Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-05-22
Launch Attack on Rate Relief

A vigorous attack has been launched by shinpers
Of the Southeastern territory against the recent order
Of the Interstate Commerce Commission placing in
effect the new rates in Southwestern territory on July
8. The Southeast maintains that the Southwestern
rates are discriminatory: that they seriously affect the
Southeast. and have turned loose a barrage Of attacks
which may result in resembling the order unless the
Southwest takes steps TO protect its interests.
The Southwestern rates were ordered into effect
several months ago. but have been postponed on five
different occasions on account OF protests BY carriers
and shippers adversely affected. The Southeastern
territory has voiced its objection on each occasion:
but the rates having been adjusted to the satisfaction
of Southwest territory, the Southeast is now re-
doubling its efforts to have them set aside. neudinc
adjustment Of Southeastern rates on the same basis
In the event the Interstate Commerce Commission acts
upon the protests Of the Southeast the entire rate
structure set up for the Southwest will probably he
held IN allegiance two or three years.
In connection with the attack Of the Southeast. an
effort Is being made 70 induce congress TO repeal the
Hoke-Smith resolution which instructs the Interstate
Commerce Commission to give agricultural produc,s
preference in making rates. The Southwestern rates
were compiled in accordance with this resolution. and
material benefits will accrue to Southwestern arricnl-
ture in the event the rates are permitted 70 "a into
effect on July g. ~ scheduled.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley N especially inter.
ested n the rev rates. According 10 conservative s,,,.
mates the Valley growers would have saved s,nrox,
mateiS Fi'-'vfuVV had the rates been placed in effect
in December as originally ordered. Relief from, ~
present rates viii be secured for next season \, ,be
event the rates are placed in effect July 8 !. a, y
desed' But II the Southeastern fight against ,bs
Southwestern reduction IL successful. the Iowor D.
Grande Valley can expect no relief far A. ,o,,+ WI.
and possibly several years. ''
The various farmer co-operatives Of the vaua.
performed a very useful service in keen the v,uo- :,
uation before the Interstate Commerce corm,
and they should have the active support \, III .n4
and other organizations. II the fight for rate -
ton is lost now it will be a serious blow 10 the =;
cultural interests Of the Valley Is well a.. he -. =,
the Southwest, and there should be general effort II
the part of the Valley to prevent the r~escindiny ",
postponement Of The commissions order.
Relative to the attack upon the Hoke Smith reso;y-
tion in congress, there is hardly a possibility tho,
action can be secured ut this session. Opponents y,
the resolution maintain that it virtually instructs IN.
commission to discriminate against industry, and = IA.
as a result industry is called upon 70 bear an unins.
burden. Supporters Of the resolution assert thar ".
rieultursl products are necessities, and that public
interest demands they be favored in the making NJ
rates which will tend to reduce living costs. an arru.
ment which opponents of theh resolution have found
extremely difficult to answer.