The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-21

ANOTHER EFFORT TO ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE
OF FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION RATES BE-
TWEEN THE SEVERAL WESTERN CONNECTIONS
AND THE EASTERN TRUNK LINES.
preliminary session OF Western railroad managers
was held yesterday morning at the ST. Nicholas Hotel
to adopt a plan for the maintenance OF schedule
freight rates between the Eastern trunk lines and the
Western connections. N. Mccullough, vice presi-
dent Of the Pttsburg. Cincinnati and 81 Louis Rail-
road. called 10 the chair. Hugh J. Jewetl, re-
cever OF the Erie Railway represented the Eastern
trunk railroads. After running ana desullory DIS
cusson TO the aims and objects oil the meeting, IN
which the gentlemen present participated In
versational and familiar way, II was proposed that
the meeting adjourn until to-day. The reason
assigned IN favor VI adjournment was that repre-
scnatves from several Western railroads had not yet
arrived, but that they would DO TO put ap
pearance II the meeting was postponed according 10
the resolution. IL was contended that It would DO
maniestly unfair 10 proceed with The business OF tho
conference until all the general managers aud freight
agents were present 10 represent their respective
ROADS BY request however, Tue motlon TO adjourn
Withdrawn 10 Afford an opportunity tor the gen.
tlcmen present consult tne oi the pro-
gramme 70 DO adopted 10 guide ana govern their
Iuture de0cratoD also TO the views Of the
brlci consultation tho session then adjourned over
until to-day.
A reporter learned from Mr. Mccullough and other
railroad managers inc nature oil the difficulty which
called the conference together ana the questions
which awaited arbitration The history OF setlle-
OF schedule freight rates dates back to last Sep
tcmOer, when tue Western freight agents and general
managers convened NJ The Metropolitan Hotel this
CITY, the Object OF the meeting being to ADOPT some
plan enforce uniformity OF freight rates, in
other words make mutual agreement by which
the Eastern trunk lines could
CONFORM 10 the Western rates The compact sat-
sactoriy arranged, at least Tor the time Detng but
alleged one noticeable instance, that Of tue Granu
Trunk, tho compact was violated AID other roads
Aaa accordingly to reduce thor rates and
come back TO tho old standard, the compact being
thereby practically broken. The Metropolitan Hotel
caucus endeavored TO restore harmony IN the ranks
aud make tue obligation oi the Various roads, East
and West, so stringent that II any subsequent rcach
cry existed part OF officials would DO
10 their own aclrimeut ana loss Tue high contract
ing parues pledged themselves to DO bound ny the
voice ui the conference but treaty was not kept
ia good faith AS consequence another conference
was neld AT the Windsor hotc IN tnis CITY, the be-
sinnlng OF last oclooer Again The points
issue discussed, and alter considerable
difficulty and deDeration another agreement was
drafted and signed. Colonel ). T. simpson,
and Fort Wayne; W. X. Miner, Grand Iruuk Vi
Canada; W. Il. Perry, Canada Southern, ana John
Newell, Lake Shore. were appointed committee 70
arrange The details OF the compact ana 70 put the
scheme mo active operation. Inc committee were
adopted the Western railroads Tor lre'gLt from
competing The trunk lines were expected
supervise Wes,bound tregu,s aud also to compel all
connecting roads adhere 70 the provisions OF tue
agreement An infringement OF the compact would
result IN the Withdrawal Of the Iatronase Of the
trunk lines from the Offending road or roads. Thirty
nine railroads bounu themselves TO MAINTAIN the
schedule freight adopted Ut Tho meeting, and
the solution the difficulty was confidently supposed
to be permanently enected There seems, however, TO
be chrome Misunderstanding or bad iaitn Attending
these conferences Tue experiences oil The past lew
months huvc not proved satisfactory. Charges OF
certain roads having cut under The schedule rates
have ade to the Executive Committee since The
previous conference ana the penalty for tue violation
oil the rules not operated 10 advantage. The
Western railroad managers became AGAIN FESTIVE,
they convened at Cleveland the 18th inst 10
the diculy anew The opposition ol the roads
from 81 Louis the subject oi grave deberation,
aud II was last concuued to include shipments
from ST. LOUIS New England, PARTICULARLY to Bos-
ton, WITHIN the system OF freight schedule rates.
But this temporary makeshift VAS US unfortunate
III results the Efforts maue ~ the previous con-
terenC6a But managers remain hopeful Tor all
that, that they still briige over the blood, chasm
and compel a compliance with Tho schedule rates Of
freight transportation. At the meeting to-day u Is
expected that lew roads VIII DO disciplined. The
Executive Committee of Western managers arc san
gu,ne they Will ut last IN the scned
ule sc as make II incumbent the trunk lines
act harmony with At all vents they Will have
ful fair discussion OF the points NJ issue, and,
Il Justice meted out all parties BEFORE the
mistake win be remeuiod this time Tho Executive
Committee Western managers Will hold AL informal
meeting this morning before The regular business Of
the day begins. Their names are as iollows:-J N
Mccullough. CHAIRMAN vice president oi The Pitts
burg, Cincinnati ana ST. Louis Railroad John Newell
general manager Of the Lake Shore and Michigan
Southern; II. b. Ledyard, general manager OF the
lcnigan Central; John King. Jr, vice president OF
the Atlantic and Great Western; A. L. Hopkins, gen.
c-aI manager OF the Wabash Valley Railway; JouD 4.
Simpson, general manager Of the Vandala; J. Z.
McMunn, general superintendent OF the Chicago and
O'Clock tins morning, and their deliberations, 1t Is
thought, will last several days.