Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-06-09
THE RAILROAD TROUBLE.

Our readers are acquainted with the facts
in the recent difficulties between the Eastern
and Boston and Maine railroads. The trouble
began on the expiration of the lease to these
roads of the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth
roads. The Eastern Company leased the lat
ter road anew, and the Boston and Maine ap-
piled to the late legislature for charter, and
obtained it to build an extension of their road
to Portland. The old arrangements of the
roads were continued until last Monday, when
the new Pullman night train went into opera
tion. 1t appears that the Boston and Maine
was consulted about the night train. but re-
fused to have anything to do with it, and made
up a train of its own, which the other roads
by their new arrangement could not accom-
modate. The Boston Advertiser has an ar
ticle upon the subject from which we copy
the following.
1t will be seen that there are several ques-
tons involved in this controversy. The re-
vised statutes of Maine provide that con-
meeting road shall draw the cars of the road
with which it connects, sat reasonable hours
and at tolls not exceeding its ordinary rate"
L
will say that what has been reasonable in the
past, and what the Boston and Maine mani
tested no desire to change until the Eastern
had made new and superior plans, must be
reasonable now. On the other hand the Bos-
ton and Maine advocates will say that what
is reasonable for the Eastern is reasonable for
them. The Eastern will say that having made
special arrangements for the speedy trans
portation of passengers, the Boston and
Maine has no right to interfere to prevent it
by causing stop and delay at South Berwick
and by so frightening the train that it will be
difficult to make the published time The
Boston and Maine will claim its right to be
carried into Portland with the regular trains
of the Eastern. The Eastern will retort that
these are special trains and that giving as
good facilities to travellers by that road as
before they can have nothing to complain of
Ana thus there are the two irreconclable
views OF rights and duties. Perhaps the
strongest point made by the Eastern road is
Its night to run an express train, to stop where
it chooses. Only those who are aware of the
manner in which the several trains are nee
essarlly arranged so as to meet and pass each
other near South Berwick junction at GER
tain hour and at stations connected by sim
gle track, can understand the disagreement
that would be caused by delay to make up
land. 1t is claimed by the Eastern Railroad
that aside from the inconvenience of such
ueiay It would so narrow the margin of time
wheh the road Is open that there would be
uanger IN the connection proposed. There is
certainly something to be considered. and il
VIII not be transgressing the limits of impar-
uallty If we say that, provided there is the
danger alleged, the Eastern Railroad wonld
be justified in so much of its course as was
que 10 mat consideration. And in regard to
the Whoie question, we think we may fairly
ciaim TO nave shown there is too much to he
advanced by either party to the controversy to
admit of correct Judgment until all tho
facts are known.
We may call attention in closing. TO ono
fact which is full of instruction. This cen.
test is not one by which the people receiv,
any benefit. The passengers by one road
cannot be sure that they will reach their iour
ney's end at the time fixed by the Timetable
Passengers by neither road get better accom-
modations by reason of the quarrel, nor low
er fares. Both are excellent roads and ever,
improvement made upon them has been dur
ing the period of their amicable relations. Tn,
only interruption to this Improvement was din,
to another contest which gave the public low
fares for season, but rendered the Comma
MES losers to such an extent that for tim
few new improvements were undertaken
There is a remedy for all this The two com
panies might and ought to become one. IN
second track from South Berwick 10 Portlan
is not needed, and the necessity Of budin
it might be obviated by the practical union q
the two lines. The beneficial results Of In
consolidation of Maine railroads are know
by all who have occasion to travel that way
There could be no wiser step for the Easter