New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-05-03
RAILROAD MENDICANTS.
THE MARKET FOR FREE PASSES.

RATHER EAitNA AHEM-iioN iNNoHF'NiaAs %NA'S
FREIGHT CHARGES MAY BE REDUCED.
Having understood that since the public an
of the abrogauon of the treePass system
on the Union Pacific Railroad applications for them still
continue 10 pour in upon the executive officers in New
York and Boston, reporter Of THE TRIBUNE called upon
The Hon. Horace f. CLARK. President of the Railroad
Company and asked him If he was willing TO give iufor
nation relative to the matter. He expressed mis- read
ness 10 state the facts.
RepOrter-When did You determine on ahOshing the
free-pass system on the Union Pacific Railroads
Mr.. Clark-We began curtailment in the Spring OF
1872. Daring the year 1871, under former admnistra-
ton. the system OF exchange railroad passes abol-
ishcd by which meant the passes issued to officials
Of other railroads in exchange for theirs In 1872 there
a very great dimnutiOn in the number OF passes
issued, bu they st given tOmembers Of Congress
application and occasionally to constituents on the
application of Senators and members and other infuen-
tal persons The editorial fraternity came IN for tair
share The freepass system was never practically ana
thoroughly abrogaed until after the election in March,
lSTs.
RepOrtcr-FrOm what classes OF persons were the ma
jority OF applications receivedf
Mr. Cark-They from all classes, but the major
iy from the wealthy-generaly from persons able to
pay their fares They solicited occasionally in be-
half OF the poor but general rule they were sought
by the rich and powerful.
RepOrter-To what extent did the editorial fraternity
Spplyi
Mt Clark have not the record, but great numbers
were applied for by and behalf of the editors Of
papers Very few If any, were asked for from the lead
ing newspaper establishments Of this city. do not
membor a single instance. Editors Of newspapers out
side the great cities applied more freely.
Reporter-was any application ever made from TIE
TRIBUNE Oficel
Mr. Clark-NOne. Mr.. Greeley was nimcal TO the
whole freepass system and regarded it destructive
10 railroads. remember TO have met him one evening
just previous to his leaving this city for Chicago
aended stop or two points on flake Shore
1ailrOad, of which was President. 1 rendered him
over the road and it is impression that he de
clined it, expressing in strong language his repugnauce
IL the whole deadhead system.
THE DEMAND FROM WASHINGTON.
Reporter-Were many applications made by Senators
and Representatives in CongresSi
Mr.. Curk-Yes a great many. During 1872 pas
were uniformly issued where the application embraced
The senator or Representative and his immediate family
Where the applications Of these officials went beyond
Hheir immediate families free passes granted
y general rule.
Reporter-From what other officers Of the Govern.
snent applications for free passes received3
Mr. Clark-FTom great many. have Mt the record
by me-
Rep0rter-Werc anv applications received from any
1ncmbers Of the Cabinet or the PRESIDENT
Nj. Chrk-Ithink there from behalf OF
pf the Cabinet.
itpulttT-NcEc IVce passes issued on such apuIla
hlonsl
Mr.. Clark think there were prior to March last
bdo not think that application ever made
pass behalf of the President.
RepOrter-I have noticed Of the President
accompanied by large party. having passed the
Union Pacific Railroad within few days past. Did
zhcy pay their fares
Mr. Cark-I think not. authorized q special car TO
1e rendered for the Of the President and his family
q made that exception, ont OF respect to the
president and his Office.
Rep0rter-FOr what these passes issued to
Noyemment officers Senator'S Representatives, and the
editorial fraternity
Nj. Clark-Ir is somewhat embarrassing 10 answer
that question. As to the editorial fraternity, take it
khe object proptiate their good will prevent
them from deiaming the enterprise in their newspapers
As 10 tine Government officials it is difficult say for
what reason the passes have been issued. suppose
however that it for the same reason that the rail-
broad companies chartered by the passes
no the State Legislatures The Union Pacific Railroad
Charcred by act Of Congress- and in early history
ceiyed generous aid from the G1Eernment
Reporter-Why are members of Congress better
Titled 10 free passes than the general public
Mr.. Clark-Weli they are not many in number, and
dhe general public don't vote IN Congress
Rep0rter-Am 1 20 understand Won that these passes
given to members Of Congress to influence their
nIon IN measures coming before theml
Mr.. Cark-The practice of giving tree passes TO
bers OF Congress originated several years since Cards
sf invitation were issued to members Of Congress- III
forming them that the Union Pacfcs Raroad Company
would be pleased 10 have the members pass the
oad the year and satisfy themselves by peronl
inspection TO the constitution and operation OF the
uuad. its necessities, and the part the Government
SHOULD act toward and the country adjacent thereto
bn future and the freedom OF the road rendered
no facilitate such inspection. think these cards Of in
TvatOn have been issued each year until 1873 whether
IT. Congress generally or members apply ing Them
u say. do not think that these cards of invita-
hon intended TO influence action, but rather
rable the members 10 acquire inform iOn upon which
pheir action might he based.
Reporter-For what reason then. have free passes
neen given persons other than member, Of Congress
bOn the Application OF tile latter
Mr.. Clark-It is rather difficult 10 say suppose
crs Congress applied by outsiders get passes
der them Just they bounded for official positions,
rnd they yield 10 the importantly. The outsider avas
himself OF the Official position OF the member 10 aid him
his application for free pass ana IL is possible
that the company afraid decline 10 give the pass
fear Of offending The pOs,essor Of official power. don't
believe that any Senator member Of Congress was
ever Influenced ms official action in the slightest de-
gree by free pass and l signed with the
least expectation tina, advantage to the company
would result from IT, may have consented 90 the issue
Of from the apprehension entertained by drec
that serious mischief might result from refusal.
WHAT rHE pEAD-HEAD SYSTEM Co.T-.
RepOrtcr-Wha, number Of persons have Travelled on
free passes per Union Pacific Railroad,
aud by what officers they issued
Mr. Clark-Ihe passes styled complimentary are
allowed TO be issued olly BY the President on yccPres
dent Those appeaining TO business issued by the
superintendent The line / have moi the means at
band Of stating the number Of persons who have tray
eled on free passes. They count by thousands.
Rcporter-what Is the passenger raIe the Union
Pacific PgIlrOaQl