The sun., 1913-11-23
Rate Inquiry to Begin To-mor-
row VIII Affect Every Rail-
road in Country. >
INCREASES ARE PROBABLE
Wilson May Retain Clements SO
as Not TO Weaken Inter-
state Body.

Commissioner John n. Marble in Phil
adelphia yesterday may embarrass the In
terstate Commerce Commission in its in
Quiry into the rate question. which liz
scheduled to begin on Monday. Mr.. Marble
was connected with the commission in
one capacity ar another for about eight
years and he was particularly familiar
with questions affecting the rate situa-
tion.
In addition there are two other
prospective vacancies both involving vet
eran members. The term of .Iuison C.
Clements of Alabama. who was appointed
by President Cleveland. will expire I'm De
cember. and 1t has been reported that he
probably will be succeeded by Ex-Governor
Glenn Of North Carolina. Commissioner
Charles A. Prouty has been selected to
head the physical valuation bureau
If Commissioners Clements and Prouty
retire the commission will begin its rate
investigation with three new members
on the board of seven. In fact there
will he only two Commissioners. Clark
and Harlan, who can be said TO he vet
Grams
The rate inquiry ia regarded as of the
utmost importance. and the impression il
general now that the Administration will
not dispense with the services of both
commissioners Clements and Prouty.
Wilson planned to appoint a New England
man TO succeed Judge Prouty. who halls
from Vermont. The South was TO have
been recognized in the person OF Gov.
Glenn.
rhe President. IL was said. has "a high
opinion of Judge Clements. but was in
disposed to reappont him on account of his
age. he being nearly 80 years old. 1t is
regarded as probable that as Things now
stand either Judge prouty or Judge Glenn
ents will be retained.
A. tn. former has already been dcsig-
mated to direct the work of phys
zeal valuation ~ railroads. II is believed
the President may resppoint Judge Glenn
tnis. Chairman Clark and other mem
bers nj th. commission have urged the
Frrsid' to Keep Judge Clements
Technically only the railroads opcrat-
in: north of tn" ohio and Potomac rivers
and east of the Mississippi River are in
VOWED in the hearing Ia start on Monday
Actually every railroad in the United
states is concerned. because IL the COM
mission permits the railroads applying TO
increase rates the same authority will lie
extended to all other carriers To- increase
rates on all classes of freight traffic on
an average " . per cent.
Two Years ago the railroads asked to
Increase rates about 10 per cent. but the
commission refused the request. The i'm
preston IL general In Guv"rnment circles
thdt now the carriers will h. permitted
I" advance their charges.
Tine inquiry will extend over "A period
Of several months. II is the nope Of the
railways and the shipping public that the
commission will he ready to announce its
decision by March.
Hallway managers assert that the
futur" prosperity Of the properties over
which they have control. ~ well as the
prosperity of the country as "A whole.
depends on increased railway rates. This
view Is said to he shared 10y many large
shippers.
The railway managers Will contend
broadly that the "hieh cost of living has
hit them hard. They will point ont that
they have been compelled tu increase the
wages of employees, that IN. eos; of
equipment generally has increased and
thai operating expenses are higher now
than formerly.
They will allege further that in order
to get money to make improvements and
extensions they must ne able TO show
The Investing public that they are op.rat-
Ing on a normal profit making basis. The
burden ~ proof is laid on the railroads
and officials SAY II viii tax. them some
weeks 10 present their case.