The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-18


fication territory on the one hand and
southeastern territory, the southwest
and points on or east of the Mississip-
pi river, on the other. may be in
creased not to exceed five per cent OF
the division of the rate accruing 10
the carriers in official classification
territory. If these increases involve Al
change in the relationship under the
long and short haul rule between In
termediate points and more distant
territory relief from the fourth Sec
ton Of the act must first be secured
on regular application.
Interstate rates to and from New
England from and to points In trunk
line or Central Freight association
territory where necessary to preserve
established relations between points
or ports in New England and points
or ports in trunk line territory may
be increased not to exceed per cent.
Subject to the maintenance of the
established Atlantic port differential
rates to and from New York, may be
increased not to exceed 5 per cent and
rates to and from Portland, Boston,
Philadelphia and Baltimore may be
increased to the extent necessary to
maintain said differentials.
Except as otherwise above speci-
fled, rates in official classification ter
ritory may be increased by not more
than 5 per cent, but rates increased
since July 20, 1914, may not now be
again increased so as to exceed those
then in effect by an aggregate of more
than per cent of the intraterritOrial
rate or of the portion or division OF
the fnterterritOrial rate accruing to
the road or roads in official classifi-
cation territory as the case may be.
IF fractions in excess of one-half
of mill are rounded upward, frac-
tiOns less than One-half a mill are to
be discarded.
Previous Finding Modified.
In some instances and in part be-
cause of the tendency 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 in lieu thereof tariffs which con-
form to the limitations above specified.
If that is done such suspension will be
vacated.
ITO the extent above indicated we
now modify our previous finding and
carriers affected may file. effective on
not less than ten days notice. such tar
ifs as do not offend against the restric-
tiOns above named
The exceptions from the proposed in
crease of rates are stated in the de-
cision as follows:
l. ail-lake-and-rail, alexandria,
and rail-and-lake rates. 1t is shown
on the record that since the rail car
ricrs 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.
2-Rates on bituminous coal and
coke. Not long since these rates were
Investigated and maximum rates were
prescribed by the commission. The
key rates upon bituminous coal, the
rates from the Pittsburg district to
Youngstown. and the rate on Lake
cargo coal to Ashtabula. have been
fixed in the light Of the various fac
tors which enter into the transporta-
ton of such coal. The prevailing
rates are remunerative and the f1nan-
cial condition Of the principal bituml-
nous coal carriers is in marked con-
trast with that of many of the other
carriers in official classification terri
tory. Twice in the not distant past
the rates on bituminous coal have
been increased five cents a ton and
would seem now to be as high as may
fairly be allowed.
1T must be remembered also that the
carriers are not seeking general increases
in rates on anthracite and both kinds of
coal are used in competitive markets. As
to coke, the rates controlling the greater
classification territory have recently been
set by the commission upon basis which
was specifically designed to guard against
shrinking the carriers revenue therefrOm,
and which really resulted in substantial
additions to their earnings on that tariff.
'S-Rates on anthracite coal and iron
ore, largely because they are before uS
for review in other proceedings.
'ARates held by unexpired orders Of
the commission"
n1sseutiuU OnfuiOn