Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-02-17

Hon. j. S. ThOYp, Thdd. @. Pound. A A.
Bennett, L. Merrill, W. s. ScTibneT, W A.
Fulton, Angus Cameron, N. f. Carpenter.
A. Woods and Vim. j. COpp, Madison, Wis
GENTLEMEN: have to acknowledge the re-
ceipt this morning of your favor, calling at
tention to the prevailing complaints among the
people of the upper Mississippi and its trib-
utaries, in relation to irregularities in charges
bv steamboat and railroad companies upon
freights between that region and Lake Mich
igan. and consequent injustice to producers
and shippers in that large part OF the State
which you represent.
Tn reply have the honor to inform you that
this company has adopted as its future policy
the principle OF an open river, so faf as Its
freight business is concerned, ana thai here
after it will receive and deliver all frelghts TO
and from all steamboats, doing business on
the upper Mississippi and its tributaries on
equal terms, receiving each and all alike In
the order in which they arrive, and without
any distinction or preference in rates or terms,
or any favolitism of any kind.
This absolute equality and absence OF favor
itism will of course involve the prompt deliv-
ery at our depot on the Mississippi River of
ali freights which are definitely consigned or
directed in accordance with the consignment
so far as it is practicable 20 do so.
1t will be obvious to you that we can not
properly serve the travelling public without
making some definite and reliable arrange
ment for steamboat connections for passen-
gers, but as to freight we have determined, SO
far as this company can influence the same.
to ensure an open river and absolutely free and
equal competition for all boats doing business
with us.
We are under obligation to you for affording
us this opportunity Of giving public assurance
to the people of your section of the State, oil
this change in our future policy, which is very
cheerfully made by this Company.
Very Respectfully Yours, &c.
S. S. MERRILL,
Genl Man. NJ 4 st. p. Il: r. Co.
MILWAUKEE, WIS, Feb. J, 1866.
To j. @. THorp, TIC. Pound, and Others:
GENTLEMEN letter from you to sir. Mer-
ril and myself was handed me yesterday,
| enquiring what was to be the policy of the
Company 1 represent in future as to the man
agement of our river business.
l feel indebted TO you for seeking informa-
| tion from the managers of the road on this
| subject, before undertaking by legislation to
correct what is considered an evil. My theory
of railroad management Is that road to be
conducted successfully must be in intimate
and harmonious relations with its patrons.
We have always been ready to meet with par
| ties who may have considered themselves sg-
grieved by any policy we may have adopted,
| and, If shown to us to be unfair, as far as we
were able, to correct it.
MY own impressions about the river bust.
| ness have been that higher rates had better
be paid to insure dispatch and responsibility
/ than throw the roads open to all boats alike
reliable and unreliable.
The people on the river, as repre-. ented
| think differently, and We are entirely willing
| to yield to their opinion. Hereafte the rates
| over our road to all boats which may receive
| or deliver freight to the road, shall be alike.
| No discrimination has ever existed at the
| Prairie du Chicn elevators against boats not
| in the regular lines being loaded or unloaded
in their turn; the facilities given to each
have been the same, and order of delivery re
/ spected.
| Trusting that this will be satisfactory to YOU
and those you represent. remain,
| Yours respectfully,
| j. G. SPENCER, General Manager.