The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-01-28
SERVICE COMMISSION
DEFENDED AT PUBLIC
HEARING AT CAPITAL

iNDiANATOLlS, jan 20. iHC
adjustment OF the public service COM
mission and the reinstatement Of the
railroad commission with the same
powers that 1t had before it was abol-
ished at the 1919 session OF the legis-
lature was the subject of a public
hearing last night in the house cham
bers before the members of the COM
mittee on Judiciary A.
The measure. like that which also
was proposed at the last session, has
the state and the hall was we'll filled.
both with interested spectators and
with men whose work is effected by re-
tention of the commission or its abol.
ishment. Although members of the
commission were present, none of
them vouchsafed any information ex-
cept when questions were askel or cor
rections were to be made.
Before entering the hall, e. I. Lewis
chairman of the commission, express
ed his intention of being present. but
said that he would say nothing unless
his advice or opinion was requested.
THAT is" said Mr.. Lewis, Il will
not say anything unless those advocat-
ing the adjustment of the commission
make incorrect statements. Should in
correct statements be made, which
would reflect on the ability of the COM
mission, shall cal those making
them"
Two Sponsors Present.
Two of the men responsible for the
introduction of the bill were present.
They are Representative Claude A.
Smith of Gibson county, and Omar U.
Newman of Indianapolis.
A number of men interested in COM
panies known as public utilities are
not in favor of reinstating the old
railroad commission.
B. s. Inman, manager OF the Indiana
State Chamber Of Commerce. came to
the defense of the present commission
in an address which lasted for more
than a half hour Mr.. Inman called at
tention to the fact that the alleged ex-
penses of the commission were being
used by those opposed to it, as propa-
ganda to prevent the people from gain
ing true linking of the existing con-
ditions. He assured those present that
except in one or two instances the
commission had cost the state OF In
diana less money than commissions In
the employ of other states.
Desires Only Facts.
at is not my purpose to make an
argument against the adjustment OF
the public service commission OF In
diana. said Mr.. Inman. Il assume that
a statement of facts relative to the
service rendered by the commission Is
more to be desired in connection with
this hearing than any opinion that l
might express as to the merits or de-
merits OF the proposed bill now pend
ing before the Legislature.
Sec Sc of the public service COM
mission act of 1918, provides that a
fee of Is cents for each 500 worth OF
securities be authorized, which accrues
to the commission. This is a most
variable revenue varying between
$4,000 and $4,000 per annum. Be
cause of two unusual congratulations
yielding over $4,000, there was a
realization of $106, 521.68 In 1920. This
means that the total available revenue
for the Indiana commission for the
year 1920 was s206, 521.S7, and that the
commission actually cost the state,
during the year 1920. $53.G1S.71. in
stead of 100000, as appropriated by
the state.
Solved Coal Problem.
Prior to 1918 about IS per cent Of
all the coal-consuming points in In
all the coal producing districts of the
state. Many points in the northeast
ern and eastern parts of the state
were without any rates from the
Indiana mines.
In order to remedy this situation
the public service commission OF In
diana presented the matter to the
United States railroad commission and
waged an energetic campaign for re-
lief for the people.
Saved HOLSTERS Money.
Mr.. Inman presented statistics show
ing the volume of business that has re-
oeived the attention OF the public serv-
ice commission. He told the commit
tee that when the railroad rates were
increased 40 per cent in Indiana on
Aug. 25 of this year. the Indiana
Chamber of Commerce had filed pro-
test with the commission.