UNIFORM RAILROAD RATES.
Mr. LOCKHART moved, and the House took up Mr. Reese's Railroad bill [H. R. 30-see page 65]--it requiring railroads to charge uniform rates for freight and fare. [The penalty is $20 to $100, not exceeding $500 ]
It was read the second time, with amendments reported from the Committee on Railroads.
The committee amendments were adapted.
Mr. SHUEY. The bill proposes that railroads may charge 15 per cent, more for way freight than for through freight. He thought it should be 25 or 30 per cent--enough to pay for the paper on which the bills are written.
Mr. LOCKHART. The committee were reluctant to go as far as 15 per cent. He explained.
Mr. SHUEY. There was not a more firm friend of the bill in the House; but he wished to avoid extremes.
Mr. BRANHAM was well satisfied that gross impositions had been practiced. He would have the bill referred to a select committee; but he would not be a member of it.
Mr. HENRICKS suggested an amendment reasonable rates for way freight.
Mr. WOODS proposed to add: "All railroads of the State shall have a Board of Directors and an office within the State."
Mr. KILGORE preferred immediate action. He would make but a small discrimination between local and through freights.
On motion of Mr. LOCKHART it was referred to a select committee of five.
