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

A vigorous attack has been launched BY shippers
Of the Southeastern territory against the recent order
of the Interstate Commerce Commission placing in
effect the new rates in Southwestern territory on July
s. The Southeast maintains that the Southwestern
rates are discriminatory; that they seriously affect the
Southeast. and have turned loose a bsrrage Of attacks
which may result in resembling the order unless the
Southwest takes steps TO protect its interests.
The Southwestern rates we're 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, tie Southeast is now re-
doubling its efforts to have them set aside, pending
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 BE
held N allegiance two or three years.
in connection with the attack Of the Southeast, an
effort Is being made to induce congress 10 repeal the
HokeSmith resolution which instructs the Interstate
Commerce Commission to give agricultural products
preference IN making rates. The Southwestern rates
we're compiled in accordance with this resolution, and
material benefits will accrue to Southwestern agricu,-
ture N the event the rates are permitted to 20 into
effect on July 2. as scheduled.
Inc Lower Rio Grande Valley il especially inter-
ested IN the new rates. According 10 conservative est,-
mates the Valley growers would have saved approxl-
ma'eiy $lZoo,OOO had the rates been placed in effect
m december as originally ordered. Relief from the
present rates will be secured for next season IN the
went n rates are placed in effect July 8. as nov or
oefeo' but II the Southeastern fight against the
SOUTHWESTERN reduction is successful, the Lower Rio
'rahae valley can expect no relief for AZ least = wear.
and possibly several years.
'aiious farmer co-operatives of the Valley bav.
ioime . very useful service in keep the Valley sit
us'ioh oeiore the Interstate Commerce Comm,rs;or
Sno 'ney should have the active support 81 III civi.
n o'ner organizations. II the fight for rate ,educ.
uon Is lost now IL will be q serious blow 10 N. Il
cultural interests of the Valley as we'll as The 80 -
'ne southwest and there should be general sffor, =.
the part OF the Valley to prevent the re.cirdtnr
postponement Of the commissions order. III
Relative 70 the attack upon the Hoke Smith
ton N congress, there is hardly a possihiIi,, 49,.
action can be secured at this session. oppo,en,-
the resolution maintain that it virtually instruc,, 4.
commission to discriminate against industry. ana -.
as a result industry is called upon to bear an pn;.I.
burden. Supporters of the resolution assert tia,
r%icultural products are necessities, and that ~,
interest demands they be favored in the mak,r- :
rates which will tend to reduce living costs. an
ment which opponents Of theh resolution have fonra
extremely difficult 20 answer.