Mileage Books

A ruling of the Interstate Commerce Commission that railroads should offer 2,500 mile transportation books for $72 (ordinary price $90) is strongly opposed by the railroads. Eastern roads, with the exception of the Baltimore and Ohio, made a protest before the United States District Court of Massachusetts to enjoin the Commission from enforcing the order. The Baltimore and Ohio joined with western and southern roads in petitioning the Interstate Commerce Commission for rehearing on the question of mileage books. Last week the Commission refused a rehearing. Now the question of mileage books rests on the outcome of the case in court. It is said that no matter for which side the Massachusetts court decides, an appeal will be taken to the Supreme Court.

The railroads declare that the order for mileage books is " discriminating, uneconomical, contrary to the intent of Congress and even unconstitutional. " Three interests are involved in the case and represented in court--the railroads, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the office of the Attorney General, which is defending the legality 'of the amendments to the Transportation Act.