Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1879-11-29
TESrERED At THE POsToFFIcE AT DODGE
CITY, KANSAS, As sDcoND-cLAss MAIL
NATTER
THE RAILROAD KINGDOM,

THE RAILROAD KINGDOM.
There is a strife among the railroad mag
nAtes Of the country; Jay Gould, the king
Of the iron trail, seeking the mastery, hav-
ing become the possessor Of several impor-
tant lines Of railroad in the west. Gould's
ambition is against the Aichison, Topeka 4
Santa Fe railroad, and he is antagonising
that rosd in its progress 70 form . connec-
ton with the Southern Pacific. He has one
important connection with the Pacific coast
already, and another line will be established
through Colorado, intersectine the Southern
Pacific. But the difficulty Of extending the
Denver and Rio Grapde through Colorado,
may hasten the extension OF the Missouri
Pacific, now owned by Gould, and under
construction in Kansas, being known - the
ST. Louis, Kansas and Arisona road, the de-
sign being 10 traverse the southern tier Of
counties in Kansas.
To circumvent Gould's plans. the Aichi.
son, Topeka d Santa Fe company have just
purchased the st. Louis and San Francisco
road. This prevents the completion Of one
competing line 70 the Santa Fe railroad. It
gives them the right of the franchise Of the
Atlantic and Pacific road, which has land
grant through the territories Of New Mexico
and Arizona. Under this scheme the build
ing Of the ST. Louis and San Francisco road
will necessarily be stopped, the Santa Fe
road folloaing in the proposed course of that
road on the west
But these moves do not dampen the pros
poets Of railroad extensions in this part OF
Kansas Gould must reach the southern
Pacific by an easier route than through Col
orado. He may extend the Salina branch, .
line already incorporated, which propose 70
run to Clark couaty OF he may continue the
extension Of tie Missouri Pacific, and run
in line southwest Of Dodge City. There is
the Kansas City. Lawrence and Southern
railroad nov building in southeastern Kan
sas, which will follow course south Of the
Arkansas river. A Chicago road also de-
sirss an outlet, forming = connection with
the Southern Pacific, and possibly running
through the western portion OF Kansas. The
prospect for another railroad to dodge City
=, the present time is not altogether Aatter-
ing; for the bigger fish may swallow up the
smaller fry, which are being overshadowed
BY the gigantic corporations that are making
the desperate struggle for the Pacific COST
the Gould combination and the Santa Fe
combination. There may be some hope for
= local line to feed the immense monopolies
We have mentioned.
The recent changes in railroad manage
ment has completely upset the country; the
Wild speculation in stocIs may bring crash
and . ruin to the smaller shareholders. If
Gould's idea is speculation crash is newt
able. Al any rate, the railroad monopoly is
becoming serious matter; and whether the
railroads shAll run the country or the coun-
try run. the railroads, is something the peo-
pie shall have to act upon. The growing
power of railroads would seem TO indicate Q
railroad king and = kingdom under railroad
monopoly. This influence will extend to
every branch of our government, urles the
people rise to crush out the fast assuming
controlling power. County seate, Lesisla-
lures and Congress in the hands OF railroad
monopoliss, would be aspec,able the wisdom |
Of our forefathers did not discern. 1t would |
be condition Of anairs grinding upon the
oppressed poor; it would practically make |
money the controlling power Of the Gov
eminent, in which the sovereign voice of the |
people was but bubble on an immense
wave. Girted by iron bands and girted BY |