, 1880-11-14

We can only look upon the increase Of fin
cents in the Eastern rates on freights, which
the railroad managers have already agreed
upon, as a schenle Of benevolencc toward St.
Louis and the bargemen OF the Alississipnf
River. It may occur to the Chicago shippers
that the advance was made as another sten
in the direction Of exorbitant charges during
the winter season, when the railroads are moi
obliged to endure the affront and injury OF
competition through the water routes which
Nature has provided during the remainder of
the year. But this is narrow and selfish
view of the case, which could hardly intlu,
ence such largeminded and far-seeing men
us railroad managers are conceded to ha,
The theory we have suggested Is much
broader and more liberal. The shipment ot
grain down the Mississippi River is grow.
ing trade, which the railroads evidently think
ought to be encouraged. The facilities for
reaching the sea by this route are increasing
every year. The number Of barges is being
steadily enlarged, and the jetties at tha
mouth of the river are making port Of
entry for the most capacious ocean yes.
sells. There are inconveniences, delays, and
risks in this system Of transportation, and II
is especially unattraetive in itself to the grain
shippers of the Northwest. But all these
annoyances and embarrassments can be oTer
come by making the direct shipment to the
Eastern seaports by rail SO expensive that
the Mississippi outlet will be eagerly sought
by grain-growers and dealers who would not
naturally avail themselves Of that course;
The railroad managers may also be actuated
by charitable feeling for St Louis and New
Orleans, cities which have not exhibited
during the past few years the same vigorous
growth and progress that Chicago has 10
corded The railroad managers have probar
bly, discovered this fact from close study of
the new census returns. and their hearts have
been touched by the gentle voice of sympa-
thy calling to them for relief. They have 1t.
in their power to discriminate against greedy
and all-absorblng Chicago by gradually
adopting a prollibitory tariff on grain, and
thus dfyerting the transportation business to
the Southern route. Their great, generous
natures could not resist an appeal,
Of this kind. They are SO much af~
fected that they have begun to put up
their rates even before lake navigation
closes, as 4 notice to the Southern cities thnt
they may expect an unusual increase In :.
transportation vtn the Mississippi this win,
ter. This extraordinary manifestation Of
bcnevolence on the part Of the railroad
managers may be q surprise to their en-
ployes and patrons, who have never before
discovered any abnormal development of-
that particular trait in their character.
This surprise will only show, however,
how readily the world may misjudRe. The
ultimate aim Of the railroad managers Is
that the Great West shall send its food
products for distribution over the face OF
the globe by the lakes during the season
of lake navigation and by the Mississippi
River during the winter months. When
they shall have brought this about the
railroads may be sold out under the ham,
mcr or ripped up for old iron; the stock
holders may go about tearing their hair
and lamenting their losses; there may ba
selfish and unreasonable people who will,
condemn the policy that led up to the sac"
riice; but the railroad managers them
selves will have the sweet consolation OF
knowing that they have done benevolent
work at the cost Of others.