New-York tribune., 1874-11-19
RAILROAD POLICY.
THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE.

ilC CONf
STATEMENTS BY vICE-PREsIDENT KING OF THE BALTr-
MORE AND OHIO ROAD REGARDING THE POSITION
OF THAT CoMPANY-THE SARATOGA COMPACT
FIRMLY Observation-Disclosures OF THE RECENT
VISIT OF RAILROAD MAGNATEs-THE BALTIMORE
AND OHIO PREPARED TO COMPETE WITH OTHER
LINES RUNNING INTO CHICAGO.
BALTIMORE, Nov. 1S.-Snce the annual meet
ing OF the stockholders tho Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
roau on Monday last President Garrett has to the
west 10 attend TO some business pertaining TO his private
estate, leaving the affairs OF the Company under tho
control OF John King, jr, First VIce-President This
gentleman was present ut the conference OF railroad
"..s.a!s a. !Ee Mount Vernon Hotel - this
city on Nov. H. when Commodore Vanderbilt,
COL Scott, Hugh ]. Jcwett, and other magnates,
came on from New-York on a special train.
In an Interview to-day respecting what occurred
ae that meeting Mr.. King stated that large portion OF
te te was spent in discussing the several features OF
the Saratoga compact. The subject introduced by
tne Visitors who earnest in mpressing upon the
representatives OF the Baltimore and Ohio Road the i'm
porance OF unity of action among the trunk ine rail
ROADS, aud especially the value OF the cooperation OF
the Baltimore and Ohio in carrying out the terms OF the
agreement. In answer to all the arguments brought
Forward by the other roads Mr. Garrett replied courte
ousy but positively that the Baltimore aud Ono had
never been committed directly indirectly to the OBJ
gdtons Of the Saratoga compact, and not disposed
having for its object the maintenance of freight
and passenger rates secured by combination such
the one proposed 1t may be well to say, however that
Mr. King denies that he assented to the Saratoga ar
Iangenent IN behalf OF his Company, pending the abb
sence OF Mr. Garrett in Europe. On the contrary lie
staes that he has not been Saratoga than New
York or four years, and that the parties tha agree
ment came on TO Baltimore not because they considered
the Baltimore aud Ohio Road in any way bound, up to
Of
agreement could be entered into by any line not repre-
sehIed at any su5seq time. IL Is in contemplation
OF TINS clause that the other parties seek to induce the
Baltimore and Onio to sublcriDe to the compact now.
Mr.. Garrett having finally and emphatc,y refused
to surrender the independence OF his road change Its
past conservative policy, II was proposed That some
measures should be taken for securing the ductOn Of
expenses III gng railroads. Mr. Garrett expressed
his Willingness TO cooperate in all reforms that would
lessen tie burden Of the railroads an1 at the same time
maintain the substantial interests OF The general public.
He called attention 10 the disadvantage OF fast freight
lines organized by individuals, often distinct rom the
railroad companies, which are now permitted to run on
tie tracks Of all the trunk lines and advocated that
they should be done away with. He, with others
also urged, and it WAS determined to dis
continue the system OF allowing rebates OIL
freights and commissions on the sale Of tickets
This feature Of railroad enterprise had to be such
an evil on some OF tie Northern roads, Mr King states
that parties bringing PASSENGERS to train we've eu
titled to large commissions which were allowed in many
to hackmen. NJ. King evidently looks upon
the visit rs taatamouut to recognition that the Blt
and OIio Road commands the situation He is de-
barred by official eIIlcttc aui courtesy TO his guests
from spaahiu. OF what tho people OF Baltimore gen
orally, Who not restrained by such con
siderations, do not hesitate to say, that nothing
bat stirring necessity woull have moved
Commodore Vanderbilt from his Office and brought him
m fhn rufa az
miles an hour at time. St. he connects the cause
NJ the visit with the opening the Baltimore aud OuO's
independent line TO Chicago few days aiter"aTd, ana
looks upon acknowledgment OF the RANK winch
his road viii take among the competitors for the
ing trade Of the West At present tue through freight
rate five cents less the hundred pounds by the
Baltimore and OHIO from Chicago to Baltimore than
from Chicago Ncw.York, any OF the trunk
lines between those cities. The rates that now
prevail Mr. kng thinks will govern during the Winter
though the Baltimore and Ono Road is not pledged to
them, and while does seek to cut under other
roads at the time 1t stands prepared not TO De cut
under by them. The line bLilt independent
line the interests of Baltimore and Its independence
Mr. King declares that it will be maintained. The OBJ
ect is TO give the Western shipper access to the Bat
more market at fair rates at such discount from
the freight rates to Ncw-YOrk the shorter dis
tance to Baltimore jusGes and demands With
this purpose in view, the Company Is unal
terably opposed to any combination whereby
n monopoly would be created, and rates advanced
in the interests of the united companies. 1t intends to
hold out all proper inducements to control freight and
ravel-the latter by reducing the time of be-
tween the two cities to minimum, and IN the interest
of trade If it is found practicable 10 do so Tie rule
will be adopted OF credtIng tho consiGnor with the
same number OF pounds OF grain In the Company's ee
vators in Baltimore that are received by the Companys
agents Chicago