The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-10-25
RAILROAD MATTERS.

Some of the comments in last week.
Pilot have been measureably misunder-
stood. 1t was not designed to state that
Mr.. Whitcomb fixed rates so IS to dis
criminate against Manitowoc. Everyone
who knows that gentleman is aware that
ne is incapable of doing anything unjust
or tending to benefit one locality at the
expense of another. Indeed it is well
known that the road secures considerable
business through the personal influence
of Mr.. Whitcomb which it would not
was there man less popular, or esteemed
less trustworthy in his place. The
thought was, that other roads running to
the westward, country which in bust
ness matters is tributary to lake shore
entrspots, offer cheaper rates of freight
than the Lake Shore, and in consequence
these favored localities have, 80 to speak,
a monopoly of that business, portion
of which, were conditions equal, would
come to Manitowoc. For instance there
are large dry goods, hardware and other
business firms in this city which do
wholesale trade. tits to the interests of
the Lake Shore & Western to foster this
trade, because its increase means an in
crease of shipments in the carriage of
which the Western line has no competi-
ton. Limit this trade to Milwaukee and
there are numerous competing lines and
the freight is divided. High rates from
Manitowoc and low rates from Milwau-
kee drive the trade to the latter place,
the advantage which low rates of freight
give being by no means inconsiderable.
The cost of shipment of baled hay and
coal from this place to points on the
Western line is said to equal the cost OF
these commodities at this place. What
is the result? To prohibit commercial
intercourse between these localities and
Manitowoc. These are some of the
minor grievances which intensity the
feeling of hostility with which the rail-
road Is regarded IN the city.
The removal of the machine shops is
the primal cause and this great wrong
brings to the front those smaller CON-
plants which otherwise would find no
voice. People remember with bitter
ness the profuse promises made by men
interested in the road when aid was
sought from the city and county. There
was nothing binding in these promises,
but honor, they claim, made their dis
charge obligatory. and how have they
been kept2 Manitowoc was to have the
general Office. 1t was quickly removed
to Milwaukee. The machine shops were
to be located here, very important in
dustry furnishing employment for skill
ed labor; and this fact was dwelt upon,
computations being made to determine
approximately the revenue Manitowoc
was to derive from the shops. Other
places would be way stations, but Mar
itowoc was TO be the center from which
would radiate the many lines bringing
wealth, prosperity and business. But the
railroad company wanted to b uild city
and Manitowoc was despoiled that it may
be done. Indignation is at fever heat
and will probably eliminate in some or
ganized attempt to induce some other
road to extend its line to this place.
Among the schemes proposed and in adj
dition to that mentioned last week, is one
to secure connection with Milwaukee by
means of the Milwaukee & Northern by
way of Kiel. Should this be done, "not
pound of freight; not a passenger, say
the people vehemently, will be sent over
| the Lake Shore.