The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-17
COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS.
Eemi-Annual Session of the National
Protective Association.
! Fight To BE Made Against Exorbitant
Rates at Hotels and on Railroads.
The Banquet Last Night.

The semi-anaual meeting of the Travellers
Protective Association OF the United States was
held at Lyra Hall yesterday. The morning SEES
SIGN, which began at 1890 o'clock, was occupied
in an informal discussion of questions relating
to the object of the organization. The assoc1a-
lion was organized in Ohio less than a year
and a half ago. The report of the sec
rotary yesterday showed that the membership
had increased from $40 in June last to 91S,
making q gain in less than six months of $40.
The officers are ]. NJ. McKinstry, OF Cleveland,
president; Matt. Foster, OF Binghamton, N. Y,
first vice-president, and John r. Stone. Of Gin
cinnati. secretary and treasurer. There were
about 200 members of the association, repre-
senting the cities of New York, Chicago, Cincin-
natl. Cleveland, Columbus and Louisville, in at
tendance at The meeting, and quite a
large number of new members from
this State were initiated dnring the
day. The object of the association
il To srcure to travelling statesmen better ac-
eoInmodations and better terms at hotels and in
railroad travel.
THE AFTERNOON SESSION.
At the afternoon session the committee on
railroads reported that the c., l., Sc. l.. & c.,
The Decline and the c.. II. Il d. railroad com
oanies had offered TO give advantageous terms,
and had giventhe coinmittee's request fair con-
fideration, while the agents of other companies
mad replied ny referring them to the next
COOL meeting. In the discussion of the
matter it was asserted that there are
about 5000 travelling showmeu in the country,
and they are given reduced rates for travel,
While there are as many as $50, 900 travelling
statesmen, who. during the busy season, spend
fnlly 1875. 600 a day in railroad fare. and they
are compelled to pay full passenger rates, be-
sides being charged for all their baggage. In
speaking upon the subject of securing cheaper
rates for travel Mr.. j. z. Baton, of Philadelphia,
said that no $4,000 men or SOC, 900 men could
dictate to the Pennsylvania company, or any
other company, the terms which they "must
give" but If the association, as an
organized body, representing the thousands of
travelling men throughout the country. should
ask reasonable rates they would doubtless he
given fair consideration. The associations power
would come through the increase of membership.
Besides q cheaper rate of travel the privilege Of
carrying $50 pounds of baggage FREE, Is wanted.
The committee on hotels reported some re-
forms that they had brought ABOUT in different
hotels, and stated that by the next meeting of
the association many of tde hotels of Ohio and
Indiana would be in better condition. There is no
demand for a reduction of rates, but that hotels
winch charge 80 ana "a a day should give the
worth of the money. There is no disposition TO
dictate terms, but a demand for fair treatment.
A motion was adopted providing for the ap-
pointment Of a committee of three in each State
10 increase the membership IF the association.
The president and secretary will appoint the
committees and give notification by letter.
A committee was appointed with instructions
TO send ont circulars to business men through
out the country, giving the opJecG or Gne assocl-
alton.
The secretary reported that sixty new mem
bers had been admitted during the session,
making the total membership about 1000.
Since the last meeting one member had died and
two have been expelled.
A memorial on the death Of Charles Turner, of
Detroit, a member of the association, who died
last week at Marion, O., was adopted.
A resolution was adopted making the Mer-
chant Traveller, of Cincinnati, edited by W. j.
hampton, the official organ of the association.
The association adjourned at 5 O'Clock. The
next regular meeting will be held at Detroit, ON
June 13, 1884.