New-York tribune., 1921-11-24
&c. c. Takes Up
New Reduction
In Rail Rates
First Hearing Is Set for De-
cember Ia; Executives
Propose 10 Per Cent Re-
duction and Wage Change
Offer Immediate Relief
Lower Tariff ON Farm Prod
uce Would Be Substi-
tute for Grain Ruling

WASHINGTON, Nov. ga general
investigation to determine If any
further reduction of railroad rates
could be required was ordered to-day
by the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion. At the same time the Associa-
ton of Railway Executives proposed
to the commission 10 per cent re-
duction in carload freight rates on
farm products, coupled with a reduc-
tion in railroad wages, as substitute
for the order of the commission dated
October 20 reducing rates on hay and
grain shipments.
In its announcement Of the inquiry
on possible rate reductions the COM
mission fixed December IA as the date
for the first hearing. The investiga-
tion was instituted, the commission
said, "to determine whether and to
what extent, if any, further general
reductions in the rates, fares and
charges of carriers by railroads ap-
plicable in interstate or foreign COM
merce can lawfully be required by
order of the commission under the
interstate commerce act upon any COM
modities or descriptions of traffic"
Two General Reductions
The commission recalled that it had
acted recently in two proceedings look
ing to general reduction in rates, one
on livestock in the Western district,
upon which reductions became effective
in September, and the other on hay
and grain in the same district, effective
December 27.
The executives in their proposition
for reduced rates on farm products,
coupled with wage cuts, suggested that
the substitute schedules be effective
for "an experimental period OF six
months" The commission was asked
to reopen it's decision of October 20 in
order that argument might be given in
behalf of their proposal.
The suggested reduction on carload
shipments, it was explained, would
cover grains, hay, cotton and cottonseed
and it's products-except meal and oil
citrus and fresh fruits, livestock and
dairy products.
The scope of the proposed cut in
wages was not Indicated, the statement
merely saying that "the benefit of the
reduction thus obtained" from the
Railroad Labor Board shall be passed
to the public in reduced rates.
Any reduction in rates made since
September I, 1920, would constitute B
part of this 10 per cent" Under the
railroads suggestion it was specified
further that the proposed reduction
shall not apply to the movement of such
traffic wholly within New England.
"The effect of this proposal" said
the application, twill be an immediate
reduction in carload rates on the prod
ucts- of agriculture and the products of
animals, which are mentioned, but as
soon as and to the extent that a re-
duction in wages is obtained from the
tion ia further reduction in rates (ex-
cept as meanwhile put into effect), to
be distributed among the users of
transportation in such manner as this
honorable commission may determine.
Gives Immediate Aid
"The proposal thus deals Immediate
ly, and without waiting for a reduc-
ton in operating costs, in the manner
stated, with the needs of agriculture
and undertakes to make further reduc-
tions not confined to agriculture as
soon as further reductions are made
possible"
"Your petitioners" the application
continued, Submit that, if there is to
be a reduction in rates for the benefit
of agriculture, there seems little justi-
fication for confning such reductions
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