Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-05-06
0, [, Owen One of Several
Witnesses to Appear at
Hearing in Chicago and Pro-
test Against Advance,
EARNINGS OF SANTA FE
IN STATE ARE SHOWN
Cattle Shippers in Different.
Parts of United States Are
Represented and Vast Array
of Figures Is Produced.


Chicago. May 5.-Adyances in
freight rates on livestock, one of the
commodity rate increases proposed
by forty-one western railroads, was
opposed today at the western rate
hearing by witnesses from widely
separated districts. o. J.. owen, a
member Of the corporation commis-
sion of New Mexico, testified that the
advance in freight charges on live
stock from New Mexico was not JUS
tilted in comparison with other
freight rates. He declared that the
earnings OF the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe railroad on its Pecos val
ley line were per cent. or $Gs,5O0
per mile of road. On cross examina-
tion he said that the earnings cover
ed the entire line in New Mexico,
about $3.50 miles, instead of the 300
miles in the Pecos valley, He also
declared that his mile valuation had
no reference TO the cost of the road.
T. w. Tomlinson. secretary of the
American National Livestock assocl-
alton, presented exhibits showing the
average loading of trains in Texas.
lie declared that there has been no
marked Improvement or falling OFF in
the transportation service afforded
the livestock shippers in recent Years
and said there was little difference in
the speed of freight trains. whether
loaded with livestock or other conf
modities.
Western Rates Higher.
Comparative figures were present.
cd by Walter Condran, rate clerk of
the Iowa railroad commission. TO
show that western freight rates on
livestock are higher than eastern
rates on the same commodity.
Statistics presented In the record
of the Texas rate case decided sever
al years ago and Incorporated In the
present hearing last week were ex-
planned by George S. Seymour, a
former employe of the Interstate
Commerce commission
S. II. Cowan. attorney Tor the
American National Livestock associa-
tion, introduced a compilation of the
of Texas railroads made by
the Texas state commission.
A group of exhibits covering freight
on the Chicago and
railroad was presented
by C. w. Hillman, expert cost ac-
countant. who said that his compila-
tions showed that the operating ratio
pli llftSibfh OD Nil1l ibbu nd0 o'sVA
per cent, while on all the traffic the
ratio was TAGS per cent.
His figures of profit in freight car
rying were based on gross tonnage
and were subjected TO sharp cross-cX
Says Figures Are Incorrect.
He was called to the stand by Cliff
ford Thorhe. chairman of the com
mission OF state railway commissions
opposing the proposed advanced rates.
Before Mr.. Hillman began his testi-
mony r. W. Tominson of Denver
made formal objection to the testi-
mony
"On behalf of the American Ma
Lional Livestock association, the Cattle
Raisers Association of Texas and the
National Wool Growers association.
said Mr. Tomlinson, Il desire to OBJ
ieet to the introduction of this testi-
mony
II believe THAI the figures are full
Of errors. In saying this | do NOT
wish to reflect on the state commits |
sions which are introducing the fig !
ires or the clever gentlemen who |
got them up but believe they do not |
reflect correctly the earnings, profit |
or cost Of livestock traffic"
The objection was overruled by |
Special Examiner Watkins on the |
ground that it questioned the weight |
IF the evidence and not It's admissi- |
Dility