Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-02-06
Meeting of the Railroad Commissioners.

McetfDs Oh tne kAflrOad mmisstOnefs.
SAN Francisco, February 5;b.-The Rail.
road Commissioners met tc-day-al present.
Communications were received asking re-
duction Of fares and freights in Solano county
Carpenter offered as substitute for Foote's
three -cents- -per-Ieils resolution one asking
each railroad compeny to furnish information
as TO the general description of ths company's
property; interstate and local CONNECTIONS
reasons for any discrimination in rate opera.
tions CT the road; sources of patronage of
the road; points of competition percentage
OF gross earnings between competing points
explanation of the alleged specisl contract sys.
tenn; difference between contract and COMPETE
tive rates and schedule rates relative average
rates of through and local treights; total in
come for 1882 of the road in California from
local or through freights share of the Joint
earnings from through ffsights prorsted with
overland connections total earnings for the
year from freight of all classes !; total operat-
ing expenses Of the freight department how
far fares and freights ara controlled by the
cost OF service in thess departments max
imum. minimum and average fare per mile
for through passengers /; the ssms for local
farss, excluding the Oakland ferry fares
percentage of expenses to earnings from each
class of passengers, ard percentage of net
income from each 80 the totll operating
expenses for 10th; percentage of ex-
perses to earnings in the passenger de-
partment; percentage of expenses to earnings
in the freight department percentage of
total exp euses to total earnings in both de-
partments; percentage of net increase in esch
TO total end net earnings in both. That on
receiving this information the Commission
should proceed to make up schedule OF rates.
A. n. Towne, General Manager of the
Central Pacific and leased lines, asked that
the companies have all the time they asked
to answer the questions and prepare argu-
ments.
Carpenter said the Board would rot take
hasty action. and in explanation of bis reso-
luton said he considered Foote'S resolution
as whole to be perfunctory and extra legal,
and really ia the form of decision before
investigating.
Mr.. Towne presented very long commu-
nication, which was in effect protest against
Foote'S resolution, ard incidentally fully de-
velopicg the argument of the transportation
companies against iEdiscreet interference By
the State authority, and giving some com.
psrisops of rates and cost of service in the
East and on this COST.
Foots replied. combating Carpenters visws,
and stating that he had studied the subject
six months before drawing up the re tsolution
He believed he was pretty well informed On
the subject, and that his resolution was the
best for the design in view
Carpenter said he intended to do his duty
as Commissioner towarl the great corpora
tions, exactly as he would if they carried
rolls of blankets and psddlers' packs upon
their back.
A sharp discussion ensued between Foote
and Carpenter.
Foote asked Towne q number of questions,
the answers TO which were to tie following
purport The ferry route the past year netted
the company about $50. 600. On portions of
the main line of the Central Pacific there are
only about two passengers monthly. Tde
company is Row paying rapidly its indebted.
ness to the Government.
On vote on Carpenters substitute it was
defeated, Foote voting nc.
The Board accepted an invitation to visit
the Office of the company.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
SAN Francisco, February 5sh-At the
afternoon session Of the Railroad Commits
sioners II. j. Harrison fled long complaint
in behalf of the Merchants and Farmers
Association foT tie Prevention eff Railroad
Extortiob. Various allegations were made
against the railroad compsny, which were
discussed at some length. Harrison said the
paper wes an official complaint, and as soon
as it was put in legal form he would swear to
the truthfulDess Of the contents and file it in
the Office. As soon as this is done the rail-
road officials will be summoned and the ex-
animation proceeded with.
The First Suit Growing Out of the Te-
hachapi Disaster.
SAN FRANCISCO. February 5sh.-The widow
and children of 3. A. Schlinghyde, agent of
an Eastern firm, killed in the Tehachapi dis.
aster, have brought suit fer SIC. 600 damages
against the Southern Pacific Railroad Com
pany.
The Wreck OF the Tacoma.
SAN FRANCISCO, February 5th.-The the
ory of the loss of the Tacoma, at the head.
quarters of the Pacific Improvement Com
pany, the owrers of the vessel, is that
sudden variation of the compass occurred,
and was upnoticed until too late. II is ev-
ident that Captain Korts, old and expert
er cad as he w.s. was too conf lent for the
safety OF his vessel, crew, and cargo. He
was anxious to make quick rup, to equal
his record Of the iua from Philadelphis, and
it is probable that he blundered in not stau6-
ing far enough out to sea. Colonel Crocker
replied to Captain Korts' dispatch, and In
structed him TO make all eff 3rts possible to
save portions OF the steamer or cargo. He
was also Instructed to report as soon as pcs.
sible in this city. He will go 60 Portland and
will cone down on the first steafner. There
was no insurance on either the vessel or cargo,
as far as known by The company. Ths total
loss, not counting lives, will approximate
$3.50, 600. It has been the habit of the com.
pany not TO insure It's vessels. Colonel
Crocker stated that possibly the Tacoma
might have been insured before leaving Phil
adeiphis, but it is not considered probable.
There will be an Investigation as soon as the
Captain arrives More dispatches are ex-
pected from him soor.
Theories concerning the disaster may be
piled mountain high, but the bold fact still
stands out clearly, that Ten lives and noble,
staneh and valuable vessel we're lost on 8
clear night and under no stress Of weather
The less can hardly be get down to the &C.
count cf "the psrils of the sea" because the
searching inquiry should be instituted.
The New Charter or San Francisco.
SAN Francisco, February 5sh.-This af-
trro tie Board of Freeholders held final
meeting to conclude the official business re-
latiDg to the charter. It was suggested thas
the Board ought to take some action with ref
erence to bringing the matter before the Legie-
lature in case Of the ratification of the charter
by the pespe at the special election. A COM
mittee, consisting Of Messrs. Swift, Hsgar,
Wilson and Burnett, was appointed, and su-
thorized to go to Sacramento in behalf Of the
Board when necessary, and cause the charter
to be submitted st the earliest opportunity,
and Go their utmost to push the matter to
final adoption or rt jaction.
The Nicaragua Canal BiII-HeId for Trial.
SAN FRAgcrsco. February 5th.-As the
sixth anuuAl meeting of the Board Of Trade,
held this afternoon, the following dispatch
was read from Senator Miller:
WASHINGTON February 5th.
]. S. Taber President Board Of Trade San Fran
cisco The prospects Of the passage of the Nicaragua
bill are good 1t is growing in favor in both houses
JOHN F. MILLER, U. S. Senator
Edward and John F. Mshoney, who last
week had a private examination upon a
charge of grand larceny, were held to-day for
trial, each in the sum of $1,000.
lncendiarism at Nevada City.
NEVADA, February h.-Last evening an
attempt wss made to burn the town hut m.