The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-08
RAILROAD RATES.
baltimore Versus Richmond and Nor
foIk-DiHerential Rates.

The Norfolk Ledger says: "Some time
since the merchants OF Baltimore held q
meeting for the purpose Of consulting with
the southern transportation lines, and de-
manding from them readiustment OF the
rates on merchandise TO and from that city.
They claimed that rates to Richmond and
Norfolk over the associated roads OF Vir-
einia aud the Carolinas were too much lower
than Baltimore rates and should be reduced,
or Norfolk and Richmond rates increased.
A committee was appointed to wait on
the representatives OF the various lines.
1t was suggested by the railroad officials
that Richmond and Norfolk were also in
that like committees be chosen from the
last-named places, who should, with the
committee appointed from Baltimore, lay
before the transportation lines the ques-
ton Of freight rates, with view OF having
the same properly adjusted In the interest
Of all. From Richmond we learn that
the merchants OF that city had arranged
for the appointment sof committee, and
proposed TO call on the merchants OF Nor
folk for the appointment OF similar COM
mittee to consult with the one appointed
from Baltimore, and in the event that
the three were unable to agree upon rates
which would be satisfactory TO all, to call
in an umpire who should decide the diff
ferences at issue, such decision to be bind
ing upon all. We also learn that this ar
rangement was agreeable to the railroad
authorities. We have since been informed,
however. that the committee appointed by
the Baltimore merchants have declined
conference, and continue their demand for
[lower] diflerehtia rates. Thus the mat
ter rests at present; In the mean time it
would be well for our merchants to be on
the lookout and see that their interests are
properly cared for on this question OF
freight rates. They should have full un-
derstanding with the Richmond merchants
in relation thereto, and see that they Sc
cure the advantage to which they are enti
tied by reason OF their geographical posi-
tion."
This is indeed an important matter; but
it has not been neglected. The Committee
on Inland Trade of the Chamber OF Com
merce have for two months had it under
advisement, and will do what is necessary
10 cooperate with Norfolk.
Norfolk and Richmond must stand by
each other. They ought to insist that II
the rates are altered at all. that they he
made more favorable to them. 1t is
amazing to see Baltimore demanding Vir-
ginid companies to make discrimination
in her favor against Virginia cities
Why, at this very time the rate per mile
between Baltimore and Burkeville, Dan
vile, and Greensboro, &C., is lower than
between Richmond and those points!
Richmond has not complained OF this, be-
cause there are competitive lines between
Richmond and Baltimore, and she has
thought that OF that advantage Baltimore
could not be righteously deprived; but no
such liberality is exhibited towards Us.
We have to fight for all that we get.
Richmond and Norfolk will agree to,
submit this matter to arbitration. Ii Balti-
more has Just cause she cannot refuse to
accept that course. II she has refused, it
must have been In the confidence that the
pressure she could bring upon the rail-
road companies would better avail her. In
this she will probably be disappointed.
Richmond and Norfolk will stand together,
and the railroads will do them justice.
They mean to stand upon their rights.
All they expect is bare justice. That much
they IW have