The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-03-22
LETTERS TO EDITOR
INTERSTATE COMMERCE coMMlssIoN
To the Editor of The Age-Herald:

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
 We commend your editorial of March 19, m which you support the idea that man from the southeastern territory should be member of the interstate commerce commission. This commission is composed of the following mem bers: c. c. McChord, chairman; J. B. Eastman w. NJ. Daniels M. W. Potter B. H. Meyer, J. B. Campbell, E. I. Lewis, F. I Cox, J. J. Esch H. c. Hal land c. B. Aitchison.
 E. k. Clark, who was chairman of the com mission up to July, 1921, was formerly presi- dent of the Order of Railway Conductors, and his only idea about railroad rates was that they should be sufficiently high for the employees to draw high wages. In the decision made by the commission in l. and s. Docket 1261. known as the Nashville case, it reported that Mr. Clark dissatisfied and resigned his position At that time the vacancy should have been filled by man from the southeastern terri tory, but the President saw fit to appoint K. I. Cox of New Jersey and it was reported that Mir Cox was a travelling salesman for 20 years prior to his appointment the commis- sion.
 The terms of office of H. C. Hall and CB Aitchison expired December 31 1921, and it was then that the traffic representatives of
 
 ment of southern man. The President reap pointed the two commissioners for another term It is conceded that Mir Hall is one of the most able men on the commission and un- derstands the rate business, but his decisions have never been favorable to the southeastern territory. Mr. Atehson has never shown any business ability and very little is known of him in this section.
 On December 3l, 1922. the commissions will expire for c. c. McChord, the present chair man, and ]. E. Eastman Mir McChord has proven to be man of considerable ability, and I do not believe it would be expedient to ask the administration to omit his name in re- appointing member to fill this office. J. B. Eastman is by far the most able man the commission, and has been the best friend to the southern territory of any member of the commission. believe that he is honest fair and just, and has made enviabe record as an interstate commerce commissioner, and the people fthi ssecton could i'll afford to lose his services. and I hope that he will be reap pointed.
 On December 31, 1923 the term of w. M Daniels and M w. Potter will expire, and it is generally conceded that the commission could be strengthened considerably by having some one else appointed to take both of these, places would like very much to southern man on the interstate commerce commission. afd without making any reflection on any man now holding office. do not believe the commission as a whole. understands the situation in the southern territory The passenger fares were increased to I standard charge of 36 cents per mile, which was 20 per cent higher than the local passen- ger rate and A per cent higher than the mile age book rate. and with this increase the car riers received about $135 900 900 less in 1921 ythan in 1920.
 The same conditions apply to freight rates and I am convinced that if the rates were low cred to the proper basis the carriers would receive more net money than they are recev- ing under the present conditions. The reports on the passenger income is good barometer, and it is time for the traffic managers to listen to the business men of the country and adjust their freight rates in accord with the cost of of all other commodities. Yours very truly,
 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
 R. NJ. Jones, Secretary.
 Gadsden March 20, 1922.
 BEATING THE WEEVIL II