Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-19
HIGH RAIL COURT
GRANTS ROADS OF
EAST RATE RAISE
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UhOl RAIL NhlOu
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late commerce, as amended except as to
the notice to be given
Text of Decision.
The decision says:
portance to be attached to the various
considerations presented, we agree in the
conclusion that by virtue Of the cond'
tions obtaining at present it is necessary
that the carriers revenues be supple
nented by increases throughout Official
classification territory. Whatever the
consequence of the war may prove to
be, we must recognize the fact that 1t
exists, the fact that IL is calamity
without precedent and the fact that by
il the commerce of the world has been
disarranged and thrown into confusion.
The means of transportation are funda-
mental and Indispensable agencies in our
industrial life and for the commonweal
should be kept abreast of public require
ments.
The original report besides approving
a rate increase in central freight asso-
citation territory suggested ten sources
throughout official classification terri
tory: the present report, recognizing the
existence of new situation since July
of the relief granted to the central
freight association lines by permitting
the carriers to file tariffs providing. with
certain exception specified herein. for
horizontal rate increases in official clas-
sification territory. 1t is expected thar
the constructive work suggested in the
original report for the purpose of con-
serving and augmenting the net reven-
ues OF the carriers generally Will DO car
RED forward without interruption.
Carriers will be required to keep an ac-
count of the additions to their revenues
from increases in rates subsequent to
July %, 1914, and from new charges and
to report separately thereon to the COM
mission at the end OF twelve to twenty
four months, respectively.
Application 10 Lower Rates.
After stating the exceptions, heretofore
given, tho decision proceeds
In our original report we. declined, for
reasons there stated, to allow increased
rates In central freight association ter
ritory on cement, starch. brick, tile. clay
and plaster. On further. consideration in
the light on the existing situation these
rates may be increased throughout Off
cial classification territory under the linz
itatlons herein set forth.
Joint rates between official classified
ton territory on the one hand and south
eastern territory, the southwest and
points on or east of the Missouri river
on the other may be increased not to ex-
coed per cent of the division OF the rate
accruing to the carriers in official CLASH
fication territory. II these increases in
the long and short haul rule between In
termediate points and more distant points
"
relief from the fourth section of the act
must first be secured on regular applica-
ton. '''.
Interstate rates to and from New Eng
land from and to points in trunk line or
Central Freight association territory,
where necessary to preserve established
relationships between points or ports in
New England and points or ports in
trunk line territory may be increased not
10 exceed per cent.
Subject TO the maintenance Of the es-
Yahl hnA 10 Mt 10 anFf ia Ia TQt ag
To and from New York may be increased
not to exceed per cent, and rates to
and from Portland, Boston. Philadelphia
and Baltimore may be increased to the
extent necessary to maintain said diff
ferentials.
Rates Previously Increased stand.
Except as otherwise above specified rates
in official classification territory may
but rates increased since July %. 1914
may not now be again increased so as to
exceed those then ip effect by an aggre-
gate of more than per cent of. the intra-
sion of the interterritorial rate accruing
to the road or roads in official classified
II fractions in excess of one-half a
mill are rounded upward fractions less
than one-half mill are to be discarded,
In some instances. and In part because
have recently suspended proposed in
creased rates in this territory. Carriers
may IL they SO elect now cancel such l
thereof tariffs which conform to the lin
itations above specified. If that is done
such Suspensions will be vacated
modify our previous findings, and car
riers affected may file. effective on not
less than ten days notice, such tariffs
as do not offend against the restrictions
above stated.
Exception 10 Increase.
The exceptions from the proposed in
crease OF rates are stated in the decision
as follows:
1. Rail-lake-and-rail. alexandria, and
rau-and-lake rates IL is shown on the
quired ownership and control Of the lake
lines successive increases have been made
in the rate via lake. tending to lessen the
differences between them and the all
rail rates.
Rates on bituminous coal and coke.
Not long since these rates were investi-
gated and maximum rates were pre-
scribed by the commission. The key
rates upon bituminous coal, the rate from
the Pittsburgh district to Youngstown and
bula, have been fixed in the light of the
various factors which enter into the
transrortation of such coal. The prevail
Ing rates are remuneratiVe and the finan-
cial condition OF the principal bituminous
coal carriers Is In marked contrast with
that of many Of the other carriers in Of
ficial classification territory. Twice in the
not distant past the rates on bituminous
coal have been increased cents a ton
and would seem now to be as high as
may fairly be allowed. 10 must be TO
membered also that the carriers are not
seeking general increases In rates on
anthracite coal and both kinds OF Goa
are used In competitive markets. AS tc
coke. the rates controlling the greater
volume OF traffic now moving in official
classification territory have been recently
set by the commission uDon a basis which
was specifically designed 10 guard against
shrinking the carrier revenue thsrefrom
ana which really resulted In substantial