The heart of the railroad problem: The history of railway discrimination in the United States, the chief efforts at control and the remedies proposed, with hints from other countriesParsons, Frank
History
The heart of the railroad problem: The history of railway discrimination in the United States, the chief efforts at control and the remedies proposed, with hints from other countries
Parsons, Frank
Railroads -- Freight -- Rates -- United States; Railroads and state -- United States
“There is ample law to-day” to stop rebates and unjust
discriminations, says President Tuttle of the Boston and Maine (Sen.
Com. 1905, p. 951), and he backs up his statement with vigorous
reasons for believing that the Government has never earnestly enforced
existing laws. President Ramsey of the Wabash also says that the
present law is ample to cover every unjust charge, and no further
legislation is needed to stop discrimination (Same, p. 1959).
George R. Peck, general counsel for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul,
testified that “existing law is entirely adequate” (Same, p. 1301).
Mr. Robbins, manager of the Armour Car-Lines and director in Armour &
Co., declares that the “Elkins Law is ample” (Same, p. 2387). See also
p. 2117, James J. Hill; pp. 2179, 2181, Carle; p. 2228, Grinnell; p.
3068, Faxon; pp. 3274, 3276, 3285, 3290, Elliott; p. 2360, Woodworth;
p. 2829, Smith.
Footnote 367:
A number of witnesses declare that the delays and uncertainties and
inadequacies of redress under existing laws discourage shippers from
efforts to obtain relief. Mr. C. W. Robinson, representing the New
Orleans Board of Trade and the Central Yellow Pine Association, says
they had such bad luck with their lumber cases before the United
States courts that they are discouraged.
“‘Don’t you think that the question of rebates and discriminations is
already covered by law and can be stopped by summary proceedings?’
“MR. ROBINSON. That they are not stopped is patent to every one who
uses a railway company as a shipper and who keeps his eyes open.
“‘Has there been any suit brought within the last two or three years
for rebates and discriminations in this section of the country?’
“MR. ROBINSON. No; generally speaking, we have decided down there that
life is too short to litigate with the railroad companies” (Sen. Com.
1905, p. 2492).
Governor Cummins of Iowa says that no suits have been brought in Iowa
for discrimination under the Elkins Law because the remedy under that
law is regarded as inadequate (Sen. Com. p. 2081). It appears that
only one case, the Wichita sugar differential, is before the I. C. C.
under the Elkins Law (Sen. Com. p. 2874).
Footnote 368:
Fifer, Adams, etc., Sen. Com. pp. 2923, 3338.
Footnote 369:
Vining, Sen. Com. p. 1691, Knapp, p. 3294, etc. Robbins, however,
manager of the Armour Car-Lines, says they are opposed to being made
common carriers (pp. 2384, 2397, 2400). He says they do not indulge in
rebates, generally speaking (pp. 2382, 2387, 2403), and thinks they
would be worse off if put under the Interstate Law (pp. 2390, 2397,
2401).
Footnote 370:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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