The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-11
ROADS ORDERED CUT COTTON RATES
(cont,nued From Page cne)


 rates have been in effect in Alabama and stated that:
 "The mileage scales that are ob- served are single line rates and joint rates are usually constructed upon the basis of the full locals. of each road to and from the Junction points less 10 per cent. In some cases, joint through rates have been established but they constitute the exception rather than the rule. This state of affairs results in very materially lower rates where single line move ments are involved than where the shipments move over two or more lines" With this statement the com mission directed the railroads to es- tablish the joint line rates.
 After discussing the evidence ob- tained by it In the investigation, the commission made the following state ment regarding the rates and com parison with the rates fin other states: "The record Is clear that the present single line rates on this commodity In Alabama are generally North Carolina, South Carolina and the recently established single line rates in Georgia and Mississippi, but the rates on joint haul traffic are above the general level in those states and are materially higher. in d rates for much longer hauls. The record leaves no doubt that on joint haul traffic many of the present in- terstate rates In this section are sc much lower than similar intrastate rates as to constitute, In other minds an unjust discrimination and undue prejudice against Alabama intrastate commerce.
 The duty devolves upon this com mission under the law to exercise its authority by preparing new rates when>>a rate structure of the state results in unjust and unreasonable rates or rates that create unjust dis crimination or undue prejudice ol preference between localities, com modities, shippers or receivers oi freight. We think the record in these proceedings amply supports the conclusion that such is the result of the present rate structure on cotton in Alabama"
 Tn summing up its conclusions, the commission said: "The commission Is of the opinion and finds that the present rate structure, as a whole applicable in connection with the transportation of cotton between points In the state. contains inequali- ties, lacks uniformity and results and will result in unjust discrimination and undue prejudice between locali- ties, shippers and receivers of freight and Is unjust and unreasonable, and the commission further finds that the so-called Georgia scale, previously mentioned herein, will be just and reasonable for application in Ala bama over the standard lines for the maximum distances involved in this state for the future and scale made 20 per cent higher will be just and reasonable for application over the short lines in this state for the fu- ture on single line movements; that a scale constructed by the use of the same joint line arbitraries or differ entials in connection with the scale above prescribed for single line movements over short lines will be a just and reasonable maximum ba- sis of rates on traffic moving con tinuously and exclusively over two or more short lines, and that a scale 10 per cent higher than the joint line scale above prescribed for applica- tion over standard line railroads will be just and reasonable maximum basis of rates for joint haul move- ments of this commodity between points on short lines and points on standard lines. The Illinois Central will be permitted to observe the ba- sis of rates above prescribed for short lines"
 The commissions order did not in- clude rates on cotton linters and re-gins, which were involved in it's citation. 1t said this matter is some what complicated and will be han dled In the general investigation.