Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1908 — Steel Bars Cheap to Foreigners. [ARTICLE]

Steel Bars Cheap to Foreigners.

The steel trust sells steel bars for export at $17.41 per ton at the mill. For American use the price is $27. The reason is the tariff. If this extra $9.50 is not an indefensible and oppressive tax on American industry, what is it? Nothing better than a few games of Box Ball after working in office or store allfiky.

Favma Im Freight Batea. Special rates given by railroads to shippers in a way to favor certala places or certain trade are now being discussed all over the country. The Railroad Age Gazette takes the position. that higher rates for Inland freight tbau for shipments to Pacific ports for ocean carriage to distant countries is necessary. The rate which has been given to steamship companies, it says, would not pay the road if applied to all freight over the same line. For one thing, this paper says that cars would go westward empty without this ocean freight to move and that the reduced rate covers the cost to the road of actual haulage and handling. The railroads maintain that they are compelled to divide the rate with the steamship companies or lose the business. According to the iGazette, the railroads have objected to the publication of the divided rats because the fact would be seized upon as the basis for a reduction of domestic rates, and the ratemaking power would not be likely to permit discrimination against the general public. The roads, it is hinted, would rather lose this freight than have the matter come to an issue.

Another discrimination complained of is the special and low rates “for places.” Allowances to certain regions, to certain big cities and to certain jobbing centers no longer have the approval of the Interstate commerce commission, It is declared. Specious explanations have been offered by the railroad officials and by the interests favored why these allowances have been made and ought to be continued. Critics of the system insist that places and regions ought not to have special advantages in the matter of freight rates any more than individuals, firms or trusts. The system grew up under rebates, and the next rebate trial may Involve a whole trading community—for Instance. Chicago, New York or St. Louis. »