The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-03-10
INVESTIGATE COAL QUESTION.
TILLNAN'S CHARGES REFERRED
FOR INQUIRY.
Over To Commerce Commission to
Make Research.

Washington. March 4.-Chargcs
that the Southern railway had dis
criminatcd against certain Appala-
chian coal fields in the interests Of
coal trust" were referred to the in
terstate commerce commission for in
vcstisation in n report today by the
senate subcommittee that investigated
them. The report helo that only a
question of rates was involved.
The subcommittee's investigation
resulted from resolution by Senator
Tillman. Extended hearings were
held. at which Il. l.. Dulaney, an in
dependent operator of Bristol, Tenn.
charged that the Southern had cut
off the natural outlet for coal from Ills
section by maintaining rrohititive
"atcs TO Atlantic ports south OF Nor-
folk. In its report the subcommittee
said Dulancy had produced much cvi-
dercc against the reasOuahlonesg C
these rates. but addoG that the South
ern had had no opportunity t1 pre-
sent It's side Of the c,Nre because cx-
haustion of the funds appropriated
'or the investigation ended the hear
ings.
The subcommittee recommended
that since the entire question now was
before the interstate commerce COM
mission, no appropriation I've made
Cor further hearings.
The report concluded as follows:
1T is unquestionally true that the
rates in the territory covered by the
Southern railway are higher than the
rates on coal from the fields reached
by the Pennsylvania, Baltimore &
Ohio. Norfolk & Western, Chesapeake
& Ohio and all connecting lines in
West Virginia.
1t Is not surprising that complaints
should exist OF the high rates in the
Southern territory by reason OF the
fact that coal abounds from Alabama
TO the West Virginia mines and the
fields. generally speaking, run parallel
TO and about equally distant from the
Atlantic seaboard. 1t seems beyond
dispute that the territory lying be-
tween the coal fields and the Atlantic
ocean ought to enjoy reasonable rates
upon coal and that 1t ought not to be
necessary for the ports south Of Cape
Hatteras to be compelled to pay the
combined rail and water rates now
existing in order TO receive this neces-
sary commodity.
''The Southern railway system was
| established in 1894 and extends into
the coal fields from Alabama to
southern Virginia. II has not de-
Heloped as coal carrying road es
have other railroads that reach the
coal fields.
THE reason for its failure to do so
can not be determined upon n par
tial investigation. Indeed the rea-
sons may be so important II the poll
icy hereafter shall be. as stated by
tho general counsel OF the company, to
give to the movement OF coal OF the
South Atlantic ports and into the tor
ritory served by tho Southern rail-
way company every reasonable facility
which the resources of the company
will permit.
Since this investigation began the
southern railway has commenced the
construction OF coal docks at Char
lesion. s. c. 1t is claimed by Mr..
Dulaney that the installation Of these
facilities has been due TO this investi-
cation. The Southern. on the other
hand. contends that It had made ar.
rnngements to supply this outlet for
coal before the resolution providing
for tho investigation was considered.
Regardless Of what the truth NAV
DO with reference to this matter, the
fact is that the terminals are being
built and the rates on coal herea fter
viii in all probability be as low as
obtain at Norfolk"