But on the other hand 1t cannot
be assumed reasonably that the feeling
was one of approval, since had there been
general sentiment of opposition to the
plea of the railroads it would have found
voice
This attitude is explained by the fact
that the members of the association which
took part at this Buffalo meeting knew
that conferences or consultations or in
formal meetings for exchange of views
are now and have been for some time
taking place. President Brown of the
New York Central company is seeking to
give and to receive views respecting the
expediency of Increasing freight rates.
President Daniel Willard of the Balti-
more and Ohio is now and mas been for
several weeks in personal touch with
those who represent the various shippers
associations So also have President hea
of the Pennsylvania, and presumably
other railway executives. Meetings of
this kind suggest the likelihood that there
may be perfected cordial cooperation be-
tween the railway managers and the
shippers of the United States.
The spirit of cooperation has been
created and has also been considerably
advanced since 1910. Shippers are Begin
ming to realize that after all 1t may be
TO their best interest II the railroad COM