Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 254, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 November 1917 — Western Railroads Are Seeking a Raise. [ARTICLE]

Western Railroads Are Seeking a Raise.

Western railroads Friday re-enter-ed the 15 per cent rate increase case by arranging with the interstate commerce commission for a hearing December 17, on an application to be made then for a general increase of an unspecified amount. The action will be joined to the application of eastern roads for 15 per cent higher rates, now being heard by the commission, and it is believed the southern roads will not be long in asking to be included in the case. This would bring before the commission definitely the issue of allowing insurance to roads of the entire country to cover high labor, material and supply costs. In disposing of the railroads’ application for a 15 per cent raise last June, the interstate Commerce commission granted a few minor increases to the western carriers. They now have prepared to show that* their net earnings have dwindled, as compared with last year, and claim that to maintain efficient service required for the war and to make necessary improvements, part of the burden of heavier operating costs must be passed onto the shippers. t ,