The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1921-03-30
Will Carry Fight
to Highest Court
STATE WILL NOT REST UNTIL
COURT OF LAST RESORT IS
REACHED.
Local Patrons Will
Pay More for Tolls
TEMPORARY INCREASES HAVE
BEEN GRANTED BY FED
ERAL JUDGE BOOTH.

Minnesota will carry its fight
against higher telephone rates to the
United States supreme court, if the
lower court decides against it, O. P.
B. Jacobson, member of the Railroad
and Warehouse commission, announc-
es.
Temporary increases have been
granted by Judge Booth, but three
Judges sitting together will act on
the matter of permanent increase, be-
fore a final decision is made. In case
an appeal is successful, the companies
must make a refund to subscribers.
Increase Granted.
Judge Booth granted an increase in
rates amounting to 11.9 per cent for
the Northwestern Telephone Co., and
22O2 in the case of the Tri-State.
The telephone companies, Judge
Booths order declared, must immedi-
ately provide bond for the return of
excess charges collected in case the
application for a permanent injunc-
tion is refused them, must immediate
ly apply to the railroad and ware
house commission for suggestions on
the betterment of the service, and
must apply whatever part of their ex-
cess receipts are necessary for the
lbetterment of service.
Provides Per Cent Return.
Judge Booths order declaring pres
ent rates as enforced by the railroad
and warehouse commission confisca-
tory was entered following compile
tion Of testimony by the companies
and the state. By it he put into effect
the rate increases suggested by F. W.
Putnam, member Of the railroad and
warehouse commission, in his opin-
ion dissenting from the Feb. 9 order
of the commission, denying the COM
pany temporary rate relief. Mr..
Putnam's opinion placed the addition
al compensation deserved by the
Northwestern company at $795, ,779
yearly or 11.9 per cent, and that re-
quired by the Tri-State company at
22.02 per cent, or $685. ,442.
The increase is sufficient, according
to the order, to provide an per cent
return on the SIC, 100000 valuation Of
the Northwestern Bell Telephone
properties in Minnesota, plus a Az
per cent annual depreciation charge.
The latter company, attorneys
brought out in the case, is required by
the interstate commerce commission,
under whose regulations the company
is compelled to operate.
The increase allowed to the Tri-
State Telephone and Telegraph COM
pany provides like percentage re-
turn on it's $14,350,000 valuation.
The new rate will remain in effect
until hearing is completed of the ac-
ton the telephone companies will
bring for an interlocutory decree,
making permanent the temporary re-
straining order issued by Judge Booth
preventing the state railroad and
warehouse commission from enforcing
present rates. This case, the law
provides, must be heard by three fed
eral judges.
Service Not Considered.
Judge Booth refused to take into
consideration adequacy of service,
pointing out that if service had been
inadequate the commission had not
|claimed it was due to inefficiency OF
management, negligence or bad faith.
Long Distance Boosted.
It is said that long distance SER
vice rates will be increased from the
local exchange, when the new rates
are put into effect.
- @ 81