Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-08-06

New England territory, but that thss
are lower than the rates in any other
part of the United States. If the av-
erage freight rate had been as high
on the Central Freight association ter
ritory lines as on the roads In trunk
line territory the former would have
earned In 1913 $56,O0o,oOO more than
they actually did, and that the twenty
eight representative roads in Central
Freight association territory, which
are most in need, would have earned
$29,000,000 more.
The three great trunk lines have each a
large mileage in Central Freight associa-
ton territory. so that their revenues will
be augmented by rate Increases In that
territory. Thus, of the New York Central
systems 1850 miles of line, $685. or more
than two-thirds. are in Central Fregh:
association territory, Nearly one-half Of
the mileage of the Pennsylvania system
IS also In that territory and more than
half of the Baltimore & Ohio.
CRITICISM FOR OFFICIALS.
The Erie, the Chesapeake & Ohio and
the Norfolk Il Western also havc impor-
tant mileage In Central Freight assocla-
tion territory. The system In trunk line
territory, which have no mileage in Cen
trail Freight association territory, are in
large part roads with large anthracite
coal traffic, and they are very prosperous.
The commission finds that the class
rates effective In Central Freight associa-
tion territory IRE so low that an Increase
of five per cent. would clearly not be un-
reasonable, but points out that the class
rate structure in that territory Is honey
tomhed with Inconsistencies, and says:
The attitude Of the officials of the roads
operating in the Central Freight associa-
ton territory, as disclosed on the record,
indicated that they Joined in this proceed
| ing not because they thought the So
called five per cent incrcas. Of rates
mould meet their requirements or t'lat
! this form of relief Is appropriate in Cen
trail association territory, but only be-
cause of the desire Of ether and more pow
erful lines operating in trunk hhe terri
tory to present to us in this proceeding
one general plan Of relief
The commission then adds:
There can be no doubt upon the record
| that the carriers In Central Freight assoc
citation territory ought. In shc public in
tercst. to have as much additional rev.
enue as would increase, as modified here
in, and possibly more. 1t is not improba-
bic, however in view of the modiica-
lions we have required in those tariffs.
| ;hat they will find it more desirable at
| once to undertake the reimbursement
which they aeser; IS necessary.
CARRIERS FAILED IN PROOF.
The commission finds that the carriers
| operating in Central Freight association
territory are entitled to an increase not
exceeding five per cent. on all class and
commodity rates on shipments wholly
within that territory. except the rates
tile, clay, starch and plaster as to which
the carriers did not sustain their bur-
den of proof. and any rates which are
controlled by specific uneXpired orders Of
| the commission.
The proposed increases In lake and rail
rates and in rate between Central Freight
association territory and other portions
of official classification territory are dis
allowed. The effect of the findings is
also to disallow the application of the
proposed minimum increase of five cents
a ton on those commodities for which
n charge IS now made of loss, than 81 a
ton. This minimum increase, in some in
stances, would have resulted in increas-
ing rates as much as % to 80 per cent.
| "The commission finds that the nnan-
| Cial conditions of carriers, in trunk line
territory do not warrant a general In
crease of freight rates and that the needs
| of the New England lines are being
cared for locally, and disallows the pro-
posed increases in those tcrrtorios. but
under the title of chow carriers may in
crease their revenues" finds that great
opportunity exists for Increasing the net
revenue Of all carriers In official classin-
cation territory otherwise than by re-
storing to a general advance in their
freight rates" and makes the following
specific suggestions:
THE commission suggests that. follow
ing the plan adopted in New England,
conferences be held between the state
commissions, the carriers and represon-
tatives Of the public with view to ad-
vancing such passenger fares as may be
shown TO be clearly unremunerativc.
FOR HIGHER FARES.
with respect to fares fixed by
statutes in certain States, the COM
mission expresses confidence that If
| those fares are clearly shown to be
unduly burdensome to the carriers, the
people of these States will cheerfully
asQuiesCe, as the people OF New Eng
! land have done in reasonable increases
and that the necessary Legislative au-
thority will he promptly given"
| The commission suggests that all
| railroads in official classification ter
ritory should ascertain TO what extent
special services now being
rendered by the carriers to shippers
! for which no special charge. or a nom
compensatory charge, Is made I"
| constitute an unjust burden upon the
| carriers or result in unjust discrim-
| ination among the shippers.
| "Thc commission also refers to Il
dependent investigation of some of
these subjects, and particularly of
switching lighteragc, and storage in
New York, Chicago and other large
cities the results of which will be
submitted later for the consideration
! of carriers and shippers.
| SELL OTHER PROPERTIES.
| The commission suggests that las soon
as reasonable opportunity offers proper
ties heretofore acquired by the carriers
which are not used or held by them for
transportation purposes be sold" adding:
| From compilations prepared by the COM
| mission Of the ipCpyppl.tn 10 ~