The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-01


 the so-called ruling of the interstate commerce commission in 1908, and we are at a loss to know just what he refers to. As a matter of fact, in 1908 tho interstate commerce com mission rendered approximately $50 decisions dealing with passing rates, class rates, combination rates, ex- lake rates, group rates, import rates, inland rates, ana various other kinds of rates; and unless we had the name of the case we would have no means of intelligently discussing the ruling he has in mind. However, a complete answer to his question is that the com mission could hardly have made such 8 ruling, since the wharves and docks of the carriers mentioned have increased in value each year since 1908.
 In fact, the flow of traffic through the port of Mobile to the Pacific coast during the past two years has been enormous, and it can be readily noted that If the interstate comme S:e commission in 1908 did make a ruling in any way affecting the rates to the port of Mobile, such ruling has nos in any respect lessened the value of the docks and wharves of the rail- roads mentioned. since, as has al- ready been state, they have actually increased In value. The port of Mo bile under the interstate commerce law Is entitled to on-discriminatory treatment, and we can imagine no reason why the commission would even think of making a ruling which would discriminate against one port in favor of other ports, If they did, such ruling, on appeal, would be set aside by the courts.
 O O O
 Disposal Of Property.
 Sixth-Would these railroads like to dispose of this property to the state at good price?
 Answer-We do not know wheth- CT the railroad lines in ques- tion would dispose of their property to the state at a good price. If they thought 1t to their advantage to do so, of course they would; otherwise they would not voluntarily. But the state of Alabama has power to con- demn any property needed for its to the advantage of the state that It held such property, 1t would doubt less negotiate therefor in a regular way; and if a %asonable price could not be obtained through negotiation. the state could, and would, do doubt exercise the power of condemnation. The Alabama state harbor commits sion has not made any plans of a definite character along these lines; although 1t Is making an intensive study of them, 1t does not feel that 1t has authority to take any spe- slfic action until 1t is enabled to do so by the legislature. But it will cer- tainly be the policy of the commis- sion. if granted authority, by and with the approval of the governor, to see that the people of Alabama get value received for every dollar of money that Is spent. Every man on the commission feels a keen per sonal pride in his stewardship. The governor feels the same. The legisla . ture will not be asked to pass any enabling act authorizing the sta te harbor commission to expend any money for the building of new prof ects except by and with the previous consent and approval of the governor of the state and after a most care full and thorough consideration of its own. Tn state does not have to pay more than fair value for anythin 2 1t buys. It can take anything it need s by paying just compensation, and it can have that just compensation determined by fair trial In its own courts.
 Comparison With Florida.
 Seventh-Why Is it that the two competitive ports, Pensacola and Jacksonville, Fla, have practically trebled In population and busi ness In the last 20 years, while Mobile has practically stood still and made mo gain In either?
 Answer--The greater increase In the population of Jacksonville Is very easily accounted for if one is looking for the facts. Jacksonville has some very modern publicly Alabama needs. These publicly owned port facilities at Jacksonville have increased the city's business enormously.
 In addition, Jacksonville has the advantage of strategic position with reference to the state of Florida It Is called "The Gateway of Florida. ' Practically all passengers and nearly every pound of freight enterin g Florida from the north pass through Jacksonville, from which the city de- rives a great deal of profit as well as increase in population.
 Pensacola's growth is attributable almost entirely to the efforts of a great railroad which built modern port terminals and encouraged ship ping through that port. The actual growth of Pensacola has been less than the actual growth of Mobile A part of the increase of Pensacola s population Is because of the great enlargement of the government na- val station, which took many people there. We might more profitably inquire why during the same period the state of Florida has gained pop ulation and wealth much more rap idly than Alabama? The answer IS her people have been quick to re- spond to every progressive move ment, just as Alabama Is seeking to do in this instance.
 Eighth-Is there anything in the charge that the Business Men and Pilots association have Mobile ir their grasp and are charging toe much of the shipping interest that goes through that port?
 Answer-This Is another charge that scarcely deserves a reply, par ticularly as Mir. Long says in his question No. that you can ship through Mobile over the present docks and wharves 30 per cent cheaper than you can over the docks and wharves in New Orleans" but we will answer 1t. First, the buSi- ness men of Mobile have no more to do with charges through the port than the man in the moon. Second the pilot charges were fixed by the legislature of Alabama and average less than similar charges in New Or