Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-03-19
THE BALTIMORE AND OHIO
RAILROAD.
Tmportant T deductions in the Rates for
transportation of Coal.


The regular monthly meeting of the Direc-
tors Of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com
many took place on the 18th instant, at their
Office Camden Station, the President, J. w.
Garrett Esq, in the Chair
The Committee on Transportation recon-
mended material reduction in the tariff on
coal. TO take effect on the 10th Of March, inst
The reductions embraced in the resolution of
the Committee on Transportation were as fol-
/ lows:
Forty cents 40 cents per ton Of two thou
sand pounds from Cumberland and Piedmont
to Baltimore, and fifty cents 80 cents per ton
I Of two thousand pounds on Gas Goals from New
/ burg Fairmont and Clarksburg, with cores
\ ponding reductions of way rates upon the main
/ stem and the branches.
/ The President stated that whilst the reduc-
/ ton was very large, involving great dliier-
/ ence in the receipts Of the Company, yet look
/ inc at the great advantages which 1t was hoped
this important change in the tariff would &C
I complish, he was prepared 70 recommend the
adoption by the Board of the resolution OF the
| Committee Forty cents 40 cents per two
thousand pounds amounted to a deduction OF
about forty-fve cents As cents per long ton,
and on Gas Goals the deduction of fifty cents
80 cents per two thousand pounds, was equal
to sixty cents go cents per long ton.
/ Upon the quantity of coal now being trans
ported upon the road these reductions would
amount to a difference in the net earnings Of the
Company OF fully $500 per day
Up 10 this period the Company has not re
duccd the high prices paid for length of time
for labor. and has been unable to economist 10
a. 80, ials n nd
the general expenses Of working the road. =
The Board must therefore anticipate material
increase in the ratio Of working expenses, and
such reduction OF the gross rate, with the lint
ted decrease Of expenses must OF course res1.;
in q large decrease of net earnings
The Board, however, had uniformly made
every effort to increase and develop this impor-
tant interest, and to aid supplying coal 10
those using il at the lowest possible price. As
manufactures of large capacity were becoming
much more numerous in Baltimore, and as the
steamship and other varied aud important IN
terests would be largely benefited 10y the re-
dpction. and as it was hoped that the cost OF
labor could now also be properly reduced, III
view of the decreased cost of many of the LeceS-
saries of life. the President deemed it wise that
, the change proposed should be made. The en-
pectation might alsob be justly entertained thata
large increase TO the trade OF the company as
well as the better results for the numerous en-
tcrprises Affected by the reduction, would ultl-
mately Justify such action.
Il is understood that the Eastern markets
generally are bare of both semi-bituminous and
gas Goals, and although the decrease OF charge
proposed Is larger that has been anticipated by
the trade, and presents a very low figure VIZ
but $3.50 per ton from Cumberland, to the
shipping wharves at Locust Point, yet these
, facts strengthen the hope that so large bus
mess may follow as to measurably remuneratc
for heavy reduction in the rates for tranSporta-
ton.
The Company can use effectively its entire
line Of double track for tue tra6c of the present
season, and has very large cquipmento Of both
locomotives and coal cars The President,
therefore, trusted that such an extent of bust
ness would be commanded as, when taken in
connection with the general benefits that would
be dtiuSed by the reduction, would prove the
action proposed to be iudiciouS
Subsequent to the remarks Of the President
the vote was taken upon the resolutions pro-
posed by the Committee of Transportation, and
the tariff rs recommended, adopted, to take
effect rs stated.
After the transaction OF the regular and AL
other business presented, the Board adjourned.