The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-09-02
THE SALT QUESTION:.

That the freight rate on salt should be
reduced is true beyond a doubt, and we
have every reason to believe that it will be.
The Union Pacific Railway Company is
making a thorough examination into the
subject through a special commissioner,
and prompt action may he expected upon
the report. The Union Pacific Railway
Company has shown "A disposition to deal
fairly by the camp, and we have the assur-
ance OF President Adams that whatever
advantage can be given to Butte and An
aconda shall he extended. The company
has long since given ample earnest OF its
good intentions. 1t is now examining into
the demand for a reduction OF the rate on
salt, so strongly urged by our mill men.
The affairs of the company are conducted
on business principles. Mr.. Word belongs
to the department OF justice. He would be
promptly consulted on law points, but
scarcely on mere traffic matters. Mr.. Scott
is the General Agent Of the company here
and on matters pertaining to freight. rates
and rebates he would be an authority, but
scarcely on a scientific subject. The com
pany has a desire to know nov much salt
is used per ton by the variou mills uf the
camp; nov much the cost per ton oil ore
and to what extent the reduction woul
assist the mills. These data are now being
gathered aud will be submitted to the off
Gals in due season. A mass meeting is no
more essential to bring about a change OF
rates than a brass band is to a rabbit
roundup. The idiotic vaporings OF Il news
paper, without argument or statistics to
base an argument upon. can accomplish
nothing. The history of the Inter Noun
tain is s uch as not to inspire the confidenc
of honest pe ,ple. It's mere say 50 does not
count for anything and it's unsupported as
s~ertions will have no weight whatever with
the Union Pacific management.
The mill men OF the camp have made
their representations to the company, Civ
ing in detail their grievances and desires.
The company is now verifying these state
ments and seeking new information. This
accomplished. it will be b to act intelli-
gently and fairly, as it no doubt will go iaras
it can consistently with existing contracts.
The MINER believes that the company will
reduce the rate ON salt to SIS or SIG, but
it is convinced that vituperation and abuse
can accomplish nothing. The gentlemen in
terested most deeply in this matter did not
approach the officials OF the company in
that spirit and have no desire to do so.
The paper that pursues the policy OF abuse
does not represent the active element or
the intelligence Of the camp.
THE MINER does not wear the Union Pa
citic collar. Indeed, it does not stand in
very great favor with tie powers that be
in the company, because it has seen fit
from time to time to ~criticise adversely
some of the c%ompany's affairs at Butte.
The paper is not upon the courtesy list OF
the General Passenger Agent and pays it's
way on the road. and consequently is under
no obligations whatever, but all this will
not prevent it from dealing fairly with the
management. We believe that the present
management means to foster the industries
of Butte and to assist in every possible way
in the development OF the camp. Werecog-
nize that it has a right to make Il close and
independent inquiry into complaints, and
in consequence OF the pernicious sys-
tenn of pooling it is somewhat tied up and
cannot act as promptly as it would ii it
held an independent position. That it will
see the necessity of cutting down the rate
on salt. as it did on matte, and that it will
extend the desired relief in due season. We
firmly believe. Abuse of the company and
it's officials can accomplish nothing.