Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-06-30
Proposed 15 Per Cent. Flat Increase in Rates Sus-
 pended Until October.
MAY ALLOW RAISE
 ON EASTERN ROADS
Western Roads May Slightly Lift Rates on Coal and Ore, While All Roads May Increase Joint Water
 and Rail Rates.

Washington, June 29.-Tne inter- state commerce commission today suspended until October 2S, 1917. the proposed general l5 per cent. increase in railroad freight rates. Commits sioner McCord dissented, and Com missioner Meyers dissented in part. Commissioner McCord said: "The issue is in reality rather ona of governmental policy than ques- ton whether the rates sought are reasonable for the service of trans portation."
 The commission, in announcing its decision, said:
 No Emergency in West
 eve are led to the conclusion that no conditions of emergency exist as to the western and southern carriers. which would justify permitting gen. eral increase in their rates to become effective.
 "th the southern district, the pro- posed increased rates on coal are on the basis of 15 per cent. with . maxi
 
 we shall permit to become effective.
 Tn the western district. the in creases are based upon a l5 per cent. increase with a minimum of IS cents "a ton. These tariffs will be suspend ed. but the western carriers may if. they so elect. file new tariffs carrying increases in rates on coal and coke not exceeding in any case 15 cents per ton. M
 All of the tariffs included in this proceeding of the western line will be suspended. All tho tariffs in- cluded in this proceeding of the south- ern tariffs be suspended except those applying on coal, coke and iron ore"
 The commission declared its will ingness to meet any situation which should arise in case the fears of the railroads of heavy decreased incomes are realized. The commission author ized the roads to file tariffs increas- ing joint rates between rail and water carriers to level not higher than the all-rail rate between the same points"
 May Raise Eastern Rates.
 The commission declares its will ingness to increase class rates be- tween New York and Chicago, pro- vidcd the carriers preserve established relationships between ports and To- calities. Amounts ranging from ii per cent .on first class rates to per cent on sixth class rates will be per mitted. Approximately 25 per cent of the freight tonnage in eastern terri tory moves under class rates and the increases, officials estimated. would amount to perhaps . two or three per cent. increase in gross revenue for the eastern carriers.
 Arkansas Fought Petition.
 Because of the very great effect the proposed increase in freight rates would have upon all local business men and consumers Of all classes of goods, in Pine Bluff ss In other cities and sections remote from the center of the manufacturing districts of the country, there was the most keen interest shown in the matter when the case was being heard by the interstate commerce commission at Washington some weeks.
 w. M. Taylor, commissioner or the Pine Bluff Traffic bureau. was at Washington during the hearing. with other representatives of Arkansas business interests and took active part in the presentation of the protests of shippers against the granting of the increase in rates. MT. Taylor com- piled and filed with the commission mass of statistics, gathered from fig ures provided by the railroads them selves, to show that the roads in the western and southwestern territory were transacting larger volume of business, receiving increased net earnings and otherwise progressing most favorably, despite the increases in the cost of labor. material and other necessities. as claimed by them.
 Mr. Taylor expressed satisfaction and pleasure last night when he was informed by The Graphic of the acc tion of the interstate commerce conn- mission. and remarked: \
 That's good stuff. lt means whole lot to all of us."