Evening journal., 1914-01-07
RAISE IN
FRElGHTS FOR
RAILROADS

At the meeting of the Chamber OF
Commerce yesterday letter was re-
ceived from the Charles Warner Com
pany urging the Chamber to take
action favoring a FIVE per cent in
crease in freight rates for the rail-
roads. which is now under considera-
tion by the Interstate Commerce
commission The letter was referred
&c the directors OF the Chamber for
consideration and TO report on later.
The letter is as follows:
"Mr. Josiah Marvel.
President Chamber of Commerce.
"Mr Fred A. Steinle.
President Mercantile Association.
Dear sirs. The 5 per cent. in
crease in freight rates which Is now
before the Interstate Commerce COM
mission for investigation is IN our
judgment most important subject.
And the subject is of such vast
importance to the whole business
community that associations and
trade bodies everywhere are taking
deep interest in the matter. IL Is
evident that the preponderance OF
public sentiment as expressed
I through these various associations Is
in favor of granting the increase 10
/ the railroads Undoubtedly the in
ability of the railroads TO provide for
additional revenue through an in
crease in freight rates is very Inn
portant factor in the present depres-
sion in business. IL Is also In our
Judgment that individual and bust
ness interests. associations and trade
bodies should give this important
subject very serious consideration
and communicate their views TO the
Interstate Commerce Commission as
a move IN recognition OF the import
ances of improving the income of the
railroads and. therefore, the business
conditions of the country.
"This subject has not been cOnsid
cred by the Chamber OF Commerce
and the Mercantile Association o
Wilmington, and we take this meant
of calling the matter to your atten
ton with the view OF ascertaining tn
sentiment OF the business Interest,"
In our community in order that tn
board will place itself in position 4
prepare the proper resolutions ant
place the views Of the business inter
ests OF this community before tn
Interstate Commerce Commission
/ and furthermore to provide FOR
! proper committee 10 represent you
organization, I'm case of necessity, be
fore the commission at Washington.
, "The railroads must have suiiicien
income and borrowing capacity to In
crease their rolling stock equipment
d betterments and additions. The
must spend vast amounts of none
} for fuel, for supplies and materi1
J and for the wages OF their armies {
employees: IL Is universally acmiue
, that railroads cannot continue
z meet these various demands and
provide necessary and efficient trans
- portation facilities TO meet the cor
slantly increasing demands of IN
business public unless they are pei
< mitted to increase their freight rate
d 1.-The depression now exisun
, among our manufacturing interest
{ many of which are affected by tf
curtailment of purchases of railroa
y supplies and equipment, Is evidence
by reduction OF working hours al
e proximately 40 per cent Logical
S this must and will reflect on the me
ie trade of this city Therefor
a !. rlainly iustifies prompt action
q the part OF the manufacturing int
@ ests and trade bodies Of WilmingtC
l. 70 lend their active support towal
d affordng the railroad companies Il
j. necessary relief. Very truly,
Charles Warner Co.
l. "Chas. c. BY
l. "Trafiic Mana ger