The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-05-27

lUnlted PreSS Leased wire SefVlCe.J
| WASHINGTON, May 27.-Twenty-
/ five per cent rate increases on class
and commodity freight rates will go
into effect on June Is. Railroad fares
will be raised to three cents mile
June 10.
(! Some heavy commodities largely
handled will undergo raises of more
/ than 25 per cent.
This announcement came today
from the United States railroad ad-
ministration in the wake of an
/ nouncement that railway mems pay
would be boosted mainly--in accord
| ance with the railway boards an
nouncement.
The increases were designated as
! necessary, because OF the need to
meet higher operating expenses, es-
timated at from $3.50, O,OOO.O 900 to $780,
900, 900 more than last year.
/ The traffic in heavy commodities.
which form large portion Of the
not based strictly on the 25 per cent
ruling. The advances on the princi-
pal ones follow: -.
Coal, Is to so cents a ton; coke,
us to 75 cents ton; iron ore, 80
cents a ton; building stones, 2 cents
per hundred pounds; road stone,
sand. gravel, l cent per 100 pounds;
brick, cement and plaster, 2 cents
per 100 pounds; lime. 11a cents per
100 pounds; lumber, 25 per cent. but
not more than cents per 100
pounds; grain, flours. and mill prod
ucts, 25 per cent, but not more than
'6 cents per 100 pounds; cotton, Is
cents per 100 pounds; live stock, 25
per cent. but not more than cents
per 100 pounds; sugar, 25 per cent,
except to points in middle-west
states-rate from the producing cen
ters will be maintained on the pres
ent relationship; copper, bullion and
smelter products, approximately COS
per ton from Rockies and Pacific
coast states to Atlantic eaboard
All exports and imports will be
cancelled and domestic rates will ap-
ply to and from ports. Less than
carloads will have a 50-cent mini
mum charge and roads hauling
carload will demand minimum of
SIS.
Important established rate group
ings and fixed differentials will be
continued where found practical.
AS for passenger trasffic, rates now
above three cents will not be dis
turbed Round trip tourist fares
will be somewhat higher, effective
June 10; passenger travelling in
standard sleepers or parlor cars will
be subjected to an additional half
cent per mile rate for travel tickets
in addition to charges for the seat
or berth itself; tourist sleepers SINH
larly will be subject to an added
quarter cent per mile.
commuters must pay ten per cent
more than now, while water rates will
be advanced in proportion to rail
rates.
Men in the service will obtain one
third fare rates when on furloush or
leave of absence but not between
camps and nearby cities or ports.
The need for the increases was
pointed out by a table showing that
whereas in 1915 the railroads used
122, 100000 tons Of coal at S137 $50, 900
they are now using 100000 900 tons
costing $4S9 10000
Taxes. rents or other costs similar
1y have gone skyward. resulting in de-
mands for wage increases. granted in
total sum exceeding $500 .0o0.0 900 an
nually.
Abnormal conditions OF operation
resulting from the war, may cause
further increases in operating ey-
penses it is pointed out, but whether
expenses are raised or lowered, it was
deemed advisable to have sufficient
margin so that the roads would not
become burden on the treasury.
These advanced rates are applicable
to both state and interstate traffic
Some readjustments may be necessary
in time and the interstate commerce
commission is prepared to handle such
cases.
cit is earnestly hoped said Di-
rector General McAdoo, that all citi-
zens affected directly or indirectly by
this increase of rates will support tho
general principle of such increases as
an unavoidable war measure and ac-
cept the additional burden in the
same spirit of self sacrifice in which
(COntinued on page 81