Arizona republican., 1921-11-17
RAILS ANNOUNCE
 B|G GREDUCT|ON IN TARIFFS FOR FARM PRODUCTS
Immediate Cut of 10 Per Cent For Period of Six Months Announced by Carrier Executives
rRepublIcan A. p. Leased wIre1

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 NEW YORK, Nov. 16-An imme- load freight rates on farm products for six months was agreed upon to- day by railroad executives.
 Announcing the decision, Thomas Dewitt Cuyler, president of the Asso- citation of Railway Executives, stated that any reduction in such rates made since September 1. 1920, were to be included in the 10 per cent and that it would be put into effect without awaiting a reduction in wages. The freight rate cut will apply through out the entire country except on traffic moving wholly in New Eng land.
 It was expected that the new rate would be effective within ten days, as the railroads, 1t was said, had asked the interstate commerce com mission to authorize the change on one days notice. The reduction will cost the railroads about S55, ,00o, ,000, is was estimated.
 ''The railroads already have re- duced freight rates substantially from the level established by the commits sion in August, 1920" Mr. Cuyler's statement said. Reductions made are estimatet. as accurately as can be to involve a loss of revenue at from s175,0 GOO to $200,000,000 an- nually. These reductions on many roads represent a loss much greater than any corresponding saving real ized from reductions in wages. The railroads are furthermore awaiting decisions of the labor board which it is hoped will relieve the companies of the expense of many onerous and uneconomical working conditions. The railroads are not in a financial con- dition to make this sacrifice.
 Unless there should be some re- vival in business, the probability of which is conjectural, the immediate loss involved in this proposed reduc- tion in rates would be taken from net earnings of the railroads"
 Expect labor's Aid
 Mir, Cuyler said that the railroads were relying on the public for ef- fective aid in bringing about neces- say reductions in labor and other transportation costs and that they Hoped for labor's cooperation. He declared that the railroads had taken the first step to relieve business de- pression and had given an earnest example of their fixed furuose to reduce rates and to. relieve at the earliest practicable moment, so Tar as reasonably possible. the public $ transportation burden.
 The executives passed resolution to the effect that in the event of disag greement between railroad off cials and their employees in conference on wage reductions, the necessary steps under the law would be to apply to the railway labor board for quick action.
 It was also decided to apply to the interstate commerce commission fol a rehearing of the hay and grain case. A general inquiry is asked tC ascertain whether until a substantial reduction in operation and labor cost could be obtained, any further rat, reductions could lawfully be required | or with due regard to the transporta- | tion industry be made possible. The new rates are applicable tt | carloads of wheat, corn, oats, othel 1 grain, flour and meal, hay, straw ana l alfalfa, manufactured tobacco, cottoi seed and products, except cotton seet oil and cotton seed meal; citrus frui and other fresh fruits; potatoes. oth- CT fresh vegetables; dried fruits anC
 vegetables; horses and cattle and calves, sheep and goats; hogs. poul 1 try, eggs, butter and cheese and 1 wool.