Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-01

Continued from First Page)
dicated next below may be made by
all steam railroads subject to- our
jurisdiction serving the territory en-
braced in the groups hereinafter des-
ignated.
Il. All passenger fares and charges
may be increased 20 per cent The
term Passenger fares may be con-
sidered to include standard local and
interline fares; excursion. convention
and other fares for special occasions;
forms of tickets; extra fares on
limited trains; club car charges.
"2. Excess baggage rates may be
increased. 20 per cent, provided that
dependent upon passenger fares the
| increase in the latter will auto
matically effect the increase in the
excess baggage charges.
- A Surcharge upon passengers
in sleeping and parlor cars may be
the charge for space in such cars
such charge to be collected in con-
nection with the charge for space
! and to accrue to the rail carriers
| =: Milk and cream are usually
| carried in passenger trains, and the
| revenue therefrom is not included in
freight revenue. Rates on these COM
| modities may be increased 20 per
cent"
Conclusions on Freight.
The conclusions of the commission
| as to general freight increases was
stated as follows:
I'VE are of the opinion and find that
the following percentage increases in
| the charge for freight service. in
GLIDING switching and special serv-
ices. together with the other increases
hereinbefore approved. would under
-
unreasonable in the aggregate under
section l Of the Transportation act
and would enable the carriers in the
respective groups, under honest, eff
Gent and economical management,
and reasonable expenditures for
maintenance of way, structures and
equipments, to earn an aggregate an
nual railway operating income equal,
as nearly as may be, to a return of
81 per cent upon the aggregate
ceeding. of the railway property of
such carriers held for and used in the
service OF transportation and one
halr OF l per cent in addition; eastern
group, 40 per cent; southern group, 25
per cent: western group, IS Der cent
and mountain Pacific group. rs Der
cent" N0-
Decision Is Unanimous.
The decision of the commission.
which was unanimous, summed I'm as
follows:
Most of the factors with which we
are dealing are constantly changing.
1t Is impossible to forecast with anv
degree of certainty what the volume
of traffic will be. The general price
level is changing from month 10
| month and from day to day. It is inn
practicable at this time to adjust
all of the rates on individual com
modities.
1.-The rates to be established on the
basis hereinbefore approved must
necessarily be subject to such read
justments as the facts may warrant.
1t is conceded by the carriers that read
justments will be necessary.
ut is expected that shippers will
take these matters up in the first
| instance with the carriers, and the
latter will be expected to deal
promptly and effectively Herewith.
| to the end that necessary readjust-
ments may be made in as many in
stances as practicable without ap-
peal to u.s.
Government operation of the rail-
| roads was brought into the rate case
by Commissioner Eastman. who. in an
| opinion, in which Commissioner
Woolley concurred, disapproved the