Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1886-12-04
THE SOUTHERN KANSAS ARBITRA-
TORS.
from the Globe Democrat.

From the Globe Democrat.
The arbitrators appointed to pass upon
rates and differentials on freight traffic
from southern Kansas points, with the able
and efficient aid and advice Of n. Guilford
the assistant commissioner Of the trunk
line pool, have reached decision, and the
finding is in favor Of St. Louis and adverse
to the Chicago and Kansas City demands,
as it WAS predicted it would be by those
who had seen the arguments
and knew the impregnable position
assumed by the Missouri Pacific and
its ally in the contest, the ST. Louis and
San Francisco. The settlement is Oh tie
mileage basis, and therefore from the St.
Louis standpoint The arbitrator origin
ally selected were ]. Waldo, commissioner
of the Texas Traffic association for the
Missouri Pacific; William Duncan, general
freight agent of the Ohio and Mississippi,
the ST. Louis and San Francisco: George
NJ Boyne. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe,
and E. p. Vining. the Southwestern Rail
way association. Finding it impossible to
agree. Commissioner Guiford was called
| in as the fifth arbitrator. When the fight
for an equitable adjustment of the disputed
| questions was inaugurated by the Missouri
Pacific, it was said that Chicago was not
in the battle, and that it rested solely be-
tween ST. Louis and Kansas City. 1t was a
noticeable fact, however, that the Chicago
, interest worked with Kansas City as
against ST. Louis, and now the representa-
tivcs Of the place acknowledge that it was
a contest squarely between Chicago and
Kansas City on the one hand and st. Louis
on the other, in which the latter has won.
The Chicago Kansas City claim was that
rates from Southern Kansas points, via
Kansas City and Chicago, should be vir
tually the same as to St. Louis, although
the difference in mileage was ignored fur
ther than to claim that it makes little diff
ference in the cost of transportation. ST.
Louis claimed that the rates should be
based upon a strictly mileage basis, and
the arguments were SO convincing that the
st. Louis claim was Just aad equitable
one that the arbitrator SO decided. and a
victory of vast importance has been scored
for st. Louis. 1t means that the
Missouri Pacific and San Francisco
will control the bulk Of the
Southern Kansas traffic, as they should,
and that it will come to st. Louis, to which
that section of country is naturally tribu-
tary. Just how the decision VIII be re-
ceived by the A., II. & S. F., which line is
most deeply interested, can only be sur
missed. but that should make no difference,
as the lines in interest agreed to submit to !
and abide by arbitration, and can not afford |
to refuse to carry out the agreement to the !
letter The Missouri Pacific and Frisco |
are anxious for peace. While the Kansas |
City and Chicago lines are naturally acting |
in belligerent manner, notably the latter,
w IN I,n
from Southern Kansas points to Chicago as
are made to st. Louis. and to apply the
same rule from all Southwestern Missouri |
gard as idle, however, and made
in the heat of disappointment at
defeat, for the Chicago lines know that
Louis lines could not help winning. and
they will not precipitate the contest. Great
credit is due w. Ii. Newman and Oscar
&. Murray, traffic managers Of the Mis-
souri, Pacific, and H. l.. Morrill, general
manager of the Frisco, for the gallant fight
made III behalf of st. Louie and its com
nercial interests. There is no appeal from
he just decision Of the board of arbitra-
ion, the agreement holding good for
period Of one year. 1t is thought there
" III DC liO tIOuUIc arising from InG ScttiC-
nent of the question, or at least that there
ought not to be, though it cannot be gain
'aid that the Kansas City and Chicago in
erests are deeply chagrined. The repre-
entatives of lines interested in southern
Kansas business have been in SEES
ion at the Southern the past few days,
the details Of the association,
which are about complete The gentlemen
re now awaiting the official decision of
he arbitrators, before fixing the rates.
which viii likely be done today. The
lection of a commissioner will then be in
rider, and the following names haye been
most prominently mentioned fer the impor-
ant office: l.. c. Cannon, formerly COM
missioner for the Trans-continental asso-
iation; J d. Locke, of Kansas City; ED.
loore, general agent Of the Southwestern
at Kansas City, and is. Leads,
+ the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. 1t
5 not likely, however, that any Of the gen
Iemen named will be the commissioner
nless obstacles are removed and the tenure
+ office and compensation are made suita-
le