New-York tribune., 1882-03-10
DdJJPD1D pEACE

The railroads have unquestlonably made
great progress toward a settlement of their
differences Except the Advisory Commission
which is now in session for the purpose of
helping the trunk lines to agree about differ
entail rates, there is scarcely anything to lndl-
cate that all controversies have not been set
tied. 1t is no longer claimed that freight is
taken at any rate, regardless OF agreement.
Having first agreed to act together once more
the companies have ordered moderate ad-
vance in rates which seems to be accepted
without dispute by all concerned. 1t is true
that the permanence of an important part of
the arrangements thus far made, namely, as
to East bound freight, depends upon the final
assent of the companies to the course that
NAV he recommended by the Advisory Com
mission. But the very existence of that Com
mission, and the nature OF the compacts de-
pending upon its action, strongly indicate that
the managers of the trunk lines intend to
come to full and harmonious settlement,
and know that they can do so at an early
date.
II will be remembered that the prolonged
struggle did not originate III the dlilerentlal
rates. but in direct competition contrary TO
formal agreements between the companies. a
Western agent of the Erie thought it good
thing to divert a large quantity or freight
from the New-York Central. By offering rates
in violation of the compact, it is alleged, he
succeeded for a time. When complaint was
made the reply was that the company, under
existing arrangements, could not wholly con-
troll shipping agents. Out OF these events grew
the whole struggle, of which the dispute about
differential rates has since been an incident.
Now the first step toward a real and lasting
agreement was taken when the companies
bound themselves to give each to one officer
entire control and responsibility as to the
making of rates to select joint agent for all
the lines at each competing point; to abolish
time contracts and to put up large forfeit
for non observance of the agreement. These
arrangements went to the root OF the
matter They deprived irresponsible and scat
tered agents Of the power to make such
rates as they pleased and to get up wars
with each other in order to show their smart
ness in getting business, regardless of the in
terests or the compacts of the roads over which
they sold transportation. If there is to be any
fighting, under the new plan, the responsible
officer of one company or the other must
himself begin it and answer for it.
1t is true that this agreement will not be
binding, as to important classes OF East-bound
freight, unless the finding of the Advisory
Commission meets approval. But the consent
of all the roads to the selection of the gentle
men composing that Commission, it has been
generally perceived, was strong evidence that
the companies were prepared to assent to the
finding also. That consent taken with the
adoption of resolutions making radical change
in the mode of regulating traffic, renders it
difficult to believe that a full agreement has
not been already effected in substance. 1t is a
significant fact, too, that the companies have
caused their new arrangements to take effect,
even TO tho extent OF an advance in rates, with
out waiting for the final report Of the Commis-
sion.
The railroad war has done much harm, and
not much good, even to the producers and
consumers who should have prOfited, if any,
body. by low rates. The spectators and the
traders have made most Of tho profit, and
events have shown that extreme low rates do
not. for time at least, necessarily benefit
either those who grow the grain or those who
eat it. The change in rates goes TO the bene-
fit of the Transporting companies, though they
will henceforth have TO contend with lake
navigation, which has opened at extremely
low rates. 1t is possible that the effort to
maintain the higher rates now demanded may
not DO sustained, but there Is every reason 10