1899 public laws – Ch.164 Sec.6

That all contracts and agreements between railroad companies doing business in this state as to rates of freight and passenger tariffs shall be submitted to said commission for inspection and correction, that it may be seen whether or not they are a violation of law or of the provisions of this act or of the rules and regulations of said commission, and all arrangements and agreements whatever as to the division of earnings of any kind by competing railroad companies doing business in this state shall be submitted to said commission for inspection and approval in so far as they affect rules and regulations made by said cominission to secure to all persons doing business with said companies just and reasonable rates of freight and passenger tariffs, and said commission may make such rules and regulations as to such contracts and agreements as may then be deemed necessary and proper, and any such agreements not approved by such commission or by virtue of which rates shall be charged exceeding the rates fixed for freight and passengers shall be deemed, held and taken to be violations of this act and shail be illegal and void.