New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-19
EXCEPTIONS TOTAL So
PER CENT OF TRAFFIC
Lake and Rail Hauls, Coal,
Coke and Iron Ore
Not Included.
NEED OF ADDITIONAL
REVENUE ADMITTED
Uniform Advance for Railroads
In Official Classification
Territory.


Washington, Dec. 1S.-Further in
eresses in freight rates were granted
to-day to the Eastern railroads by the
Interstate Commerce Commission in a
decision from which Chairman Harlan
and Commissioner Clements dissented
vigorously.
With the exception OF lake and rail
trshle, coal. coke, iron ore and certain
other commodities on which the COM
mission has heretofore fixed rates ad-
indicated reasonable" all the railroad
systems operating between the Atlantic
ssabosrd and the Mississippi north Of
the Potomac and Ohio rivers were al
lowed the fat per cent increase for
which they have been asking during
the last four years.
The roads hoped TO get increases
which would add to the annual revenue
some s5O,OOO,0OO. The commissions
decision is expected to give them addi-
tional revenue spproximating SS0,0OO,-
900.
The roads east Of north and south
line drawn through Buffalo, Pittsburgh
and Charlestown, ". Va, won by to-
DAYS decision the increases, other than
upon the traffic excepted, which were
denied them in the commissions de-
eision last August. The roads west Of
this line, which got partial advances in
the August decision, received further
advances. 90 that now all the roads in
what is described as Of1cisl Classifica-
ton territory will enjoy uniform ad-
vanee5 in both class and commodity
rates.
Need of More Income Proved.
In its decision the majority Of the
commission held that the roads had
established in the latest hearing a
greater need Of additional net income
than ever before. This was due in part
70 exigencies which arose out o. the
war in Europe and in part to the al
ready existing necessity, in the judg-
ment Of the commission, for additional
revenues 10 maintain the railroad
properties.
Chairman Harlan, in his dissenting
opinion, held that sufficient aid mad
been given the roads by the decision
Of August / last and that the findings
Of the majority we're morally wrong.
Commissioner Clements based his dis
sent upon what he regarded as the
inability, in law, Of the commission TO
take eognizsnee Of anything in the
making Of rates other than their jus
iiee and ressonableness.
In administration circles the out
come Of the case was welcomed as a
development Of vast importance, which
would hasten and support the expected
general business revival. President
Wilson issued no formal statement, but
White House officials said he was
greatly pleased over the decision and
expected !. 20 have an immediate ef-
iect upon the country's economic
situation The President had made no
secret Of his belief that improvement
oi conditions generally was dependent,
70 an extent az least, upon additional
revenue being provided in some way
ioI the railroads.
lratte on which no increase was al
e"ed ~ the commission represents
about s. per cent Of the entire volume
OF freight handled by the roads. Coal,
eose and iron ore, however, are bulky
eoinmodities, taking low rates; conse-
4enty the amount Of revenue derived
rom them is relatively small.
in the Eastern district 10 per cent
ne entire volume Of freight is an
nrseite, 81 per cent bituminous coal,
., Per cent coke and per cent ores.
me coal roads, in the opinion OF the
''eaAission, already are profitable.
Hsrlan's Dissenting Opinion.
Chairman Harlan, while agreeing
mal the roads have established their
Aesa Of additional net revenue, in even
greater amount than $4,000 900, de-
tiares his entire dissent from the
pure now approved BY the commission
.or permitting the carriers 20 augment
melr revenues"
ne original record contained no
.Ioence tending 10 prove that any OF
ne proposed increased rates affecting
1lnk line or New England territories
s't Just and reasonable" said he
@ ho tnis deficiency in proof was not
rpphfd upon the further hearing
ne record showed the financial condi-
~. o. the trunk line carriers general
y 70 De much more favorable.
we pointed cut, however. In our
,ISlhai report the sources from which
s needed additional net income could
ne shouid be obtained namely, b. re-
,,ss ryh OF rates and an abandonment Of
"sllces round % be unrcmunerstive
"0fpfiul. The benefcent effect OF
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