New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-11
FURRY IN RATES At CHICA GO.
CUTTING WESTERN RATES ON PRODUCT.
SLIGHT DISTURBANCE ALSO ON PASSENGER
RATEs-A BLOCK OF TICKETS THAT
APE OBJECTIONABLE.
ARE OBJECTIONABLE.


Chicago, Nov. 10 (spccaD.-The morning papers
to-day predict general freight war among western
roads, account Of the NorhweserD's cut Of yester-
day In tho between here and Omaha. The Sit
uation however, IS not as serious has been re-
ported. The freight complication has grown out OF
contracts packing house products fom the Missouri
10 Chicago, mado by the Alton, which are so much
lower than the regular % IL cent rate chat other
roads, to save their business must meet the cut.
This contract rate of the Alton lasts until January 1.
after which no disagreement is anticipated. Presi-
dent Hewitt of tho Northwestern declares that there
is nothing sensational in the notice Of the reduction
packing house products, cattle and hogs, from the
Missouri River TO Chicago.
4" Our position is just this,' he said. The Burling-
ton and other roads have made reduction from 81 IL
cents TO IL cents on packing house products. Tho
Illinois Central has made a corresponding reduction
from Sioux City 1t is the determination Of tho North
western 10 have this rate adjusted fairly Under the
rules of the Associations of which the Northwestern is
member ten days notice of a change Of rates and
like notice of the probable rate to be made is required
In naming the cent rate have simply named the
minimum rate. 1t can be made as much higher as
we can agree upon. In other words, We have made
no new rate. 1t Is simply notice that we want tho
rate adjusted on falnr basis The reduction on
dressed meats to II cents instead of 27 IL cents is
very unequal and unjust apportionment of the rate
do not think that there is any Immediate probability
Of freight among Western roads,
T. d. Armour knew little and apparently cared less
about the cut in freight rates. 1t Is matter that
concerns us but little, If any, said he "Our packing
house products are all shipped East from here ANY
reduction In rates Will hardly affect u.s. as there will
be a corresponding reduction in live stock rates.
Assistant General Freight Agent Ross, of the Bur-
lngton said The reduction to ~ cents was made on
account Of tho Alton cut to that figure The Alton
rate has been In force for some time and We were
compelled to meet It, that the packing houses at
upper Missouri points which bought hogs in the samo
territory west of the Missouri River could compete
with the Southwest Missouri River points Every ef-
fort was made to get the Alton to rate but
influences beyond the control of the Alton road made
the attempt unsuccessful The Alton contract only
lasts to December 81, and rates will probably be
restored on January l. Tho is of the results
of the ndscriminate cutting going during tho sum-
mer mOnths.'
Ihee are also renewed complications among the rail.
ways on account Of the action of the Eastern roads
against the Alton and several minor difficulties Will
continue long. Most Of the officials are extremely
doubtful of the statement made to-day that Western
road had issued 100000 worth Of tickets at reduced
rate General Passenger Agent z. r. Wilson, Of the
Northwestern, was asked:
" DO you think there is anything In the way of aa
agreement Of the Western States Passenger Association
other than the boycott Of the Eastern roads against
the Alton tickets ?"
understand that the Alton managers are willing
to 90 into the agreement when this question settled
to their satisfaction and when certain questions grow
ing out of the improper Of mileage tickets can
also be settled.'
Are there any other Western roads which havo
grievanceslS
-" have heard It stated that large block of tickets
placed on the market by one of tho roads must be
removed before the other companies will commit
themselves to agreement
DO know definitely that such q block OF tickets
has been placed on the marketl"
Il have knowledge that subject and am IN
clined to accept the statement with allowance"
Then the Northwestern has no grievance OF It's
own which stands in the way Of the Western States
Passenger Association agreement? ?"
None whatever. The Chicago and Northwestern
IS always ready into and maintain an association
and agreement, not much with the expectation
of serving advanced rates of bringing about uniform
fair dealing between the carriers themselves ana
between the carriers and the public
DO you think that at the meeting OF the general
passenger agents next Wednesday the managers will
find to do away with the present indefinite
condition of rates 2"
There is no reason why they should not.'
Chairman Abbott, Of the Northwestern Passenger
Association, not at all fearful Of passcngerrate
war. The managers OF western roads will met next
Wednesday to shape up passenger matters