Missouri Pacific Railway Co. v. Larabee Flour Mills Co., 211 U.S. 612 (1909)
U.S. Supreme Court
Missouri Pacific Railway Co. v. Larabee Flour Mills Co., 211 U.S. 612 (1909)
Missouri Pacific Railway Company v.
Larabee Flour Mills Company
No. 16
Argued November 11, 12, 1908
Decided January 11, 1909
211 U.S. 612
ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE STATE OF KANSAS
No one can be compelled to engage in the business of a common carrier, but if he does so, he becomes subject to the duties imposed on common carriers.
Even in the absence of legislative enactment or special contract a common carrier is bound to treat all shippers alike and can be compelled to perform this common law duty by mandamus or other proper writ.
Notwithstanding the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the delegation to it by Congress of the control of certain matters, a state may, in the absence of express action by Congress or by such commission, regulate for the benefit of its citizens local matters indirectly affecting interstate commerce.