Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-11-17
FARM PRODUCTS
FREIGHT RATES
To Be CHANGED
An Immediate Cut Of 10
Per Cent on Car Load
Shipments Is Agreed
Upon BY Executives.

New York, Nov. 16.--An imme-
date reduction of 10 per cent in
car load freight rates on farm pro-
ducts, for six months, was agreed
upon today by railroad executives.
Announcing the decision, Tho
mas Dewitt Cuyler, president Of
the association ot railway e&ecu-
tives, stated that any reductions
in such rates made since Septem-
Der l, 1920, were TO be included
in the 10 per cent and that 1t would
be put into effect without await
ing a reduction in wages. Ihe
freight rate cut will apply through
out the entire country except on
traffic moving wholly IN New Eng
land. ....... .-..
1t was expected that the new
rate would be effective within 10
days, as the railroads, it was said,
had asked the interstate commerce
commission to authorize the change
on one days notice. The reduction
will cost the railroads about $780,
100000 it was estimated.
Cuts Already Made.
"The railroads have already re-
duced freight rates substantially
from the level established by the
commission in August, 1920 ME-
Cuyler's statement said. "Reduc-
tions made are estimated as accur-
ately as can be to Involve loss
of revenue at from 81 15,OOO,OOO 10
$500, 100000 annually. These re-
ductions on many roads represent
a loss much greater than any cor
responding saving realized from re-
,ductions in wages. The railroads
are, Furthermore, awaiting deci-
sions of the labor board, when II
is hoped, will relieve the compah-
les of the expense of many onerous
and uneconomcal working condl-
tions. The railroads are not in a
financial condition to make lhls
sacrifice.
Unless there should be some re-
Tval in business, the propaplilty
of which is conjeCtural, the lmIne--
diate loss involved in this proposed
reduction in rates would be taken
from net earnings of the rall-
roads"
Want Aid of Public.
Mr. Guy ltE SdINl NiAtiN N''N
roads were relying on the pupIlc
for effective aid in bringing apous
necessary reductions in labor anu
other transportation costs ana thal
they hoped for labor's cooperatioh;
He declared that the railroads ilau
taken the first step to relieve puS-
iiness depression and had given an
earnest example of their fixed puf-
nose to reduce rates and TO reneVe,
at the earliest practicable moment
So far as reasonably possible, the
public's transportation burden.
The executives passed a resolu-
ton to the effect that in the event
of disagreement between railroad
officials and their employees, IN
conference on wage reductions the
necessary steps under. the Ia"
would be to apply to the railway
labor board for quick action
Hay and Grain Case.
It was also decided to apply TO
the interstate commerce commls-
sion for n re-hearing on the nay
and grain case. a general inquiry
is asked to ascertain whether, ui'-
til a substantial reduction in oper-
alton and labor costs could be op-
tanned, any further rate reductions
could lawfully be required, or with
due regard to the transportation
industry, be made possible .
The new rates are applicable TO
carloads Of wheat, corn, oats, other
grain, flour and meal, hay, straw
and alfalfa, manufactured tobacco,
cotton. cotton seed and products,
except cotton seed oil and cotton
seed meal citrus fruits, other
fresh fruits; fruits, potatoes, other
err fresh vegetables; dried fruits
land vegetables, horses and mules,
cattle and calves, sheep and goats,
hogs. poultry, eggs, butter and
cheese, and milk.