Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-28
Cleaves3 Statement
(continued from Page One)

In the matter Of freight rates. all
class rates and all commodity rates
are increased % per cent. and this
increase Of 70 per cent, Is to be In au-
dition to any increases now filed by
the railroads and not effective until
later date. AS showing some of the
details Of the increases the follow
ing may be stated:
COAL
Where the present rate is under doc
per ton the increase is to be l5c per
net ton. Other per ton rates are in
creased proportionateiy.
Where tho rate is S. or more per
ton the increase is 50c per net ton.
BRICK AND CEMENT
Rates on these commodities are 10
he increased &c per 100 lbs.
FLOUR AND GRAIN
Rates are TO carry an increase Of
IS per cent but not 10 exceed an ad
vance Of &c PR lG0 lbs.
LIVE STOCK
Tie advance is to be % per cent
but not exceeding c. per 100 fbs
When the rates are on a per car
basis the increase is TO be $500 per
car.
LUMBER
10 be increased 70 per cent The
advance, however not to be in excess
Of sc. per 100 lbs.
Practically all other commodities
transported will be affected BY an in
crease of % per cent in freight rates;
this Will include hay, potatoes and
other staple products o. this State.
The minimum charge on less than
carload shipments not to be - than
80 c. on a single shipment.
The minimum charge for carload
shipments shall be $15.00 per car,
This, however. does not apply 10
charges for switching services
The Director General in state
ment accompanying the order calls
attention to the increase in wages
just recommended by the Railroad
Wage Commission amounting to
5000 100000 in the year 1918, and to the
fact that with this increase and other
increased costs &c operation the
operating expenses of the railroads
will be from $3.50, 100000 to $3.50 900, 900
in this year 1918 more than the same
expenses in 1917.
He also calls attention to the
necessities of the railroads for in
creased revenue in view Of the fact
that all things which the carriers use
and must purchase have increased
larger percentage amount than is the
percent of increase in rates.
The Federal Government, through
its Director General, having taken
charge of the matter of intra-state
rates, will undoubtedly continue
such control during the entire period
of Federal control, and state commits
sions will, during that same period.
cease to he regulatory bodies so far
as the matter of freight or passenger
rates is concerned, until Federal con-
troll ceases or until the Director Gen
eral rescinds or modifies the above
order.
This of course does not mean that
the public has no tribunal To which
it may leave it's grievances, because
all complaints may now, as formerly.
be made to the Interstate Commerce
Commission. and it may be that in
matters relating to intra state
freight and passenger rates COM
plant may he made TO the State
Commission, but it is probable that
before the State Commission would
undertake to reduce any state rate
or materially modify the Director
Generals order, consent therefor
would have to he obtained from the
Director General he having the au-
thority to issue the order and having
actually indicated what, in the judg
ment of the Federal Government. is
the rate which should apply.