South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-01-07
NJ ADOO MAKES
BIG INCREASE
IN DEMURRAGE
Director General of Roads Ap-
pealS to Shippers to Coop
crate With Government
by Clearing Terminals.


today established new railroad de-
murrage rules for domestic traffic.
effective Jan. q, continuing the
present two days free time but pro-
viding for increases ranging from
so 70 100 percent in charges there
after.
The director general appealed to
shippers and consignees to cooper
ate in releasing cars 20 meet the
national emergency, and TO make
special efforts even before the high
or demurrage charges go into ef-
feet, 10 clear terminals as con-
tributlon to the success Of he war.
The necessity for action was en-
phasized today in a report from A.
n. Smith. assistant director general
in charge OF operations east OF the
Mississippi river. that accumulation
is increasing at points east of Pitts
ourgh and Buffalo" Mr.. Smith re-
ported that the situation was due
largely 20 cold weather, but that
sickness among trainmen and engi-
neers and scarcity Of labor had ne
cessitated extensive curtailment OF
train service.
New Demurragc Rates.
The new demurrage rates. ap-
proved by the interstate commerce
commission on request Of the direc-
tor general. are 50 per car for the
first day after the two free days;
"a for the second day, and 81 ad-
ditiOnal for each succeeding day un-
I'll the charge per day reaches $40.
This maximum then will be charged
l0T every day or fraction thereaft-
Cr Existing demurrage rates in
lucst sections Of the country are 81
for the first day after the two days
free time. s. for the second day, SO
for the third day. s. for the fourth
and each day thereafter.
No changes will be made for the
present i'm demurrage rules or rates
ON export freight. The new regu-
lations. said Mr.. McAdoo's order.
specifically contemplate the can
collation. OF all average agreement
provisions Of existing tariffs" Rail
roads are instructed 10 file tariffs
embodyting the new rates with the
interstate commerce commission
and state commissions
'An imperative necessity exists
for releasing freight cars for fur
Their service and for relieving ter
minals which are now badly con-
gested." said Mr. McAdoo i'm a state
ment accompanying the order.
These unfavOrable conditions are
injuriously affecting in a vital way
the governments conduct OF the
war. its aid to the allies, and the
supplying of fuel. food and neces-
saries to our own people
Appeals to shippers.
ION these accounts, 1 have felt
compelled 20 issue the order provid-
ing for heavy increase in demur-
rage charges unless cars are loaded
and unloaded with promptness Il
am convinced that the total incon-
venience and hardship to shippers
and consumers on account OF labor
scarcity, weather, and irregularity
of transportation will be far small
ct than the inconvenience and hard
ship which our people as whole
are suffering because Of the undue
tying up Of railroad equipment and
fill be very small. indeed, compared
with the menace which the wide
spread tying up of equipment causes /
10 the health and comfort of the
people and the successful conduct
of our war operations
Il therefore appeal to every citi-
zen 70 accept in a spirit OF hearty
cooperation the increased charges
which will be imposed and 7 espec-
tally appeal to every shipper or con-
signee. as a patriotic duty. to en-
pIoy every possible effort and ex-
usual and special arrangement and
additional cost TO load and unload
freight cars with the least possible
delay in order that the existing con-
eestlon may be cleared up before
the new demurrage rule goes into
effect"
In approving the Ming Of new
demurrage tariffs. the interstate
commerce comm ission took action
for the first time on request OF
the director general for higher
rates.
Withdrawn from Service.
About one-hfth Of the through
passenger trains on eastern rail
roads were Withdrawn from service
today with the director generals
approval and within a week or two
many other passenger schedules will
30 curtailed. Disarrangement OF
passenger schedules in the last
week. Assistant Director smith re-
ported. was promoted largely by the
number of persons returning home
from holiday visits.
He added
"A shortage Of labor at engine
house terminals is preventing en-
Sines from being turned promptly
and getting back into service
The tonnage ratings OF trains has
Heer reduced on account of cold 60
expedite transportation OF coal and
f4odstLns embargoes and diversions
are being employed wherever neces- /
-ary and possible
"A aeavy fog through the Pitts
turgh district, accompanied by
.oa temperature is greatly interior
In- with switching operations and
train movements. which with the
shortage Of labor. "a Uses loss OF