200 RAILWAY RATES 



the whole, differential rates, if fairly worked, are the most 

 equitable system. But in no case should special import 

 rates be actually lower for long than for short distances, 

 and a different scale should be provided if the perishable 

 character of the article precludes natural competition be- 

 tween land and sea carriage. The scale of rates should be 

 published in a clear, intelligible form, and an appeal should 

 lie to a Board of Control, whose decisions should bind the 

 companies. Such Boards of Control are no novelties. In 

 Holland, Belgium, and France the Government retains 

 power to adjust rates in the public interest. In Prussia, 

 and the German Empire generally, similar powers are 

 vested in Conciliation Boards. It is true that in these 

 countries railways were partly built by the State ; but the 

 common principle is that, if railways are primarily com- 

 mercial undertakings, they are endowed with exceptional 

 powers, because they are designed to develop, and not to 

 cripple, the resources of the country. 



