Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-01-16
N. Y. MAY PTLFER
LOCAL RATE DATA
Philadelphia Testimony to
Uphold Parity of Differ
entail to Be Used
"JERsEYITEs" MAKE SLIP
Bv a Slo0 corrcspoudcuI

NEw YORK. Jan. i6-'rhe strength aud
consideration given TO the intervening testi-
monv to be offered before the Interstate
Commerce Commission, In behalf OF Phila-
delphia, II is not unlikely may prove TO he
the deciding factor n the New Jersey
freight rate ease.
To-day the northern New Jersey cities
closed their argument before Spec al EN-
Hmincr La Roe. The defensive measures OF
the railroads and New York now loom on
the scene II becomes more and more APP
parent that the testimony to uphold the
same dincrential in rates between the
northern New Jersey points and hhiladel-
phia viii be used as weapons In the hands
Of the opponents OF New Jersey.
Since the New Jersey faction has asked
for the same zone rate as Philadelphia on
east-bound freight to offset lighterage
charges Included In their present rates the
Philadelphia representatives attending the
hearings have viewed the move az an "iu-
Nason' aud a violation Of neutrality and
they have adopted strong defense tactics
STEAL PHILADELPHIA THUNDER
The evidence that the Phuadelphians will
wedge" into the fight by right or their in
tcryeuing petitions it is understood. will
also he shot for the railroads and the
Manhattan element to protect the existing
rates.
Competent observers. who have been care
fully watching the struggle, also express the
belief that the Sew Jersey cities made "a
"slip" by recommending and Specifying that
they are entitled to the Philadelphia zone
freight charges,
They say that 1t brought the fire" Of
Philadelphia and other cities deserving to
maintain their differentals and will be
big ammunition for all the elements op-
posing the northern domains Of Governor
Edge. The rights Of Philadelphia to enjoy
difference ia rates over New Jersey has
badly involved the two main issues OF
New Jersey. The lighterage fight or the
placing Of the water-rOute charges as q
separate item will prove difficult problem
for New York to combat. But the railroads
may plead the relative position Of phila-
delphia and thereby strengthen their cause
for the continuance Of the existing rates,
Naw JERSEYS ARGUMENT
\ resume Of the New Jersey complaint
and the demands made are as follows:
First The separation Of the cost uf
lghterage across New York harbor from
the present east-hound freight gates which
govern the northern section Of New Jersey
New York Long Island and the adjoining
section Of the State Of New York. on the
grounds that it Is discrimination against
the commerce Of the New Jersey cities in
volved.
Second That the northern New Jersey
cities are entitled to enjoy the same zone
rates as Philadelphia by reason Of the
freight rate.
Third. y readiustmeut Of the uurth-bound
freight rates from northern New Jersey
and the south-bound freight from New Eng
land to the New Jersey points, IL the present
east-bOund rates are upheld.
The present rates work to disadvantage
to the New Jersey cities aud favor New
York in the question Of charges that are
equivalent to lghterage.
Fourth. The formation of Il railway belt
line in Jersey city to connect the various
trunk lines at that point In order to allow
proper switching facilities. The present
accommoda it is asserted, are extreme
Is inadequate Sud great handicap to in
dustral and commercial institutions OF that
city and Its port Development
Fifth Adequate facilities to ALLOW switch
ing between various northern New Jersey
cities with a reasonable cost
Sixth The erection Of large terminal
for all rail lines. with proper accOmmoda-
tions of traffic to relieve congestion at Jer-
sey city.
Seventh. The elimination Of the alleged
discrimination against the New Jersey cities
by equalizing unloading privileges between
New York and New Jersey.