The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-11-25

which, in modified degree always exists be-
tween the leading trunk lines extending from |
Chicago eastward, must make apparent to !
everyone the important advantages which |
those communities possess that are situated
in sufficient proximity to the competing
points OF these railroads. A journey, wheth-
er for business or pleasure, that costs but
$40 to make is much more likely to be UNI
dertalen than one which costs $50. And
agriculture, manufacture and trade must
certainly flourish in an increased degree
where the cost of transportation is reduced
one-haif. 1t is pretty evident that localities
which are not competing railroad points, are
required to pay an increased tariff, 10y reason
Of the rivalry which exists at the favored
places Competition has become so sharp
in trade and manufacture that these indus
tries are sure to languish when subject to
the extortion which monopoly of the trans
portation is certain to beget. The discrim-
nation in rates, due to competition, is al
most everywhere the element which deter
mines the success or failure of important
manufacturing enterprises, and the magni-
tude and prosperity of trade in communities,
in the same manner, is apt to be dependent
upon the increase or decrease of the cost of
transportation.
Unfortunately for this county, while pos
sessed in pre-eminent degree of natural adj
vantages for success in agriculture, manu-
facture and consequent growth i'll wealth and
prosperity, its towns are fatally crippled by
reason of the lack of competition in railroad
transportation. We are obliged to submit
to the exactions which the Michigan Central
is able to impose. Every industry in the
county, every bushel of grain that is raised,
every pound of wool, beef or pork that is
produced, is made to contribute to Mr.. Van
derbilt's Golfer an increased amount III order
rival competition and thus, in making good
his deficiencies, we are contributing, indi-
rectly, to the prosperity of other localities
that fortunately for themselves, enjoy the
benefits of railroad competition.
Years ago there was strong probability
that the Grand Trunk, in extending west
ward, would build its line through this
county, but this company has already Sc
cured its connection with Chicago and that
hope has vanished. subsequently the profit
of building a railroad across the county, from
South Haven to intercept the Michigan
Southern, seemed likely to be contaminated,
but the line was directed elsewhere, and now
the Michigan Southern and the Central are
no longer rivals, but are under the same
management, and no competition can be
looked for by intercepting them with cross
line.
The only railroad extending through Mich
igan, and connecting Chicago with the sea-
board, that offers any competition with the
Michigan Central is the Grand Trunk, and
fortunately the latter road is not so far away
but it can be easily reached by a cross road.
The charter of the Toledo and South Haven
road contemplates its building to the former
city, and certainly there should be interest
and financial ability sufficient and available,
within the limits OF the territory to he inn
mediately benefited by this extension, to
secure, at least, its connection with the
Grand Trunk. This great thoroughfare is
almost certain to remain, perpetualy, COM
petitor to the Central and Southern roads,
and the many advantages which would &C
crue to this county by connecting with it
are too obvious to need mentioning. Such q
consummation would add to the value of
every bushei of wheat or pound of pork pro
duced, and reduce the cost, to the consumer,
Of every article of goods imported. The
competition thus induced, lessening the rates
OF transportation, would stimulate trade,
manufacture and every kind of production,
and thus enhance the value of property and
promote general prosperity. Every penny
taken from the cost of transporting bushel
of wheat to the seaboard, or of a barrel OF
apples to Chicago, is so much added to the
value of these articles in the farmers hands,
and the diminution in the cost of delivery
of barrel of sugar or of kerosene to our
merchants, makes like diminution in its
cost to the consumer.
The advantage to passenger travel at com
peting points, is illustrated by the fact that
at the present time, at the Grand Trunk
Offices in Chicago, tickets are sold to all COM
peting points in Michigan, ETC., at a cost
greatly less than is required to purchase
tickets to other places, as, for instance, to
South Bend, Ind, $3.50, to Battle Creek
$500, to Lansing, $3.50, and so on.
The narrow gauge is wholly owned and
controlled by business men in this county
very important matter-and it should con-
tinue to be so held, and in no wise be allow.
ed to pass into TIE hands of parties else
where. AS an investment it has probably
not, thus far, proved greatly profitable to
those holding its stock, but it is a great con
venience to the public and if duly fostered