Evening star., 1925-03-17
RAIL RATE INQUIRY
IS BEGUN BY |. c. C..
Effect of Present Charges on
Farming an Epesial Object
of Investigation.

In conformity with the resolution
adopted at the last session OF Con-
Sress, the Interstate Commerce Com
mission today ordered an investiga-
ton into the existing freight rate
structure of all the railroads in
the country.
The action is designed to bring out
particularly the bearing of railroad
rates upon the agricultural industry.
In proceedings of recent years it
has been claimed that railroad rates
on crude raw materials have become
too high as compared with the rates
on finished goods. President Coolidge
in a message to Congress year ago
last December dwelt upon the con-
nection of the rate structure with
the prosperity of farmers generally.
The notice today said the commits
sion would consider this phase of the
subject and to seek as we'll to find
and remove determinations which
may exist between geographical areas
and Industries
Hearings to BE Limited.
''In discharge of this duty" it said,
the commission will not enter at
once upon extensive hearings. 1t
intends to conduct the investigation
in manner conducive to full and
orderly development OF material facts
and with as little delay and expense
to shippers, carriers and the govern
ment and as little disturbing effect
upon production, distribution and the
free flow Of commerce as may be
found practicable.
Necessary or appropriate decisions
and orders may be made in the prog
ress of the investigation. The Com
mission is required to effect with the
least practicable delay such lawful
changes in the rate structure of the
country as will promote the free
dom of movement by common carriers
OF the products of agriculture af-
fected by the existing depression de-
clared in said resolution, including
live stock at the lowest possible lawful
rates compatible with the maintenance
OF adequate transportation service"
While the resolution used the words
common carriers" in directing the in
Vestigation, the commission said it
was not the intention to take up the
yates of pine line, express, telegraph,
telephone or sleeping car companies
in the present proceedings, which
would only include rail and water
carriers.
Scope of Investigation.
The scope will embrace the con-
ditfons which prevail in the several
industries of the country" the gen
eral and comparative levels in mar
keting values of various commodities,
and "a natural and proper develop
ment of the country as a whole" in
sofar as these matters affect the fixing
of fair railroad rates.
Notice was given that representa-
tives of all carriers. State. Federal
and local authorities, and shippers or
organizations of shippers might file
briefs or statements as TO the pro-
cedure to be followed or complaints,
on affidavit, of discrimination. These
will be received until May Is and
ANSWERS to them, in case answers are
necessary, until June 15.
simultaneously the commission
will constitute a committee of its
own membership, which, with the as
sistance of competent experts and of
representatives of the State commits
sions, will study known or discover
able situations" as to rates. The
personnel of this committee and it's
assistant staff will be announced
later, as will dates for hearings and
other proceedings.