Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-11-15

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RAILROAD CoNvExTIoN-The Convention o.
Railroad men which has for several days been in
session in this city, was the longest and perhaps
the most important ever held in the United States
The miles Of roads interested in the results which
should flow from this, are not less than eight thou
sand, and the capital invested amounts to four hun
dTsd millions Of Dollars. To meett the wants of this
vast system of Railroads required deep. far sighted
and efficient mansgements. The large number Of
roads which are every year declared insolVent the
difficulties in perfecting any pan Of organization
which should remedy the many, and hydra headed
evils constantly being brought to light, called for
some extraordinary union and consolidation. Con-
ventions had been held before, meetings had been
called, and Stockholders, Direc ors and the public
had proposed amendments and argued reform"
until the whole subject had been pronounced bore
BY the mass of the public, and they were almost
GRADY to cry "away with all such corrupt corpora
tions cannot mole satisfactorily settle their own
grievances"
The four great eastern lines the New York Cen
tral, the New York Erie, the Pennsylvania Gen.
tral, and the Baltimore Ohio, had met by their
representatives and adopted plan of organization
and rules for tbeir own guidance. They worked
for the great Eastern interest, but West of these
lines was system of Roads far exceeding the East
ern in number and length. There were some
eighty roads in the States of Ohio, dana, Illinois,
Michigan and Wisconsin that were to be cared for,
and for whose guidance some plan must be found
or the evils of comp ttion would forever injure and
retard them. Anmosties were springng up be-
tween competing lines, which could result in no
good, but much evil Rates were cut down to
ruinous figures and the general disastrous effects
of such course was evident to all thinking men.
Such was the position of Railway affairs in the
West when this Convention was called. The Com
Iattee over whose signatures the call was issued,
were men who had practical knowledge of these
evils, and who were interested in bring about 8
better state of affairs. The following gentlemen
composed this Committee J. W. BRooks, Of the
Michigan Central R. R.. WN. DENNIsoN, Jr, of
the Little Miami and Columbus and Xenia T. NJ.
HUBBY, Of the Cleveland, Columbus and Cncin-
natl; GE o. W. CAss, of the Pittsburg, Fl. Wayne
and Chicago A. STONE, Jr., Great Western J;
WARREN CoLBURN, of the Toledo and Wabash !;
JOHN VAN WoRTwIoE, of the Chicago, Burling-
ton and Quincy, and JOHN BRoUGH, of the Belle
fontaine and Indiana
These gentlemen Presidents of their respective
4, ~. I
of rules and regulations, being much the same as
those of the eastern roads, and presented the same
to the Convention, composed of representatives of
the roads north Of the Ohio and east of the Misss
sippi rivers. Forty three roads responded to the
call and were represented by Presidents, Vice Pres.
idents, Superintendents or Directors The plan of
organization we publish in another pant ofto-days
paper, and we commend a careful perusal of it to
our readers, that they may see upon what basis the
Dads propose to operate.
The main points of discussion has been on the
aboshment of all runners and solicitors of freight
and passengers, and on the connection of Railroads
with Express companies. These points have been
largely discussed, and argued at length. The evils
of the runners and agents TO the Eastern lines
forcibly presented by the President of the New
York and Erie Road. He most urgently advised
the Western roads, to abolish the system entirely.
Upon the final vote this was DONE and the roads in
this compact will now stand clear of all such evils.
Upon the Express Company question much feel
ing was manifested, and much talent was displayed
in the arguments. There were men in the ICon-
vention who had power of eloquence of no small
capacity-men who would be known, and who
would make their mark anywhere. The causes of
those roads which now have existing contracts for
series of years with express Companies, was ably
defended, while the other side was well presented.
OF the various speakers we shall speak more par.
ticularly tomorrow. 1t was finally decided that
no extra facilities should be granted to Express
Companies, that were not allowed to other ship
pers. The practice of deprecating rival routes in
bills and posters was also prohibited.
The whole system of Western Roads is now to
to be under the charge and control Of these Com
missioners who by their general management will
do much to consolidate competing roads.
The good influence of this Convention will be
more aud more apparent every day. We have
great hopes and faith that this meeting of officers
of railroads will do much to remove that local and
petty strife which is 50 unworthy the dignity Of
great corporations, but which is so much INDUCED
in at the present day. We believe that the roads
throughout the West will come into this arrange
ment heartily, and that great and good results
vii! grow out Of it. Those who have come here
and advocated the passage of this compact will 60
home to carry out their own advice. and those
who have here listened to the advice and council
Of the others, will show that they are the real
working men whom We so much need.
The shoals and rapids which many feared would
be the death knell to all good results from the
Convention, have been passed, and the members
of the meeting have gone to their hOmea in good
feeling, determined to make at the least a vigOr-
ous effort to carry out in letter and spirit the
pact which has been adopted. So mote it be.
AccIDENT.-Ssturdsy morning German whose
name we were unable to learn, and who lives near