The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-24
THE PROFIT IN WATERWAYS

THE PROFIT IN WATERWAYS
 In estimating the success of the barge lines perhaps to much stress IS laid on the financial showing of the books of the waterways. For ex- ample, while it is known that the Warrior loses money on some classes of freight and that the Mississippi shows no profit on certain sections of it's service, yet little account is taken of two ways in which the barge lines are earning what may be termed an invisible profit for the public.
 As an offset to actual losses on barge operation there is to be con- sidered first the saving to patrons of the waterways through the reduced rates thus obtained. This saving is distributed far and wide among the consuming and producing public as partial compensation for any deficit that must be made up out of the pub- lie funds. Further compensation is directly to be credited to the reduc- tions in rail rates brought. about through the direct influence of water way competition. It is estimated that the rate saving to patrons of the Mis- sissippi barge service totals more than nine million dollars, exclusive of the rail rate reductions the waterway is responsible for. Similar saving, pro- portioned to the volume of business, has been enjoyed by patrons of the Warrior and those living within the Warriors competitive field.
 Therefore, those who direct the destinies of the waterways are by no means to be undulys concerned over actual deficits in operation, for ia spite of such deficits the barge lines are yet of public profit. Waterway officials should hesitate long before authorizing reductions in service and should consider the advisability of re- storing service already curtailed. When waterway officials are inactive or apathetic, then the friends of the waterways and the advocates of wa terway development have plenty of foundation on which to, base argu- ments for official action and zeal in behalf of better and more complete barge service.
 In this connection it is not forgot ten that service on the Warrior has been curtailed, not through ahy. fault l of the service, but because of artificial deficits arising out of the official failure to correct unfair discrimina- tions against the waterway and in | favor of the railroads. In the press of other concerns the status of the Warrior has been obscured and public zeal in it's behalf has subsided. Yet the Warriors influence in bringing about lower rates for Alabama ex- port products is a very fundamental element in Birmingham and statewide competitive advantage in distant mar kets. This advantage must not be allowed to die, nor can this district or this commonwealth afford such disaster.
 
 The senatorial committee is now in- vestigating the whole waterway ques- ton, and the Warriors claims to of- ficial attention must be put forward. The inexplicable delay of the Inter- state Commerce Commission in ad- justing rate discrepancies as affect ing the Warrior and rate divisions between the Warrior and connecting rail lines is harmful to the commerce and industry of this district and of this state. This delay is a proper sub ject of concern for the senate com mittee. The rate and traffic agencies acting in behalf of the various indus trial and commercial communities Of Alabama now have the opportunity to strike a blow in defense of the public right and welfare in this mat ter of barge service.