The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1915-12-10
RATE FIGHT
(Continued from page

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carrying roads
The situation, 80 far as 1t affects
West Virginia and It's coal industry,
has not been benefited by the new
status in the slightest II Is not en-
tirely certain that the new proposition
has not made a bad prospect worse.
The Pennsylvania lines apparently
do not go into the contest for ad-
sanced rates In good faith. They mere
ly project themselves into tho lineup
for the purpose Of inducing another
important carrier to become a part OF
It's own scheme. The Pennsylvania
does not want its own rates increased.
Had 1t so wished. It would have pro-
posed increased rates at the earlier
date when 1t induced the Norfolk and
Western and other West Virginia
roads to give notice to their shippers
that they would increase their rates.
They are in the rate increasing game
temporarily only, to satisfy the demand
OF the Chesapeake and Ohio.
Not wanting Its rates increased, 1t
can not be imagined that the Penn
stylvania lines will vigorously press
before the Interstate Commerce Com
mission any such demand. And, even
II 1t should honestly and vigorously
contend for the increase, 1t is incon-
ceivable that the Interstate Com
morce Commission would find the de-
niand justifiable. Or. even In the
event that the commerce commission
should grant the increase upon the
request Of the Pennsylvania, there Ia
not the slightest guarantee that the
Pennsylvania would make them eff
fective. The Pennsylvania has less.
claim for increased rates for car
rying coal into Ohio, Indiana and IL
linois than any of the other railroads
entering into the rate raising en-
terprise. Which fact will doubtless
be urged with much force by ship
pers ON the Pennsylvania lines.
By agreeing to join in the request
for higher rates the Pennsylvania
has gained It's point. II has commit
ted the Chesapeake and Ohio to its
own scheme to boom the coal bust
ness outside Of West Virginia and
bust 1t inside our state. It has sew
eral chances to lose before the COM
merce commission as to its own in
crease OF rates, all of which chances
1t will, doubtless. cunningly promote.
But, should 1t win bogus victory,
1t can throw its fruits to the winds
at any moment II may choose to do
so. Be 1t understood that a decree
Of the commission permitting q rail-
road to increase rate. does not OPP
crate as an obligation upon tho rail-
roads to put 1t into effect. AS for in
stance, the Norfolk and Western was
granted the right to increase Its rates
on coal to the north. several years
ago, in a similar proceeding. while
the other West Virginia roads were
denied the right. AS consequence.
the Norfolk and Western did not avail
itself OF the right granted. but main
tanned Its old rates.
Let 1t be understood by the people
of West Virginia, who are so vitality
interested in the rate proceeding.
that the Pennsylvania railroad does
not desire that Its rates on coal to
points In Ohio. Indiana and Michigan
shall be increased. Judging from
the standpoint Of the interest OF the
Pennsylvania. 1t wants its own rates
to remain as they are. while those
Of the West Virginia roads carrying
coal to the same points shall be