The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-19

The latest thing in trusts is "The West
syn American Passenger Trust" a pro-
posed corporation, the prospectus OF which
was recently issued by Edward Blk, OF
Chicago. Vice-Chairman Daniels, OF the
Central Traffic association, calls attention
to this great scheme in a circular letter,
and says:
at appears TO be the intention Of the
organization TO secure the cooperation Of
all steamship agents in the United States
for two purposes:
81. To force all railways in the country
to pay them a commission on all railway
tickets that may be sold in connection
with steamship business.
''2. To eventually confne the sale Of
steamship tickets, and railway tickets in
connection Herewith. TO steamship agents,
taking this business out OF the hands Of
railway agents entirely.
cor, in other words, the object OF the
trust seems TO be the management OF the
passenger business Of the country so far rs
IL connects with or relates 10 ocean steam
ship business.
thinking the document would prove
interesting TO you, especially in connection
with the present discussion OF the COM
mission question, had il reprinted and
have senta copy 10 all lines in the Central
Traffic and Trunk Line associations for
their information. ] will call the matter
up at Cresson at our meeting July 10 for
such consideration rs may be thought
proper
The prospectus Is lengthy document
Astounding in suited argument in favor OF
the 'outside" steamship agent as against
the railroad ticket agent, and strongly IA.
yoring the payment OF commissions. I'll
roads like the Pennsylvania, New York
Central, Michigan Central, Lake Shore,
Rock Island. Burlington, Northwestern
-~iSl many Others" says the circular, lin
sist that no commissions are being paid
aud can afford TO remain blind, they can
not object TO our asking honoably fol
what we are offered underhandedly."
The trust is corporation, duly organ.
lied under the laws OF Illinois, capital
stock $50 900, all OF which is held by in
terests friendly TO the transatlantic steam
ship companies. The stock is the private
property OF the owner and can be sold, bu
transfer can not be made 10 any person
who Is Objectionable to the board Of direct
ors. The business OF the trust is 10 lool
after the railroad interests Of the ocear
steamship lines, securing 10 its member
the same iavors, facilities and advantages
M are granted 10 Others. thus enabling tn,
sub.agcnts OF members 10 compete will
railway ticket sellers who are also steam
ship agents. Railroad ticket sellers ge
commissions for selling tickets over othe
roads than their own, hence western rail
way agents who sell ocean tickets have nj
advantage on through European business
not enjoyed by steamship agents who ar,
not railway ticket sellers. Railways .dC
not pay this commission except wher
there Is known facility for inluenc
ing business. They do not pay
publicly; on the contrary, they den,
that Il Is paid ut all. They do offer
secretly TO use among sub-agents. Thi
secret rail commission has demoralizc,
ocean business entirely. When the rail
way pool investigates a cut on through
rates, some one swears IL Is cut mad
wholly on the ocean. When the oceai
line inquiries, some one swcars II Is 10 be
cut on the land. Railways In Americ
have come TO learn that uniayorablc route
must offer inducements, and that the bcs
known method OF avoiding disastrous war
IL 10 wink nj this secret Offering oi oxtr
Inducements, but ~ Il cannot be given I
1000 steamship sub.agcnts without put
-AAity and ~ every railway ticket agent
by virtue OF this advantage, is pretty Gel
tain 10 make any sale that q STEAMSHIP
agent works up, the railways ignore th
steamship agent. The trust will endeayC
10 secure for is members full remedies e
the above and other evils that from tim
10 time arise by reason Of the enforced =,
la,ions between railway and STEAMSHIP