The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-06-30
HIGHER RATES
FOX ;';:!!;eeHT ;$'s;$!eHT
ALLOWED
ISspTvu ayyT - gsTSyT 81 a.
Commission Grants About a
Per Gent Increase
BIG JUMP DENIED
Companies Claim That They Are
Victims Of War Prices Makes
No Impression.
BIG JUMP DENIED

Washington, June 30.-The inter
state commerce commission yesterday
denied the plea of the railroads of the
United for horizontal increase of 10
per cent in freight rates. In its deci
sion the commission indicated its will
ingness to increase class rates in the
eastern district approximately IA per
cent. Since about onefourth of the
freight handled is moved under class
rates, the decision virtually allows the
eastern lines about per cent increase
in gross freight revenue. Increases
sought in rates on coal, coke and iron
ore will be granted
The commission found, as result OF
extended hearings, that the carriers
generally show q substantial and in
creasing financial prosperity, and that
they have ample resources with which
to conduct transportation. Little sym
pathy was given the arguments OF
the roads that they were victims ol
war prives, the commission holding
that the carriers have prohted by the
mobilization of troops. The commits
sion suspended the proposed tariffs
until October 2S, but it indicated that
no rehearing of the case will be OF
value at this time and suggested can
collation. of the tariffs.
The commission finds that the
gloomy forecasts of jeopardized in
comes, seen by railroads officials early
in 1917 have not been borne out by the
figures available for later months.
The proceedings were brought in
March, when the returns from Feb
ruary were just being made. Febru
airy was one Of the worst months in
railroad history. The subsequent
months have shown increasing rev
enues, while expenses have, in many
cases, failed to mount to the extent
the carriers officials feared.
The decision points out that the car
riers' comparisons have been made
largely with those of 1916, which was
the banner year in railroad earnings
and adds that the 1917 income might
be considerably diminished without
necessarily indicating a danger point
in earnings.
Commissioner Harland in a concur
ring statement declared that should
the next few months show that the
railroad mems fears were well found
ed, the commission would be ready to
grant relief He also made plea for
better equipment and service.
Commissioner Meyer, dissenting in
part, disagreed with the commissions
holding that an emergency exists for
eastern railroads of such character as
to make it imperative to authorize
even the increased class rates sane
toned by the majority. He stated that
there is no proof that the returns OF
the carriers of the East for this year
may not be more favorable than the
net returns for all but small number
OF years in their entire history.
Commissioner McChord, also dissent
ing. urged that the commission report
to Congress the essential facts dis
closed and ask that an investigation
bo made to determine whether prices
demanded of the carriers for fuel and
supplies are reasonable under present
conditions. He also intimated that
government control of these commodi-
ties might afford relief