New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-17
lGEsIHAL PRESS DisrArcH.l

WARRINGTON, Jan. 1G.-ln the National
Cleap Transportation Convention to-day the Railroad
Committee reported In favor OF Federal legislation re-
strctlns railroad freights. and many respects con-
trolling their management; also, recommending
national narrow-gauge railroad between tue West and
Eastern seSports, 10 be bdi at the expense OF the
United States Government
Judge J.. Cochran Of Georgia presented minority
report declaring that Congress mas no power TO resu-
freight charges ON existing railroads The right 10
regulate does 70 build railroads to
carry on commerce The power regulate is one thing
u the mower TO create is another Charters created by
States are legislative contracts which neither States nor
Congress can touch without violating the fundan entail
law Other reasons given against the majority
report Both reports were received and laid over
The Convention then took up the reports on water
routes Col Carrington spoke in favor of the majority
reDnr and Gen Rosser favor OF the minority report
The latter SAID the West in favor OF the Atlantic
and Great Western Canal that the Canal absolutely
necessary 10 the Wes and that would be- built at
early day. .
During the discussion thi. evening Mr. Moore OF Chi
cago expressed belief that was rho duty Of tho
Government build such artificial highways for com
nerce a. were practicable, and which tue country re-
oured. snoh lines should be bulls for freight over
which all citizens should have right a. common car
rers paying the accommodation In just aud equta
Die proportions.
Mr. 6rosyenor OF ST. LOnis said that they all desired
cheap transportation as the freight on Whea' anu onef
products TO the cost so much that less lhan mere
ofore now transportation by the rivers ana sRes
The railroad rates less on grain than on heavy
freghts and vet nine out OF ten OF the rairoaus
did not realize enough money to pay interest Oh 'nor
bonds, and Dor cent on the costs Of the roads We
have too nuon railroad competition already II we
build three or four 50 more railroads, we VIII hae
To support them The Only cheap means for the Trans
porf.tion OF the eIooss OF agricultural supplies from the
western and South Western 10 the Eastern States was
| IA the improyemen OF the natsral water fones
Mi smediey OF Iowa thought the reason why some OF
the roads did not pay dividend WAS that interest was
required to paid fictitious values instead Of on the
| actual cost OF the roads.
Mr. Grosvenor inquired whether the gentleman be.
| lieved that every road watered it, stockt
M smedley replied that 10 doubt some are honestly
managed hut he did know one Of The western roads
| the stock OF which was not waiered.
Mr. Gro.yenor said that the Baltimore and Ohio Rail
| Rad stock WAS not watered. 1t among the most
oyen; and profitable roads IN the country. II Was
! managed with stngluess rather than with economy.
Mr smeiley resuming said that he lived ess than 90
m los west Of the Mississippi River HIS felovcitzoDs
have 10 pay for every oushe OF wheat II and sometimes
q cents fre ght for distance OF 80 miles Unless they
obtain immediate relief they would have TO abandon
rasiug grain but IL they obtain relief even 10 the extent
OF 10 cents Der bushel hey could double tb. present yield
! Nj Thnrow ~ New-York replied 10 Nj. Grosvelor,
saowius how railroad sock Is waered III Nrw-fork and
elsewhere and tue dishonesty sometimes practiced In
the construction o roads giving New-fork examples
There Was further discussion when the Convention,
al haifpss 10 o'clock. adjourned until TO morrow No
definite action feature OF the reports
nut AT the next session The Convention VIII Determine
upon the plans 10 suggested 10 Congress ana the
| legislature OF the several states.
The following principle is embodied IN the report made
today from tho Railroad Committee:
Railroads are highways. ard Tnroaf companies are
common csrrier; Congress should pro''de s'eoune