, 1872-12-29

The formation Of protective freight unions
among the merchants Of different Western cities,
for the purpose Of obtaining lower rates of
freight on goods from the Eaet than can bo &c.
cured By individual shippers, las lod to 8 reac-
tion on behalf Of the principal railroad lines,
which has taken shape in the following agree
mcnt entered into between tho agents Of the
various companies
It is agreed that the trunk lines and their sew
eral fast freight, despatch transportation, and
colored 1ines will not hereafter make any cou-
tracts westward, il any form whatever, with for
warders or receivers, at less than the Joint tar
IFS, unless by agreement of the general freight
agents Of the trunk lines; nor guarantee
tho continuance OF such rntes more than one
week from the time rates arc given, unless thoy
arc agreed upon to continue for a fixed period
nor guarantee timo under any circumstances.
It is also agreed by the several connections of
the trunk lines, that they will not, under any
circumstances, nor in any form, abate directly
or indirectly, their respective proportions OF tho
through westward rates fixed BY the trunk lines;
nor pay salaries, expenses, or commissions, in
whole or part to agents or clerks Of freight asso
cations or other shippers; nor give passes to
forwardere receivers of freight; but will leave
through rates, classifcations and conditions
westward solely in tho hands Of the trunk limo
officers, without any forms of concession, inter-
ference, or complications whatever on their re-
spectlve lines.
The purpose Of this agreement is declared to
be the maintenance of absolute uniform rates
and classihcations by all lines routes, and trans-
portation companies and ne pledge oursolyos
to discontinue every form Of direct, indirect, or
remote detail which, in the exercise OF tho strict
est good faith, can be construed as an unfair
inducement to secure trade against honorable
competition.
Signed on behalf Of tho Penn. Railroad: n
7. G. Il. Railroad Erie Railway; T. ". l. ".
Railway; G. G. G. g. /. Railway; Vandalia
Route; I. B. l. ". Railway; T. P. & ". Rail
/ road Pom. Co., operating r, TT. ". j. c., and
P, q. d st. l.. Railroad; 4. & Ct. ". Railway.
| The agreement WAS also signed by tho agents Of
| nearly all the leading Western railroad comps
MES.
:. In reference to this, the New York Daily Rulle-
| tin says:
So far this action ca1culated to maintain uni
formity Of rates and prevent faSoritis scrimna-
uon there can be valid objection to 1t. The freight
agents have much right to unite to protect their
tual interests the merchants have to form protective
freight unions. But far this action is intended
to concentrate and strengthen railroad freight
nopoly and countenanced In TINT object by the great
railroad companies, far It iB calculated produce
most unfarorable results. In this view 1t Involves
virtual throwing down OF the gauntlet to the business
classes in the entire country, and Is distinct warning
tnat henceforth ts uBeless to ake complaints to
| demand redress from the railroad companies.
| GRAIN WAREHOUSE BALANCES.
| CHICAGO Dec. 81, 1872,
J. r. Preston, Precedent Board Of Trade:
Tour EArahnuaa s1arninin0 Co1nrnttea hez IeaFe tq