The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-03-23

twenty per cent below the average rates
now prevailing, which schedule, when 80
fixed and recorded, becomes binding upon
the company and It's successors.
II the buildingof our road will accom-
plish for Chicago One-half Of what l have
claimed: II It's completion will save to her
but one-tenth, even, OF the enormous
sums which legitimate deductions seem
10 nromise. are We not entitled 10 your
sympathy and support? Are we not en-.
| filled to YOUR contributions in aid OF
this enterprise, and should you not put
shoulder 10 shoulder with the people
along the line who are eSerting them.
4elyes to their utmost to secure, by the
completion OF our road, cheap Transport
tation for themselves and their products
to your city,
It will not do for Chicago TO lie down
in fancied security, or be lulled into apa-
thy by the pleasant decisions that the
lines Of commerce and centers OF trade
are irrevocably fixed and that henceforth
the great Northwest must pay her tribute.
The unjust determinations against your
city at the present time, and its effect
upon your commerce, is warning to
which you must give heed. The depreci-
alton OF real estate in New York city
and the general stagnation OF trade in
that great metropolis caused in large
measure las charged by the cheap trans
portation association Of that city TO the
unfavorable discrimination Of the rail.
roads, afford unmistakable evidence that
no position OF commercial greatness,
however high and commanding, is beyond
the power OF railroad monopolies to
effect, and it would be, to cripple and de-
stroy.
will close with brief summary Of
the points | wish especially TO impress
upon your minds:
That narrow.gauge roads can be built
for two.thirds Of what standard.gauge
roads can be built for, or one.third Of
what our existing roads have cost.
That they can do rs much business MS
the standard.gauge roads.
That they can do business at least 20
per cent cheaper than the standard.gauge
roads.
That they will be compelled by law 10
do business at low rates.
That by building and operating one or
more roads, which you can control by
law, by the influence OF competition you
can control them all.
That in this manner abuses can be cor
rccted, and reduction Of at least 20 per
cent in rates be effected.
That such reduction would save many
millions annually to Chicago.
That system Of narrow-gauge roads
is being built in the West,
That these roads are seeking Eastern
connections and outlets, and II they are
not turned toward Chicago they will go
by Chicago.
That the difficulties and expense incl
dent to obtaining an entrance into Chica-
90 will drive this system from you unless
some adequate assistance is extended in
that direction.
That the Chicago, MIillington & West
ern is designed for and will become the
narrow.gaugc trunk line between Chicago
and this WesternSystem ofnarrow-gauge
roads, and will secure to Chicago the cor
rcction Of railroad abuses from which
she is now suffering, and reduction Of
tariffsO much desired.
History records the fact that when in
1875 Franklin was appointed Postmaster
General lie was instructed to establish
posts from "Falmouth, New England, to
Savannah, Ca, with cross posts and rates
20 per cent below the old parliamentary
charges" and from that day to this the
principle OF increasing the amount OF
business by cheapening the rates has been
the policy OF the Postottice Department OF
our country, with results too obvious TO
need comment.
May we not hope that a like cru is
about to dawn upon the railway system
Of our State; when influenced by just le-
gal restraint and a wise policy OF admin
istration, the managers shall seek to
stimulate receipts by lessening charges,
rather than by seeking TO sec how much
Of the peoples's hard earned savings
can be extorted without effective resist
ance.
To the President and Directors Of the
Chicago Board Of Trade.
Gentlemen: Your committee TO whom
was referred the address Of Mr.. j. W. Ed.
dy, Vice President OF the Chicago, Mill
ington and Western Railway, would re-
specially report that having carefully
considered the subject laid before them in
said address, they are OF the opinion that
the best interests OF Chicago demand the
early completion Of said railway as the
initial line connecting this city with the
rapidly developing narrow.gaugc System
OF the West.
Your committee are further OF the
opinion that the restrictions Of the law
under which the company is organized,
combined with tho cheapness Of constrnc.
ton and economy in operation, will
furnish the most practical and satisfacto'
ry solution OF thetransportation question
yet offered to the city and State. We
therefore believe that it is the duty oil
Chicago in every department OF its activ'
tiles 10 render assistance to the enter
prise. Common Council should mite
their efforts heartily with our friends IN
the country in giving this enterprise suct
aid and assistance as shall secure the ear
" completion OF the road.
We would also suggest that the board
appoint competent committee TO confer
with the officers Of the company in I'D
iusting maximum schedule OF passcn'
ger and freight tariffs, under the proyi
sions OF section 25l OF the law under
which il is organized, and that the same
be recorded as therein provided.
Believing that the time has arrived
when Chicago and the West should owr
and control their own lines OF transport
alton, and that there is sufficient capita
here TO build our future railways, II hon
esty and economy shall prevail in theil
construction, we would suggest to oul
bankers and capitalists that they exam
ine the securities Of the Chicago, Milling
ton and Western Railway, and ascertain
whether It's commanding position viii
not render its first mortgage bonds sai'
and malicious Investment,
All Of which is respectfully submitted
r. p. MURPHY,
II. II. Ross,
= Committee on Transportation.