Interstate Commerce Commission v. Philadelphia & R. Ry. Co.

Citations

• 123 F. 969
• 1903 U.S. App. LEXIS 4961

Syllabus

<p>1. Interstate Commerce Commission—Proceedings Before—Compelling Production of Evidence.</p> <p>In a proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission on the petition of an individual against certain railroad companies alleging discrimination and the charging of unreasonable and unjust rates for the carrying of anthracite coal, in violation of the interstate commerce law, a coal company, the entire stock of which is owned by one of defendant railroad companies, may properly be regarded as the latter’s agent in making contracts, and may be required to produce contracts or evidence with respect to contracts made with third parties when they have any relation to transportation charges, but such contracts, which are merely for the purchase of coal at prices therein fixed, are not relevant to the-issues, and their production cannot he required.</p> <p>2. Same.</p> <p>In such a proceeding evidence relating to a combination between defendants in restraint of trade or to the fixing of prices for coal sold is not pertinent to any issue, nor to any matter which the commission has. jurisdiction to try, and its production cannot be compelled.</p>