The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-11
THE PACIFIC RAILROADS.
q. T.. Huntington Gives His Views. to
the House Committee.


WASHINGTON, Feb. l0.-By appointment
Mr.. @. =. Huntington, vice-pesident OF
the Central Pacific Railroad company, APP
peared to-day before the House committee
on Pacific railroads to give his views upon
pending legislation touching those roads,
and to explain the resources OF the Central
Pacific Railroad company. The hearing
did not occupy the full time set apart for
the purpose, owing to Mr.. Huntington's
failure to appear at 10 o'clock. In fact, il
was just IL o'clock when he did enter the
committeeman. He said he did not
come TO make a speech or argument, but
only to have talk with the committee.
This (the settlement OF the Central Pacific
debit was very old matter and some
what irritating and he would very much
like TO have it settled. lie wished 10 talk
little about the builders and building OF
the Central Pacific and see IL an agree
ment could not be reached by which the
government could come into its own and
the company preserve its property. He
had been with the road since lis organiza-
ton in 1850. His associates were all
noighbors OF his and came into the enter
prise at his personal solicitation. He had
asked them not because they were men OF
large means, but because OF their integrity.
He had put in twelve hours q day on the
company's business from that day 10 this,
and none Of the company's employees had
worked harder. Men who went over the
road in palace car said II could not have
cost much. But il had cost good deal Of
work.
Mr.. Huntington continued nj some
length and went over the same ground he
did when before the Pacific railroad in
yestigation committee In New York some
months ago In conclusion he made a
proposition for the settlement Of the debt
Of the Genital Pacific on the basis Of 25O
semiannual payments, an extension oI
fity.two years, he said, with interest at
per cent.
Mr. Huntington was asked IL he makes
propositions individually or from the Cen.
trail Pacific railroad.
"Well," replied Mr.. Huntington, 81
have no doubt that whatever here pro.
poec would be fulfilled by the Central Pa.
ci6c company. have been lis yice-prcsi.
dent ever since It's organization"
Mr.. Huntington frequently referred "a
the equities OF his company, and said h,
WIS willing 90 have them determined by u
court. lie belieyea,the government owed
the road.
Mr.. wcber-If you could build this road
for less than you owe ihe ovcrnment, II
would be a moncy.making arrangement e
give up the road TO the government, would
Il not2
Mr.. Huntingdon prefer 10 pay th,
government and keep the road.
Mr.. Weber-ADd We arc willing 10 LEI
you do Il.
Mr.. Collins Why not let tho g, 200, 0OC
Of your money now in the treasury go on
| the debt
| Mr.. Huntington-Because u was earned
by the branches Of the road not subsidized
Mr.. outhwaitc-Mr. Brotherlon, repre-
senting many Of the stockholders, made .
proposition 10 the committee to
Mr.. Huntington-Well, Mr.. Brothertor
IL q good man, but his propositions are OF
the principle OF ''let the devil take the hind
NOS"
Mr.. Huntington promised 10 lay befor
tho committee, not later than thirty day
hence, definite and authoritative propo
sition for the liquidation OF the Contra
Pacilc's Indebtedness.
The committee then adjourned until 20.
morrow, when Il is understood that Chas.
Francis Adams, president OF the Union
Pacific, will give his views upon the vari
Gus funding bills.