Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-07-08

In connection with these remarks on
the passenger business of the Erie Rail
way, it may be noted, that in 1873 ar
rangements were made with the various
steamship lines running between New
York and Liverpool, or Glasgow, where
by a system of prepaid orders, covering
both ocean and rail passage, was inaugu-
rated and, through the friendly co-ope-
ration of these various lines of steamers,
numbering fleet of 95 irst-class steam
ers, aud whose agencies 10000 in number,
may be found in every section OF Europe;
a very large increase of business will
naturally be concentrated on the line ct
the Erie Railway. The arrangement
alluded to is not confined to emigrant
travel. but embraces first and second
class passengers; and the managers OF
he various steamship lines, forming
what is termed the North Atlantic Con-
ference" have issued circulars to their
agents, inviting them to use their active
influence in furthering all the plans con,
tempated by this agreement. 1t is well
known that the Transatlantic Steamship
lines bringing emigrants to New York,
have for years labored under one great
disadvantage, as compared with the
steamship lines landing their passengers
at other Atlantic ports, namely: that the
emgrant fares from New York to the
West have been higher than from Quebec,
Philadelphia or Baltimore; the result
being that emigrants could be ticketed
through from Liverpool to Chicago, via
either Of these ports, at from one to three
dollars less, per capita, than via. New
York-an item of considerable impor-
tance. The Erie Railway Company, in
making this arrangement, is working di-
reetly for the interests of the city with
whose prosperity it is so closely identi-
fed; and it is believed that a mutual
concession on the part of the railway
and steamship lines, as indicated by the
programme sketched out above, will
inure very materially to an increase Of
the emigration to New York direct, and
to the diminution of that class of travel,
which. through certain economical in
ducements. has, within the past four
years, been attracted TO Boston, Phila-
delphia and Baltimore. The through
travel of the Erie Railway increased in
1872, 49,00l persons over 1870; and in
1873 gained 43, ,402 through passengers
over 1872.
The Erie Railway, as now located, fur
nishes the shortest route between New
York and Buffalo, being % miles shorter
than that via the New York Central and
Hudson River Railroad; and it is esti-
mated, that by reduction Of grades and
change of alignment, it is practicable to
make the distance, to all intent and pur-
poses, some % miles shorter in time, if
not in actual distance. With these short
line advantages, and with through pas
senger and sleeping coaches, carrying
people upon terms Of equality With other
through lines, there is no reason why the
revenue Of the Erie Railway from pas
senger business should not, within the
next two years, amount to more than
$4,000, 900 per annum.
In this connection, the promptitude
with which passenger trains on the Erie
have been run during the year is deserv-
ing Of commendatien. An official state
ment from the General Post Office De-
partment shows that of the entire num-