New-York tribune., 1873-02-14
Uniform FREIGHT RATES.
CONFERENCE OF TRUNK RAILROAD FREIGHT
AGENTs-A DISPARITY BETWEEN RATES FROM
THIS CITY AND BOSTON REM0yED~No RE-

CONFERENCE OF TRUNK RAILROAD FREIGHT
AGENTs-A DISPARITY BETWEEN RATES FROM
THIS CITY AND BOSTON REMoyBD-No RE-
DUCTIoN PROPOSED.
For a considerable time past the Freight
Agents OF the New York Central Pennsylvania Central
and Ere Railroads have been attempting 10 settle the
freight rates on a uniform basis. NoRaDally uniform
rate charged. hut not actually The pass "as u 10
per 100 pounds from NewYork TO Chicago, and proper
tonate rates other points To Chicago via the boso
and Albany Railroad, and thence via the Newfork Cen
trail Railroad only 81 per pounds was charged 10
con,ne successfuy for the NewEngland business, the
Erie Railway and Pennsylvania Central Railroad were
compelled 10 carry for the same rates; 30 tna' INC
Boston merchants and manufacturers "s'e 'o,'
having their goods carried 10 points III ,no
West more cheaply than the men ln -,
city, whom they could, consequently uhueison
urs,ofo,a the Newyork Central Railroad officers nave
sllowed the officers OF the Boston and Albany hano
IN make the tariff from New-Engand 10 tne "o'' III VI
former receiving their pro F"'d rato iiO .y,eu A.,
noints West In addition TO this there was Sno'noi III
auence although formidable as tnst OF 'ne pov
and Albany line. The National Dispatch company py
aason Of contracts with a steamer hne the vermont
Central the Grand Trunk Canada ana various "es'e"
lines were enabled TO take frelght Hom Dos'Vn "
Chicago for 80 cents per 100 pounds and from TINS CITY ~
proportouately low rates. This, however, Is much
longer route than either OF the Others and ogdensburs
or Montreal the only points where freight sent oy
this line can reach the Grand Trunk road
The merchants Of this city have complained that as
elimination was made OF Boston, and the agents
of the Erie Railway in various NewEnglaDd cities ana
towns have been writing at intervals to the general
agent here that the rates by other lines were lowered at
intervals and asking for instructions 1t was evident
that something must be DONE or the Erie and Pennsy
vania roads would lose not alone their New-England
business but much of that from this city, g. r. Blanch
ard and j. H. Ruter general freight agents Of the Erie
and Hudson River and NewYork Central road went to
Boston a few days ago and held conference with MT
Bliss general manager of the Boston and Albany road
INT without result Mr.. Bliss professed 10 be satisfied
with the condition Of affairs, and was unwilling
TO make any change. Messrs Blanchard ana hutter
returned this city, and the Erie managers at once an
nounced their determination TO lower Their rates 50 a.
TO compete with the Boston ana Albany rOau, altnougn
that would entail an average reduction OF 10 per CENT
corresponding reduction by the Pennsyyama CentfM r
NewYOrk Central then became necessary ana lnls
precpitated settlement Of the difculties COMMODORE
Vanderbilt or his son. VIM h. General MsnageE Oh pIi ie
NewYork Central it is understood informed Mr bss l9
that the pro rata rate would no longer Oe continued
between the railroad agents the end OF which in
agreement that the rate from Boston sha De raised 10
s1d We Tnrthermore the managers Of the Michigan
Central and Grand Trunk lines have agreed to do away
with the pro rata arrangement existing WIN the & Na
tona Dispatch line, and to charge proportlonaey the
| same rates the trunk lines and their connections
this arrangement If the present low rates are con-
tnued by the National Dispatch line this company ana
the Vermont Central VIA nave 10 pear t9e Duruen o
1t has also been determined that the agreement mace IN
December last and signed by the agents OF the various
| agreement are as follows:
agreed and their several fsst freight Dispatch
and cOloIei lines will hereafter make contracts
westward Whatever with ferwarders receivers st less
unless by Of the general freight agents
o.
than the time rates given, unless they are
/ agreed upon 10 oontinr fer tIed period; glAran-
under IL also agreed by tbe
several connections will under
directly indirectly their respect
i've proportions westward fred by the Trunk Lines
salaries cOInmlssOns In whole part 10 agents
OF clerks other shippers give passes to
orgarer or will leave through oss
cations westward solely the hands Of the Trunk Line
officers concession interference complications
their respective lines The Of s agreement de-
cared and esssoaops
lines and transportation companies aud we pledge our
discontinue form OF direct Indirect remote detail
which the good faith be construed
trade against honorable competition
is believed by the general freight agents OF the
lines that this action insures uniform freight
tariff from city all points East and West. more
uDtiI the opening OF navigation"
when the Spring schedule Of rates adopted The Bal
more and Ohio Railroad is not party to the agree
ment Nevertheless this road to reach Philadelphia s
compelled TO use the Camden and Amboy Railroad,
which is under the control Of the Pennsylvania Com
pany whose officers charge the Baltimore and Ohio
whatever rate they please Hence the latter road is
removed from active competition. By the restored
schedule the rates various points are as before, with
out rebate or drawback Of any kind.