- This case had been a landmark decision in regarding the the power of the Government and the public to regulate private businesses.
- The case arose when Illinois' legislature set maximum rates that private companies could charge for storage and transport of agricultural products (in relation to the National Grange, an association of farmers.)
- The case was eventually brought up to the Supreme Court where it was ruled in favor of Illinois, upholding the power of the Government to regulate private businesses as the storage facilitates were dedicated for public use, meaning they would be held liable to public regulation.