Delaware State Grange v. New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad Company -- Abstract of Complaint

DELAWARE STATE GRANGE of the Patrons of Husbandry of Delaware. v. The NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA & NORFOLK R. R. CO; the Delaware R. R. Co; the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore R. R. Co. and the Pennsylvania R. R. Co.

(No. 102)

ABSTRACT complaint filed December 2, 1887, alleging the imposition of unreasonable and discriminative rates; and charging violation of section 4 of the Act.

Alleges that complainants are an association of business men organized and located in the State of Delaware; complains, on behalf of the trucking interest of the said State and eastern shore of Maryland, that defendants controlling the transportation facilities of the Peninsula (comprising Delaware and eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia), discriminate against the shippers of the Peninsula and in favor of those of Norfolk and points South.

Specifics: 1, unreasonable rates, especially in perishable commodities; 2, favors by rebates or false schedules of weights to some persons in preference to others; 3, undue advantage to certain localities by giving lower rates and extra and more rapid service, so that freight would be delivered in New York and northern points so long in advance from freight nearer points as to destroy the market for the latter; 4, violation of section 4 of the Act, by charging less from Norfolk than from points along their lines on the Peninsula for a much shorter distance.

The discrimination, if continued, will destroy the business of raising perishable fruits and vegetables on the Peninsula.

Prays for correction of the grievances and general relief.