New-York tribune., 1885-10-22
A SHARE IN THE POOL ASKED.
POSITION OF BALTIMORE AND OHIO.


REFUSING TO ADVANCE PASSENGER RATES TILL 1T
Is RECOGNIZED AS A NEw-YORK LINE.
An ugly snag was struck yesterday in the debera-
tOns OF the railroad managers looking an advance
in through passenger fares. The Baltimore and Ohio
refused to assent to any advance to ans pooling
agreement unless it was recognized as a New FORK
line The standing committee OF the trunk lines
Commissioner Fnks Office to consider the report OF the
passenger committee who have been in session for days
past drafting new pooling contract All OF the COM
panies represented and it had been expected that
the approval of the contract would be followed by
order restoring first and second class TO the old
basis OF 500 for first class from NewYork to Chicago.
The acceptance of the plan by the presidents was
understood to be equivalent to its adoption by the
presidents committee The meeting discussed tile
different roysions and with the exception OF making
few minor changes appeared to be ready 10 put tDem
into effect. At the afternoon session the proposed
York pool was taken up The report of the
passenger committee included the names of all the
trunk lines excepting the Baltimore and Ohio. Vice
President Spencer, of that company, then dropped
little dose of dynamite into the conference He stated
mildly but firmly that the Baltimore and Ohio had
been invited to attend the recent meetings for the
purpose of recognizing the passenger pools and secur
ing the benefit of the higher rates that were naturally
to follow the reorganization. 1t had sent
its representative aud had worked with the
committee in preparing the rules. IT, however, it
was have share in the advantages which were to
result from the agreement II not willing to become
party to ii. Mr. Spencer said that his company would
The proposed restoration of fares or agree
to the provisions of the contract Tor their maintenance
until IL had been recognized as participant In the d.
vision of New-York business upon the basis held by
In 1884, when the pooling agreements dissolved.
a somewhat animated discussion followed this decla
ration. Vice President Thomson OF the Pennsylvania,
became at the centre of interest but he cautiously
declined to commit himself upon the question raised.
He stated that he had not come prepared to meet IL
and would have to receive further instructions from
President Roberts before he could act with authority
The representatives, of the other trunk lines that
the point for settlement between the fennsyl-
vania and the Baltimore and Ohio. and in view OF the
pece ed complication all action regarding rates was
postponed indefinitely. Tie passenger contract was
referred to the presidents with the approval OF It's pro-
Visions, but with the position OF the Baltimore ana
OHIO to be considered. The standing committee then
adjourned. No meeting Of the presidents has been
called.
Railroad men recognize the impossiblIity of ndvanc
ing passenger rates from New York long the Bal
timOre and Ohio refuses TO cooperate in advance
The Immig grant rate from Baltimore is 81 and II the
NewYork trunk lines put up immigrant fares there IS
line will divert a. much traffic to the southern port as
possible. At any rail rate at New-l ork nlucL above
81 the steamship lines could afford to bring HlInl-
grants to Baltimore and then to this port for re-
turn freight cargo The Erie being 80 strong an i'm
migrant lne is not likely 10 look quietly on while the
traffic goes TO rival port aud road. As regards hrst
class laes ii the New York rates should Ce raised 70
the basis OF $50 to Chicago the Baltimore and OHIO,
bv combining the local rate of - 30 from this city to
atmor, with tie present rate OF Sl3 from the latter
place t. Chicago could cut the New. York rate ~ 40.
As deep q cut could nc made the Baltimore and Ohio
c t. roduc its through rate from it, eastern eIni
nus.
The passenger contract which now awaits the settle
mcat OF the vital relations between the lcnnsyN ana
and the Baltimore and Ohio differs radically In some
points from previous pooling agreements. IL appoints
the chairman Of the passenger committee (Mr fisr-
eoul the arbitrator questions of ORDER ard current
br,incs Points of dispute TO the division OF pooled
traffic NAV be appealed from the chairman, but Mr.
Fink is constituted final Oter his decisions to be
given at an early and reasonable time. lehear-
inc of eases il allowed il error can be shovD but
close rules coninc the Iehsarng to the questions re-
viousv invOy ed and to the same arbitrator In ccoG-
nilin the principle OF diifcrental rates. the chairman
Of the passenger committee l. TO have power II make
what differences are necessary to enable the weaker
lines to carry their allotted percentages or to adopt
Other means if he tit to do 80. lAe paymen OF
commissions at pooling points Is abolished the fore
going clause is intended To allow discretion IN this re-
gard but TO confne it to the chirman thereby pre-
venting the don0Talizing acts OF the weaker roads,
working independently. The chairman is also TO havc
sole authority To Issue immigrant orders he is to pro-
vide for the payment OF the commissions to the steam
ship companies These Fixed at 10 per cent, pro-
yidcd a At no commission shall exceed 81 on each
passenger and 80 cents On each halpasscnger chll-
dren within certain agcs. The railroad agencies
abandoned. but those now existing will probably he
conducted by the steamship lines hereafter he pools
proposed under the new contract cover the points
which have already been mentioned IN TIE LEIBUNE.