REPORT OFFICE OF THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF GEORGIA, ATLANTA, GA., May 1st, 1909. To His Excellency, Hoke Smith, Governor. SIB: In obedience to the requirements of the Law, the Railroad Commission of Georgia begs herewith to submit its 36th annual report. The various subjects handled by the Commission since its last report are not covered in this letter of transmission, but are treated elsewhere herein under appropriate headings, proper reference to all of which are made under the subject and general indexes. This plan of reporting the work of the Commission during the period stated is adopted rather than in presenting same in narrative form, as heretofore; for the purpose of providing a more convenient reference to the various subjects. Some of the subjects treated are: Stocks and Bonds; Tracks and other Inspections; Claims; Passenger-Train Accommodations; Complaints against Electric Light and Electric Railway Companies; Depots and Side-tracks; Hydro-Electrical Power Companies; Transportation of Explosives; Water Courses in Georgia; The Opinions of the Special Attorney to the Commission; Railroads incorporated since August 22nd, 1907, and others. All of the rules, classifications, classified lists of railroads as relate both to the passenger and freight rates, railroad distance tables and all other regulations, and as well table showing the financial operations of railroads for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1908, and other tables, are all set out in this report, and as stated, reference to each subject can easily be had under the index in back of the book. INCREASE IN INTERSTATE RATES. During the early summer of 1908, by concerted action of all of the railroad companies concerned, a formal notice was promulgated for a general increase in freight rates, effective August 1st of that year, on classes B, C, D and F, amounting to 3 cents per hundred pounds on meats, 2 cents per hundred pounds on grain and 2 cents per hundred pounds on flour, from Ohio and Mississippi river crossings to southeastern points. These increases being on the necessities of life, the burden and enhanced price would necessarily fall upon the con sumer. This Commission, after thorough investigation, reached the conclusion that this increase was excessive and unreasonable, and ought not to be allowed; but it being a matter of interstate commerce the only remedy was to carry the question by appeal before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Accordingly, |