The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1884-01-17

reahZeu, though by no means 70 Tue
degree we had reason to look for.
THE HERALD was not only early,
but continues in its assertion that
a war of rates would result disas-
trously, in that it would unsettle
values generally. The prediction
has been lately realized, and it is
with feeling of relief that business
men and the public generally look
forward to renewal of the old
rates against which all protested so
heartily before; and while 1t must
be admitted that such a renewal
would inspire degree of confidence
essential to business enterprises,
which is now wanting, the fact
should not be lost sight of that the
rates are still outrageous, and that
upon the renewal of the discarded
tariff Utah will again resume the
payment annually of large sum
more than equity would award as a
just payment for the amount of
freight hauled here.
The DenenU TO be looked for
by the going into effect again
of the old tariff. is that
it will close the door of
Utah against outside industries
which are now paralyzing home
enterprises. The railroads in the
war now seemingly drawing to
close have shown as little consider.
alton for Utah as has ever been ex>
hibited before; in fact, they have
been more heartless, and that road
which boasts most of beginning the
fight merits the severest condemna-
ton. If the disposition had been,
as has been claimed, to do Utah a
good service, the roads would have
opened the door to let Utah pro-
ducts out with the same rapidity
with which they opened the doors
to let foreign products in. But on
the contrary, our unfortunate Terri.
tory has been held in a vice-like
grip. Every inducement has been
offered to crowd In outside products.
This cruel course has been injuri-
Gus in two ways: it has not
only cut off our exports, but
has positively injured our home
consumption. The latter difficulty
could have been averted had our
been as patriotic as they
are in other Territories, but it is a
truth in regard to us that
we preach the sustenance of home
industries more and practice it as
little as is done in any western Ter
ritory or State. Hence, Utah mer-
chants would purchase outside pro-
ducts that could be secured at home
and from those who support the
merchants, because of a gain Of a
few cents. We cannot help believ-
ing such course has been suicidal
and that its effect will last long after
the present war terminates--as ter
inmate it soon must.
The reason a restoration of old
rates will be welcomed, is that it
will close the doors by which Ne
oraska and Colorado are pouring
heir products into us, and in doing
10, will give US again a meagre OPP
portunity for that expectation
which is now entirely cut
off. We could have stood the
war rates had we enjoyed them in
ouf exports, for then a market |
weuld have been created for many |
articles now useful only for home
but the fight wasn't
hat way, and Utah suffers.
When peace is declared again, you
nay look for railroad men to warn
you against desire for lower rates
md enforce the warning by a refer
,nce to existing times; but let them
lot lay that flattering JUNCTION to
heir souls, for they are still robbing
he Territory of much of its hard
earned wealth. We can stand all
he cuts they can make, if they will
)nly let the cuts work both ways.