been moving in the same direction, and the committee having the matter in charge have prepared and published, under the title of "The Uniform Freight Classification No. 1," an arrangement of articles of freight, a copy of which it is to be presumed is in the hands of most, if not all, the principal railroad officials in this State. The Southern Railway and Steamship Association has signified a purpose to try to adopt it substantially by about June 1, next. It is quite probable that at the approaching conference the question of the desirability of adopting the uniform classifica tion, as proposed, will be considered. It is also probable that the Interstate Commerce Commission may base any action they may see fit to take upon the conclusions reached by the conference. The Florida Commission have passed an order directing one of their number to attend the conference, and believing the matter of the classification, as referred to above, to be one of great importance not only to the shipping public but to the Florida railroads, have thought proper to adopt this means of bringing this subject to the attention of the traffic department of the different roads, and of requesting the officers to forward to the Commission in Tallahassee at any time before the 1st of March prox., any suggestions or other expressions of their views and opinions on the subject generally as they think proper to make. This action is taken because the Commission deem these mat ters to be of great interest. And whatever may have been their study of or attention to the subject of classification, it has been with reference to State traffic. And notwithstanding the adoption of the uniform classification probably will not prevent departures from it in the different states, especially on local shipments, still it is an important matter, and any expres sion of opinion with regard to or voice in the determination of questions connected with the classification, the Commissioners would like to base upon the fullest and best information attainable. By order of the Board. JOHN G. WARD, RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHTS ON THE RAILROADS IN FLORIDA, PRESCRIBED BY THE RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS. RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS AND FREIGHTS ON THE RAILROADS IN FLORIDA, PRESCRIBED BY THE RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS. The following Rules and Regulations are prescribed for the government of the transportation of persons and property by the Railroad Companies doing business wholly or in part within the State of Florida, all others conflicting therewith being hereby repealed: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNMENT OF THE TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY ON THE RAILROADS IN FLORIDA. 1. GENERAL RULES. COMPLAINTS. 1. All complaints made to the Commission shall be in writing, and shall distinctly set forth the grounds of complaint. In like manner, all defences shall be in writing, and distinctly set forth the grounds of defence. MONTHLY AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 2. Each railroad company shall make and file in the office of the Commission by the last day of each month, a report of its earnings and operating expenses for the preceding month, according to the form prescribed by the Commission. Also, on or before the first day of October of each year, an annual report of its earnings, operating expenses and general operations for the preceding year ending June 30th, according to the form prescribed by the Commission. The monthly reports to be verified by the affidavits of the General Manager (if there be one) or Superintendent, or other principal officer in charge, and the Treasurer or Auditor; the annual reports to be verified by the affidavits of the President, Superintendent or General Manager and Auditor or Treasurer. SECRET REDUCTIONS, REBATES, ETC. 3. There shall be no secret reduction of rates of freight or passenger fares, and no rebate, drawback or other advantage in any form shall be given or paid, either directly or indirectly, upon shipments made or service rendered to any person not allowed to all persons, but the same shall be uniform to all, and public. POSTING SCHEDULES, ETC. 4. Each railroad company shall post in a conspicuous place, and keep the same continuously posted, in each of its stations, a copy of the schedule of freight and passenger rates revised and adopted for the use of such company by the Commission ; a copy of all the Rules and Regulations prescribed by the Commission for the government of the transportation of freight and passengers, applicable to its line of road, and a copy of the official classification; also copies of all changes made whether the same shall be made by such railroad company or by the Comissioners; also a table of distances between each station. TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, ETC., BETWEEN RAILROADS. 5. Copies of all rate sheets, tariffs and circular orders issued and all contracts and agreements between railroad companies as to the rates of freight aud passenger tariffs, and all arrangements and agreements whatever, as to the divisions of earnings of any kind by competing or connecting lines of railroads doing business in this State, shall be submitted to the Commis son for inspection, revision and approval, that it may be seen whether they are in violation of law, or of the rules and regulations of said Commission. (Chapter 3862, sec. 16.) FRACTIONS OF A MILE. 6. In the transportation of passengers or property, a fraction of a mile may be counted as one mile in the computation of distances. II. PASSENGER RULES. BAGGAGE. 1. Each passenger shall be entitled to baggage not exceeding one hundred and fifty pounds in weight. LESS THAN MAXIMUM RATES MAY BE CHARGED. 2. Railroads will not be prohibited from charging less than the rate prescribed for the transportation of passengers, provided such charge is not an unjust discrimination in favor of or against persons or localities. |