Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1906 — ROADS TO QUIT GRAIN TRADE. [ARTICLE]

ROADS TO QUIT GRAIN TRADE.

New Hallway Rate Law to Have Big Effect on the Bualueaw. What effect will the new railroad law have upon the price of this year’s grain and upon its marketing? This question Is perplexing some of the best lawyers who have been consulted by railroads tapping the Western grain fields, which during past seasons have purchased large quantities of grain and placed It in warehouses which they own or control to be marketed at their pleasure. Under the new law railroads are prohibited from engaging in business in competition with their patrons. It is asserted at the Interstate Commerce Commission that the Missouri Pacific and other cases demonstrate the foundation for the assertions of Senator La Follette that railroads have been controlling the grain-buying business. This must stop, the officials say, and under the new law the grain business must l>e changed materially. The railroads may own elevators, but it is held they cannot buy and store grain. They may place the grain of patrons in tlie elevators and may include in their bill an item to cover this service. The effect of the enforcement of the new law upon the grain business Is uncertain, but the officials have no doubt that the railroads must cease to have any pecuniary interest in the grain which is shipped over their lines.