The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-18
Grants 5 PER Cent.
increase ON Freight
Continued From First Page.

Gus considerations presented, we agree
in the conclusion that by virtue of con
ditions obtaining at present, it is nee.
essary that the carriers revenues be
supplemented by increases throughout
official classification territory. What
ever the consequences of the war may
prove to be, we must recognize the
facts that it exists, the fact that it is
a calamity without precedent and the
fact that by it the commerce of the
world has been disarranged and thrown
into confusion. The means of transpor-
tation are fundamental, and indis,
pensible agencies in our industrial life
and for the commonwealth should be
kept abreast of public requirements.
Sources of Additional Revenue
THE original report, besides approx
ing rate increase in central freight
association territory, suggested ten
sources of additional revenue for all
carriers throughout official classification
territory; the present report, recogniz
ing the existence of a new situation
since July 20, acquiesces IN territor-
ial extension of the relief granted to
the Central Freight Association lines
by permitting the carriers to file tariffs
providing, with certain exceptions spec
flied, for horizontal rate increases in
official classification territory. 1t is ex.
pected that the constructive work sug.
gested in the original report for the
purpose of conserving and augmenting
the necessities of the carriers generally
will be carried forward without inter
ruption.
Carriers will be required to keep an
account Of the additions to their reve-
nues from increases in rates subsequent
to July 29, 1914, and from new charges
and to report separately thereon to the
Commission at the end of IL and "a
months, respectively.
After stating the exceptions, hereto
fore given, the decision proceeds:
Reasons for Previous Decision
''ln our original report we declined,
for reasons there stated, to allow in
creased rates in Central Freight Asso-
citation territory on cement, starch,
brick, tile, clay and plaster. On further
consideration in the light of the exist
ing situation, these rates may be in
creased throughout official classification
territory under the limitations herein
set forth
Joint rates between official classi-
tication territory on the one hand and
southeastern territory, the southwest
and points on or east of the Missouri
river on the other may be increased not
to exceed five per cent. of the division
of the rate accruing to the carriers in
official classification territory. On
these increases involve a change in the
relationship under the long and short
haul rule between intermediate points
and more distant points outside of Off
eial classification territory, relief from
the fourth section of the act must first
be secured on regular application.
Rates in Trunk Line Territory
"Interstate rates to and from New
England from and to points in trunk
line or central freight association ter
ritory, where necessary to pre-
serve established relationships between
points or ports in New England and
points or ports in trunk line territory,
may be increased not to exceed five
per cent.
"Swbject to the maintenance of the
established Atlantic port differentials,
rates to and from New York may be
increased not to exceed five per cent,
and rates to and from Portland, Bos-
ton, Philadelphia and Baltimore, may
be increased to the extent necessary to
maintain said differentials.
Except as otherwise above speci.
fed rates in official classification ter
ritory may be increased by not more
than five per cent; but rates increased
since July 20, 1914, may not now be
agGin increased so as to exceed those
then in effect by an aggregate of more
than five per cent. of the intra terri
torial rate, or of the portion or divi-
sion Of the erterritorial rate accru-
ing to the road or roads in official
classification territory as the case may
be.
If fractions in excess of one-half
a mill are rounded upward, fractions
less than one-half mill are to be dis
carded.
Carriers May Suspend Tariffs
In some instances and in part be.
cause of the pendency of this proceed
ing, we have recently SUSPENDED pro-
posed increased rates in this territory.
Carriers may, if they so elect. now
cancel such tariffs so suspended and
file i'll lieu thereof tariffs which con
form to the limitations above specified.
If that is done such suspensions will
be vacated
"To the extent above indicated we
now modify our previous findings. and
carriers affected may file effective on
not less than ten days notice, such tar
ifs as do not offend against the re-
strictions above stated''
The exceptions from the proposed
increase of rates are stated in the de-
cision as follows:
"1-Rail-fake-and-rail, lake-andrail
and rail-and-lake rates. 1t is shown
on the record that since the rail car
riers acquired ownership and control
OF the lake lines successive increases
have been made in the rates via lake
tending TO lessen the differences be.
tween them and the all-rail rates.
Rates on Coal and Coke.
"2-Rates on bituminous coal and
coke. Not long since these rates were
investigated and maximum rates were
prescribed by the commission. The kew
rates upon bitumious coal-the rate
from the Pittsburgh district to Youngs.
town, and the rate on lake cargo coal
to Ashtabula-have been fixed in the
light of the various factors which enter
into the transportation of such coal.
The prevailing rates are remunerative,
and the financial condition of the prin-
cipal bituminous coal carriers is in
marked contrast with that of many of
the other carriers in official classifica-
tion territory. Twice in the not dis
tant past the rates on bitumious coal