The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-28
COOPER MAKES STATEMENT

In OfQer that the peOple Slue ol tHlS case might be properly presented to the commission at the hearing and to secure the cooperation of people over the state, MT. Cooper has mailed out the following letter with copies of the rates to & large number of commer- cial organizations and others who should be interested in securing bet ter freight rates on diversified larih products:
 srhe secretary advises me that he has mailed to you a copy of this citation, and lists of the proposed rates on farm products and commodities manufactures therefrom. These commodities do not move under what is generally known as the 110 commodity rate.
 Realizing that new conditions had arisen since the legislature of 1907 at
 the time the 110 commodity act was
 passed, initiated the proposed rates, and
 have had the commission to join me in sending out citation. The work has consumed time and study.
 Having brought about the docketing of this case, setting it for June 5, I am writing all persons, commercial organ izatons and manufacturers, whose names I have, that they may interest themselves in the proposed rates, with the hope that there will be sufficient interest shown to present evidence and argument they will probably bring before the commission the peoples side of this question. The rail- road companies will be represented by able counsel. vta "The diversifcation of farming in my opinion, cannot be a success unless en- couragement is given by those who have the power to bring about reasonable freight rates.
 T hope you will join with others. and see that this very important case is ably and properly presented to the commission at their regular meeting, which begins on June 5.
 ''It is my desire to serve the producer, manufacturer and be fair to the carrier, thereby benefiting the consumer, and hope that I will have your cooperation"
 COOPER DISCUSSES RATES
 In discussing the proposed reductions in rates on these diversified products yesterday, MT. Cooper said:
 T have made considerable investiga- ton on this subject and I have learned
 that one of the chief hindrances which
 has been in the path of diversification is the matter of negotiable freight rates Mrs Mathis is going over the state and doing wonderful work among the farm
 CTS in showing them how to diversity,
 but if the freight rates on those diver
 sifed products are too high, the real
 benefits of her work cannot be fully realized. When the railroads put in rates on these diversified products, they made
 them on an average, about 25 per cent
 higher than rates on similar products
 raised before the diversification began
 Within the past year there have been erected many mills and crushers over the state to handle these diversified products, and make them into mixed feeds, for
 which there is splendid demand But have learned that the rates to and from
 the mills and crushers are so high that the diversifcation movement is being se-
 riously hampered. These rates I have prepared are not confiscatory, but they removed the discrimination which the railroads have imposed on the diversified
 products. If I secure the cooperation of
 the people interested in diversifcation
 so that the proper showing of the peo-
 ple's side Of the case can be made when
 the hearing is held before the commission.
 am certain that the remedy will be put
 into effect at once.'