New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-01-09
THE TRUNK LINES IN TROUBLE.

ONE MORE EFFORT TO SAVE TIE CONBINATiON-
GENERAL. VIOLATION OF COMPACT CHARGED.
A meeting of the presidents OF the trunk
lines VIII be held in this city tomorrow for the purpose
omaking one effort TO secure the maintenance OF
established freight rates Tariff rates have not Deeh 90
served for q long time by the Western connections OF the
trunk lines has also been charged repeatedly that
more or cutting has been done by the trunk lines
themselves
At the meeting OF the executive commit o OF the
Western Association OF Railroad Managers with Mt.
Jewett who secretary of The Trunk Line Assoca'lo
which was held In this city December 60 ana 81 West
ern Commissioner was appointed to investigate all
charges of violation OF contract by the Western roads
1t announced at the time by Mr. Deverenx'
president of the Cleveland Columbus, Cincinnati,
and Indianapolis. and receiver Of tho Atlantic
and Great Western, that he would not bind himself to
pay any portion OF the of the commissioner
nor submit t. au Investigation if he discovered that
rival lines were violating Tie agreement IL was openly
charged in the meeting, and not denied that the Lake
Shore had been cutting rates eastbound business
This practice OF taking freight below schedule rates was
continued after the meeting in this city adjourned, and
10 such an extent that nearly all shipments OF
grain from the West have been made since that
date at rates ranging from to 10 cents per 100 pounds
below the tariff One OF the first evidences OF this fact
was seen in the differences in the market prices OF Sau
at New-York md Chicago, which did not admit of the
payment of more than 80 80 cents per 100 pounds
after allowing for commissions, etc Later II was
discovered that large contracts, covering shipments
for some time in the future were being made at
these low rates, and meeting WAS called,
20 he held at Chicago January 4. Albert Fink,
commissioner Of the trunk line pool in this city y. Il.
Guilford, the newly appointed commissioner Of tbs
Western combination; j. c. Mccullough OF tho Penn
sylvauia ; A. L. Hopkins, OF the Wabash; and H. H.
Ledyard, of the Michigan Central, We're present pune
tually but neither Mr. Newell other rcpreS Il
.,1o al is
that Mr. Newell was known to be in Chicago the aay
before the meeting TO take place. The Indignation
of the managers Of the different lines mentioned
was great and the disposition was to declare
open warfare 1T once They We're finally induced
by the Commission rs, however,, To- prhlp9ne q
cisye action until after meeting 20 he heid III TINS cry
10 day which time and place me Chicago conference
adjourned The presence OF the presidents OF Ie Iu,H
lines considered necessary. an as one ol mem cO
not reach this city before Thurs ay, the meeting has
The managers Of sme Of the lines appear to he thor
known that they have resolved that prompt ana
decisive action must be taken at once to stop the
secure restitution for losses sustained by the
large contracts tor future delivery that have been
made Iatclv as above mentioned Otherwise inc CON-
pact is to be declared at an end Tic situation If re-
iardcd by railroad men as the most critical t4at mas
existed since the compact was formed ~ July indeed,
the express little hope OF Deng able longer to avert an
omen warfare ms TO freight rates
or the little freight that IS inr West portion 70 be
ing taken by The Grand Trunk, fr'm this ci;y, by
steamer to Portland aud thence that Ia ada al
considerable less Than tariff Another portion OF
West bound shipments is sent by the Chesapeake and
Ohio and by roads further south II - uade thai
the Chicago and Lake Huron and all its rolling stock
have been purchased by he GrJyd Trunk
which will hereafter be able make direct Independent
connection with Chicago and the West without lasslng
over any portion ~ the system present under the con
trol OF the Trunk Line pool.
On East-hOund traffic from 81. Louis, Mr. Hopkins OF
the Wabash, frankly admits 10 TIE other managers
that he cutting rates, his only reason for
this action being that he finds II necessary
10 obtain business His road does not belong to the
Soutlwestern Association Boxed meats beng
shipped from Chicago at tryve cents per 100 pounds,
when is ten cents less than tariff rates, and all other
kinds OF freight from the West reach NcwYOrh at about
the same reduction in rates.