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Science of Railways: Economy of rates; Private vs. government control
Science of Railways Economy of rates Private vs government control Author:Marshall Monroe Kirkman Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER II. RAILWAY BATES — THEIR BASES, AND THE INFLUENCES AFFECTING THEM. Public injustice is the result of misapprehension— rarely, if ever, of criminal... more » intent; it originates in ignorance. The injustice railways have suffered in the United States, at the hands of the people, has been due to a lack of knowledge of the principles that govern carriers. The owners of railways are largely to blame for this. Many of them know little about political economy, and, while they have conformed to its laws, have not recognized its presence in their work. It is a common belief of the public, that all that is necessary to make a rate is the disposition — that it may be put up or down at will. This is not true. Rates are governed by influences beyond the control of the carrier. Some of these influences I propose to notice. Those who have charge of the traffic of railroads must conform in all they do to the laws governing commercial affairs; otherwise their work would be fruitless. They are practical economists. While they may not have studied political economy, they are yet thoroughly versed in its subtleties, so far as relates to their business. They may not understand the theory; but they understand its bearings, and conform thereto in everything they do. The rates charged by carriers affect the cost of everything we use. They appeal especially to the producer and consumer. Each sees that the amount is added to the cost. The subject is, therefore, one of universal interest. Each day adds to its gravity. It is a favorite theme with those who wish to catch the public ear—to pose as reformers. The effort to make the masses believe that, through legislative action, they may arbitrarily regulate the affairs of railroads, without detriment to themselves, has been persistent and adroit....« less