Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-04-13
TIE CONSOLIDATION QUESTION.

Recent discussion by essayists and the
press upon the effects, necessities and ben.
efts of the consolidation of railway lines
which form links in chains of routes ira
versing several States and Territories be-
tween ocean termini, again brings the sub
ject forward to public consideration in a
purely economical phase. 1t is now free
from the entarglements, partisanship and
local political complications embarrassing
and environing it during the session of the
late Legislature in this State. Then dis
passionate consideration of the matter was
not permitted. It is now accepted geuer-
ally by political economists that such con-
splidations are not only not antagonistic to
public interests, bat on the contrary are
promotive of them, in that they make GER
tain the more economical administration
of the transportation business, and because
the benefits resulting are mutual between
the public and the carriers. 1t needs no
elaboration of argument to make clear
that single corporate administration,
single outfit of company officials, etc., en-
able operations to be conducted at least
cost and with the lowest amount of fric-
tion, as compared to several distinct or.
CARNATIONS with all their several retinues
and varied and distinct equipments.
It will be remembered that the chief and
only objection worthy of note raised by
the legislative resolutions of protest against
consolidation of companies on the Southern
Pacific route between San Francisco and
New Orleans, was based upon the expressed
fear that such union under permissive act
of Congress would deprive this State of the
right of control and regulation which it
has asserted over roads held to be subject
to her jurisdiction. That these fears were
not well grounded, was proven by the
readiness with which the I" bill TO author
ize the Southern Pacific Railroad Company
and other roads to unite and consolidate so
as to form continuous line of railroad be-
tween the tidal waters of the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans" was amended in Congress
SO as to completely overcope all objection
taken by the alarmists, and to eliminate
by express provision all doubts upon
that subject. 1t is therefore now to be
taken for granted that such consolidation
under this modification will not hereafter
be resisted, even by those who opposed it
SO recently.
The advantages of such union will accrue
TO California in greater degree than to the
companies interested. 1.-The history of rail-
road development in this and other coun-
tries" said the Congressional committee
to which the subject was referred, "reveals
the fact that the union of smaller links
into great lines of railroad has been found
necessary for their efficient operation, and
that such consolidation has resulted in
cheapening and improving the carriage of
persons and property, and manifold bene.
fits to the patrons of the roads" That this
conclusion is invincible, dispassionate ex-
animation will conclusively show. The
Pacific coast has the deepest interest in the
greatest possible success of the roads to
bring its products closer TO the worlds
great markets at the minimum Of cost.
The desired union under enc control is not
in the line of q new and untried policy.
Whatever will increase the efficiency of
transcontinental lines and the economy of
their conduct, must be reflected in mate
AZ
in facilitating the rapid and economical
transportation of freight and passengers
and in inviting to the permanent settle
ment and cultivation of the country. As
the production of the coast enlarges, the
desirability of having every economic
measure applied to secure the best mar
kets afording the largest returns is in
creased. The tide of immigration is now