The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-06-28
From tho Detroit IA IS Tubrne, in
Railroads u. >,,athbnnfs.

\ spirited contest has for several weeks
been carried between the railroads running
along the south shore Of Lake Erie and
Wards steamboat line, which promises ia
its results to involve large losses to on. or
both parties before it is terminated.
The railroad interest has - managed rar
several years past as to prevent amy steam
boat line running along the south Shore Of
the lake, owning boats themselves, and re-
fusing 10 run them except for the purpose
Of crushing out any line that might be at
tempted in competition with their interests
Capt Ward, Of this city has had the hnr-
dihood to make the effort to establish q
steamboat line from Toledo, Slndusky aud
Cleveland to Buffalo. The railroad, cen-
tering at Cleveland except the Pittsburgh
and Mahoniug,) all united IN opposing the
steamboat line, refusing to allow any bills
10 De distributed 10 passengers while on
their respective roads instructinG al their
officers and conductors to tell travellers that
there We're 10 lake steamers running tear
ing down the bills, and, in some instances,
resorting to the most contemplate and Dis
graceful means to prevent information
reaching travellers that an opposition exis-
ted All these measures falling they next
put on an opposition line Of steamers con
ssting Of the costly palaces, ~ the Hcst-
ern Naropoijs and CitY Of BWjaio.
These steamers leave Buffalo and tlevc-
land about the same time rs the boats Of
Wards line Fares have been reduced
from S5, the railroad rate, to 81 30 on
Wards line, and $3.50 on the railroad
boats, while the fare on the roads has been
reduced with view to meet the difficulty.
This most unequal contest Of one man try
ING to compete with a double line Of oppo-
nents, whose capital is not less than Slf,-
900 900. and whose influence is sufficiently
powerful to coerce all connecting lines u
aid in suppre,sing the audacious intruder
is a bold and rather novel undertaking in
the West How it will end time will deter
mine One thing is certain, Wards boats
have the good wishes and sympa;hios of the
people, and have thus far lost no money.
Railroad managers IN Ohio seem to have
been little too exacting for their own in.
terests At least the people :hink 50 and
if the people continue to do as they haze
done, and patronize Wards line, even Al
very low prices. they may be assured thai
q steamboat line during the season Of navi
CATION is hereafter to be fixed fact i
Capt Ward yields either to a combination
of men, railroads or moneyed power, i
will be a new thing under the sun. III
usually lays his plans deliberately, aud car
rie= them out with steadiness and perse
verance that deserves, and usually obtains
success In fact, he has never been driver
from a steamboat route by opposition yet
and if We are not greatly mistaken in pres
ent indications, his plan Of operation VII
soon convince his opponents that an early
retreat is their only security against I'M
mense losses
Wards line is now carrying about ..
passengers each war, or $50 daily. troH
these passengers the railroad would &c
$500 If there were no competition, or s2i'
coo per month. The large boats carr.
about 20 each way. or 10 passengers dall.
say $500 per day, or $4,000 Per rnonti