[ [20] Note.—See Extract from Sir T. Farrer’s Evidence at page 66.
[ [21] “I think that even if it were distinctly found that the differences in the charges actually made were so disproportioned to the differences in the cost as to be undue and unreasonable, it would not impose an obligation to charge equally.”—Lord Blackburn, p. 122.
[ [22] See décret of April 26, 1862, quoted by M. A. de Foville in La Transformation des moyens de Transport p. 68.
[ [23] The following are some of the opinions of French statesmen and economists on the subject:—“Dans ma conviction le tarif différentiel est à la fois juste, conforme aux vèritables intérêts économiques et nécessaires à la concurrence.” M. Rouher.
“Les industries de transport par eau, par terre ou par chemin de fer ne vivent et ne prospèrent que par les tarifs différentiels. C’est en différenciant sagement leurs tarifs qu’elle attirent les marchandises et les voyageurs.” M. Legrand, sous-secrétaire d’état au Ministère des travaux publics:
“L’expérience a démontré aux compagnies la nécessité de superposer au tarif réglementaire de nombreux tarifs à prix reduits.*** Il a été reconnu que ceux là mêmes qui se plaignaient, le plus vivement des tarifs différentiels en recueillaient indirectement le bénéfice. Ce sont, en effet, ces tarifs qui fournissent au trafic des grandes compagnies les masses de marchandises les plus considérables, et ce sont ces masses qui rendent possible la réduction, au profit de tous, des tarifs généraux.” M. de Foville. La Transformation des moyens de Transport pp. 66, 67.
In a report to the French Chamber of Deputies by a Railway Commission in 1880, the Commissioners approved of special tariffs, and added: “We are even inclined to suggest the development of traffic of this nature, the importance of which is not at all in proportion to the natural advantages which France derives from her geographical position and her numerous ports.” Appendix 31 to Report from the Select Committee on Railways (Rates and Fares), 1882, Vol. II.
[ [24] Until recently, the classification of imported and exported goods, in force on the Northern of France Railway, was composed of six classes. A new tariff is now in force, the rates for such traffic varying from frs. 8 to frs. 30 per 1000 kilogrammes.
For the purpose of comparison, the rates charged for imported and exported goods are shewn under the respective classes in which the same articles are generally included when charged at the ordinary class rates.
[ [25] These rates are exclusive of cartage and of the extra charges referred to in Appendix I. Page vii.