The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-07
THE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM.
Congress To BE Petitioned to Authorize {
National Public Railroad from thu
Metropolis to Chicago.


Congress To BE Petitioned to Authorize .
National Public Railroad from the
Metropolis to Chicago.
As the readers Of the HERALD already know, the
merchants OF New York have taken steps towards
Erecting permanent organization for the pur-
pose OF cooperating with the Farmers Associa-
tons OF the West In securing speedy relief from
the present embarrassments to commerce arising
from insufficient transportation facilities.
The shippers In Chicago are even more excited
over the subject than the New York
merchants, and. in canvassing the means for
establishing q permanent reformation in the
carrying trade OF the country they are
quite in advance OF their respondents here
Various methods for securing the one great de.
sideratum have been discussed but until now no
project has been put into definite shape. Below
VIII be found the text OF
MEMORIAL
to be submitted to Congress at the next session.
1t IL being largely signed by the heavy mercantile
firms of New York and Chicago. Whether the
plan which 1t presents shall meet with favor at
Washington or not will depend upon the mani
festation OF public opinion at large upon 1t, pend
Ing the Introduction of a bill in Congress to sane.
tioD the scheme.
Politicians will do well to study this whole sub
Ject thoroughly and then refrain from offering any
opinion thereupon whatever until the popular
voice shall have informed them unerringly which
way the rising wind will blow.
THE MERCHANTS TO CONGRESS-.
70 THE SENATE AND HOUSE, OF REPRESENTATIVES OF tn
We the undersigned, citizens Of the several States
named below, would most respectfully present TINS
During the Winter months for years past there has
been pressing want of increased transportation tacii
s from the Mes e the ssssSara e
proDety offered them, and their inability to meet the
largely rssss d irsisst With result;
to Of ri
ans sa to OF
polling them partially to suspend business, so that
ne caaso ha bringing % uuos Se
cars and consequently they have been Obliged to reae
country becoming fui arme rs have in many instances
e to s so Sr enter s %
pork packers and provision dealers from realizing on
6 a
s when ready for market has resulted in
business and causing financial embarrassment. we
Of rapid increase Of population and q the ssricul
nra Six qa % miles,
Lakes Michigan and SUPERIOR and the western boundary
s Sssy
ha f OF the sR H
q navigation Of the lakes and reach
With he
1 East e Scns e
and con tuners OF our produce But we are convinced
isrsed, VIII not slly answer parposs desired hsps
ss as Of
the which turns the entire transit business
:ssss Ssaq ss' sS s
as has been shown Is to check grain shipments to the
Michigan ports at long storage rates. with grain at low
prices The farmers who can hold their corn until
me next Spring store it at home for the better
current and payments while at the same time
@s Sut
forward,
What need and must have. as it appears to us, TO
afford proper relief to all Interests is double track rail
cusively in the tonnage business speed and cheap
rates This road worked at about seven miles to the
tonnage equal to four hundred and fifty million bushels
G. anS as to to IL
such highway as national public work we hum5y
construction of such q road with udicous and proper
restrictions to capital stock toll rates speed of trains
freight III ''' '''p"0" 'A0 """'p0'A"0" u
the Judgment of petitioners said charter should
receive and transport its line, with reasonable
OF toll ali cars whether loaded or empty corresponding
In gauge and construction with its own or OF certain
require OF the company complete and full responsibility
in the care and delivery Of all property which it re-
make annual reports to the secretary OF the Interior
p sceR paid % IL eeso ana
and such SthsI Imagination be required irs
Se e erfsry order 'o Of @
by vote Of CONGRESS to have at any time the right to
pose of yeriy said reports tor other purposes In
e be awe q to s Sc cy % a
will, IN the Judgment of Its managers approved by the
exceeding twelve per cent per Snnam on the actual cost
of the road and equipment and no dividends to be made
inss over The emoIn So divided being carried to sur
plus be applied future dividends prod,sng
corresponding abatements in the traffic rates.
Ana your petitioners VIII ever pray, &c.