New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-06-28
PRICE FOUR CENTS.
RAILWAY INTERESTS.
THE SCHEDULE OF FREIGHT RATES.


ACTION OF THE BOARD OF TRADE AND TRASsPoD
TATIoN-A LETTER TO Mr.. PINK.
The Board of Trade and Transportation yes
erday took action the railway complfca
tons. meeting Of the committee appointed TO confer
with the trunk lines concerning the and increased
tariff rates westbound freight held in the after
noon. IL was expected that this committee would be
able conference with the Commissioner OF tho
pool and possibly modification OF the rate before
July l. when the tariff will go effect. Mr.. Fink
received representative OF the committee Monday,
and his willingness TO give them audience
but when 1t TO appointing time no
claimed that he would have to spare
this week before Saturday. The committee met yester
day, with william IT, Wiley in the chair After hearing
the report of Mr. Gardner, their representative they
abandoned the plan Of conference with the trunk lines,
addressed letter Commissioner Fink the subject
rates and took up the subject OF the freight
blockade The outcome Of this discussion the adop-
ton OF the following resolutions:
Resolced That counsel he employed compel the rail-
road companies promptly to perform their dnes as CON-
mon carriers & ana Co. to pay damages sustained IN oonse
Resoived That subcommittee OF five he appointed by
the chair solicit inscriptions for the carrying out or
this purpose, and receive from merchants claims Tor
damages sustained.
The following were placed upon the ubsommittee
Darwin r. James, W. A. Gellatly, NJ. schrenheisen
NJ Coffin and II. f. Austin Members OF this snb-commit-
tee afterward consulted with simon sterne The letter
addressed Mr. Fink the subject OF the freight
rates was as follows:
Understanding that your eneagemens are such as to
Sog Sognd June fTegSs It, and That 40 you viii probably
On our yne to the s of tSe ruu nes
respectfully ask consideration Of the following IN
nectOn with the inclOsed resolutions, adopted az a
special meeting of this Board June % We think that
shippers generally et that the tar NO OF January 10 80
too low be maintained for any length OF time, and VIC
were therefore surprised when rates restored To
and
been stated that contracts were in force at lower
Of the Year 70 large an advance was made as that
of which notice has been given, 70 take effect July l.
iasses rate OF 25 cents, feel that 1t is likely
to have depressing effect upon the opening seasons
considerations. We would call your attention TO the fact,
as stated The RGroad Gazette that in the last four
months OF 1881 when the 40 cent rate the IN
erase ip the trunk line shipments from Newfork over
higher rate prevailed, 81 per cent In the first four
1882 the increase under the s low contract
was "a per cent while in May last it nearly SO psi
cent the corresponding month OF last year 1t
low special which given, but the testimony
Of the tobpmg trade o. .nis cy i We s.inA sensry 70
TO increase their business and that mgh
we respectfully submit that this time the abrogaton
of the special rates and general enforcement OF the
scedue rates, in itself considerable advance, and
should be the only made this II, however.
by reason OF higher compensation demanded by en-
ployes or other operating expenses raise In the tariff
rates should be found necessary, respectfully sub
m that it should be only the extent necessary to
said advance and expenses and that Of
3 cents per hundred pounds would much more taan
cover such increase expenses while IL would bo
sufficient have the depressing effect upon trade which
this sweeping advance OF which notice has been given
will. IN opinion, have.
We therefore earnestly request that you win
use your influence with the trunk lines
to have the resolution rescinded under which
the 90 basis to be applied July l. In the
event advance being deemed necessary to
increased expenses that should be more than the
amount required for that purpose We would further
ask in yew OF that railroads perform public
function and public greatly Interested In the
question Of freight and the trunk lines between
fne and The seaoOard have practically abfogated
competition by forming pool that the principal organ
should in the future be consulted as tney In
Germany before changes IN rates made We desire
for the effort have made In the
past fair aud impartial adjustment OF rates. and
we can your cooperation in maintaining
able schedule rates feel that long step forward Will
be taken IN the direction or securing that Uniformity
and pelmanency in railway charges which, Ia the long
run the benefit OF the railroads aud tho
public. When high schedule Is put forth IL exceed
ingly difficult maintain either OF these prime Tequ-
sites. The temptation cut Is much greater, be-
the margin of profit is larger, and fayorisn
suits the larger shippers which has the direct ten
dency trade in few hands. making tho
rich richer aud the poor poorer, ard nis Is
particularly OF lines leading TO other seaDOarc cies
which, under such circumstances, foster thef loja In
teess with private rebates etc. at the expense OF New
York. where the rates more rigdly enforced. High
scneuule rates also crcultous routes To divert
traffic from the trunk lines, and thus another advantage
sought 20 be gained by high rates lost We trust that
you will present these points to the Rate Committee and
their favorable consideration OF tue same AL Q
which is respectfully submitted.