Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1869-01-04
A MONOPOLY COuRI1.rIox

II was 10 De expected tina; the monopoly rail-
read interests that have ruled legislation in
various States OF the Union, to the disadvantage
OF the general public, would bestir themselves
10 defeat the proposed legislation by Congress
cnarterIng railroads radiating from Washing.
ton IN the interest of the people of thu country.
1t Is not surprising. therefore. that a eombina-
Ton has been effected among the leading mo-
nopolists, and the following circular sent out
calling for the cooperation OF all interested in
maintaining the present selfish, exclusive sys-
tenn. which enables States like Maryland and
New Jersey 10 play the part of high waymen to
every traveller crossing their territory. Ii will be
noticed that the greater portion of the signers to
Ine circular are parties to the monopoly line of
loads from Washington TO New York:
PHILADKLPHIA, mber 2S. ISIS
SIR.-TwO bills (Senats bills 55i and 6-I) are
now pcndlLg before the Senate OF the United
States. each % which Incorporates several conn.,
panIes. and authorizes them to build railroads
seven in all, radiatng from Washington and
extending over seven or eight different Stats.
These bills confer very great powers aud I'M
pose few restrictions. For example, one of
them authorizes the construction OF a road to
any point on any railroad in Virginia.
Ii Is well understood that this is but an en- =
terlng wedge 10 a 81 stem of railroad legislation
by Congress, Intended to extend over every part
OF the country.
Believing that such Congressional lexsla-
ton Will be destructive of existing railroad In =
terests. promote wild and dishonest specula-
ton, and De highly demoralizIng In its inf u
ton TO n.
Many OF the corporators named in these bills
some of them officers of existing railroads
have never been consulted. This Ras gwen the
impression that inf uential men and companies
favor this legislation, who, IN fact, are strongly
opposed TO it.
Under the impression that no such bill can
pass, railroad companies, generally, have not
opposed the measure. Prominent Senator'S
however, say that The danger is great aud I'M
minent, and that it calls for immediate and
vigorous exertioRs on the par: Of existing rail-
road officers TO avert it,
Should this matter appear to you as II does
90 us. We suggest that you use your Influenc.
with your friends in Congress, especially IN the
Senate, 10 defeat all such measures.
j. EDGAR THOMSON,
President Pennsylvania Railroad Com any
GEORGE w. CAS-.
Fres.Pntsburg, FortWane andChicagoRaiI way.
i. l.. JEwErr,
Pres Pittsburg, Cincinnati and st. Louis X. X.
ISAAC HINCKLKY,
free .Phlladelphia, w Wilmington and Bait. f. r.
CHARLES T. SAITH,
President Philadelphia and Reading Railroad
ASHBEL WELCH,
General Pres. OF United Companies of n. j.
A. l.. DENNIS,
fres- New Jersey X X. and Transportation Co.
WIN. II. GATZMER.
Pres. Camden and AmbOy Il. X. and Trans. Co.
What strikes the reader Of this cirC ular most
forcibly Is that these able and experienced rail.
road men, conversant with all the facts, can
ind little or NO argument against the proposed
Congressional action, except that IL may dam
age their private interests. II this objection
held good. not another railroad could BE- bull,
III the country; and those enterprising States
that are .gTidiIOning'- their whole surface
with tracks for the iron horse are doing great
injustice TO the previous railroad interests. Oae
road per State seems 10 be the idea of these gen.
nemen. The spectacle OF these up-to-snuf
railroad mIlllonaires making a stand in behalf
of public morals, and slapping their virtuous
breasts while they affect to dread that .ssuch
Congressional legislation will promote wild
and dishonest speculation and be highly de.
mOraliAng,n is doubtless very edifying, but
will fail TO impress people hereabouts. The
plain facts In the case, as known to every man,
woman, and child In this community, al least
are, that the plan for these railroad charters l.
the result Of the action taken by the citizens
meetings al our City Hall. Those meetings
were attended by our best and most nfiuentaI
citizens, and the plan of the charters was
adopted unanimously at those meetings. One
of the main spurs TO the action Of our citizens
was undoubtedly the statement made by Sena-
tor Sherman, that the question Of the remova al
of the capital was one OF railroads.
The people Of Washington are acting in
straightforward good faith TO improve their
railroad facilities. The movement has nothing
whatever TO do with ..rings," or .specula-
lions" or .lobbies." If the charter bills need
alteration, modification, or amendment, let that
be done. Let Congress satisfy itself that the
charters are everything that they should be,
but II we are to be held responsible-if our
future is to depend upon the improvement OF
our railroad aecess-let that body at least give
Us the right TO build these roads