Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 204, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1920 — PRESIDENT KURRIE PLEADS FOR RATE INCREASE [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT KURRIE PLEADS FOR RATE INCREASE

Indianapolis, Aug. 23.—Increases both in passenger and freight rates are necessary if the railroads are to operate, the Indiana public service commission was told today when the hearing of the railroads* petitions for higher intrastate rates was opened. H. R. Kurrie, president of the Monon company, spoke for the carriers. The rates proposed for Indiana intrastate traffic are intended to bring the intrastate rate level up to that established by the interstate commerce commission late in July and intended by the carriers to be effective in interstate traffic after about September 1. Illinois Shippers Favored. Mr. Kurrie said there would be discrimination between the Indiana and Illinois shipping rates in favor of Illinois unless relief was granted. Representatives of numerous ohnc and commercial organizations Spoke in opposition to the petition of the carriers. ' Prior to the opening of todays hearing the carriers had informally laid their case before the commission. At that time they held that the general freight increase would amount to about 30 per cent. The increases vary from 25 to 40 per cent, it was said. Passenger rates, it was declared, generally, would be increased about twenty per cent, if the petitions are granted. The hearing probably will end tomorrow.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Norman are shipping their household goods to Bryan, 0., and will leave for that city the last of the week to make their future home.