, 1881-08-28
TIE RAILROADS.


TIE EASTERN FREIGHT WAR.
Although considerable cutting of rates
was going OH during the past week, and dur
ing the latter part rates went down to 4 TO-
cent basis, yet the increase in shipments WIS
very slight. The principal cause of this is
that the Erie has been unable to take much
business, owing to the switchmen's strike
prevailing OH that road, which forced more
than the ordinary amount Of business over
the other Eastern trunk lines. Some of the
latter have in consequence become consider
ably b0ckaled. The New York Central can
take 10 more business for Philadelphia and
Baltimore, The PENNSYLVANIA takes busi-
hess only that originates at this point, but
can take none for a few days from
its Western connections. The Baltimore
IL Ohio takes business only for Baltimore,
not being willing to compete for the New
York traffic ut the present rates, anu Us ths
more business at present, the Baltimore Il
Ohio has all the trade it can carry. The
heavy shipments made over the Grand Trunk
lately have had the effect of slightly block
aiding this road also. and during tile last two
days it has refused to take new bushes. It
is probable, however, that the blockades said
to exist on most Eastern lines are greatly
exaggerated. 1t is very convenient for the
roads which do not care to take too much
business at the low rates inausurated Il few
bl0ckades will be suddenly raised, and the
roads have plenty of facilities as soon as
rates 70 back again to. the 15-cent basis.
At the latter rate it is stated slight
margin Of profit t sccTaes to bass the leading
claimed there is loss Of nearly five cents
per hundred, and none of the lines are very
a1fxious to take too much business at
losing rate. Since the Vanderbilt roads have
declared their intention to meet any rates
and
Erie have not been so anxious to force the
fight. and will likely quit cutting rates until
their present contracts are disposed Of. For
this reason it is more than likely that dur
Ing this week rates WILL be advanced asaln
to the 15-cert basis.
Vanderbilt seems to be more determined
than ever to keep 1D the present conflict, anu
lis he has now shown that he cannot bo
forced from his position BY a still further re-
duction III trelght-rates, and that he IS ready
are made BY his competitors, they will
very likely change their tactics and attack
Vanderbilt nearer at home. The Erie, it is
cl:lnled, will as soon as it gets over its strike
troubles commence to cut the rates from
local common points II oS'taa Sew 1orS -.e las it
Albany, and other Important points on the
New York Central, it can in this way infllct
considerable damage upon Vanderbilt, as
from the local business from those points
ttlnuerDlIL ueIlFtS MS lilEtsL 1iCuAlc- ~
the Erie las no such important points on it,
main line which can be reached By Wander
bilr, the latter cannot retaliate in: the. san.a
manner as on through rates. Still. it Is ios
By any means certain that even such warfare
will have the desired effect OH Vanderbilt.
lie can stand few hard knocks without
much discontinue, and if he is willing to
sink some money in order to gain his ends
all the tactics of his rivals will be unavall+
ing. Mr.. Vanderbilt has the longest pole, and
the longest pole generally brings down the
persiumolls-
Tie total shipments OF grain, flour, and
provisions from this city east by the Slx
rs tons, against 80: ,:,G2 tons for the week
previous in increase OF .;,3l1 tons.
The following statement shows the amount
of flour, grain, and provisions shipped by the
various roads east from this city for the
week ending Aug. -, 1881: