Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-25
RAILROAD WAR IN ENGLAND
shippers Organizing Against the Extor-
tions of the Roads.

LONDON, Oct 25.-The agitation among the
traders and manufacturers of England for re-
lief from the extortionate freight tariffs i'm
posed by the railroads promises now, after
many months of fruitless effort, TO bring the
wealthy railway corporations TO terms. Meet
ings have been held in every large city in
England. in which the most prominent citi-
zens took part, resolutions having been passed
without number loudly protesting against the
high-handed treatment accorded shippers but
TO all this the railway managers turned deaf
ear. So long as the victims Of their extortion-
ate tariffs and unjust determinations MAIN
tanned a respect for the vested rights" OF the
companies and religiously retrained from de-
manding parliamentary interference in their
behalf the railway managers only laughed at
the protests and the resolutions
The meetings al Manchester, Leeds, Brad
ford, Sheffield and Liverpool during the past
ten days have, however, caused more concern
in railway circles. They did not confine them
selves to empty protests, but determined upon
prompt and vigorous action to bring the man
ayers to their senses. Steps were taken 20
form "a Traders and Manufacturers league" 70
extend throughout England, Scotland and Ire
land, whose purpose should be to obtain from
the sitting member of parliament for each con-
stituency distinct pledge 20 advocate and vote
for parliamentary supervision over freight
charges of railways, and in case of refusal TO
give such pledge on the part of any member to
throw the whole weight and influence Of the or
ganization against his reelection, regardless Of
party affiliations.
1t has become quite evident that the mer-
chants and manufacturers engaged in this
movement are in dead earnest. They point to
the recent example of the United States Con-
gress, which passed q comprehensive measure
for the regulation of railway charges with
which all classes appear entirely satisfied
The lord mayor of London, speaking at one
of these meetings recently held at Manchester,
urged those aggrieved by the action Of the COM
panies TO unite for mutual protection, and the
league is the outcome of his advice.
The railway companies will PROBABLY recon-
slider their proposal to increase their freight
charges.
Resuming his speech before the parnell conn
mission today Michael Davitt declared that the
landlord system ought to be abolished and the
land vested in the state. The money raised in
America for the benefit OF the Irish cause, he
said, was mainly contributed by Irish working
men and women.
Mr.. Davitt denied that there was any sili-
ance between the league and the revolutionary
organizations in Ireland. lie said that Mr.
Houston, secretary of the loyal and patriotic
union, and his accomplices knew that the let
ters alleged to have been written by Mr. Par
nell. which were printed in the London Times,
were forged before Pigott went into the wit
ness box, and that il had come TO his CDsvitt's)
knowledge that Pigott had confessed that fact
prior to bis testlfying for the Times. Chief
Justice Hsnnen interrupted the speaker az this
point, saying that the commission could not
accept such a statement without evidence being
produced to support it. MIR. Davitt did not
press the point, but stated that the allegation
would be again made and proved later on He
said further that the alleged secret circulars
produced by the Times 10 show that the league
was revolutionary organization were for.
geries.
BRADLAUGH NO BETTER.
Mr. Charles Bradlaugh, who is suffering from
congestion of the lungs, passed bad night,
and his condition this morning is less favorable.
THE cEpHALoSIA's EXPLOSION KILLS THREE MEN.
LONDON, Oct 25.-An explosion in the stoke
hole caused the Cunard liner CephaIonia,
which left Liverpool at IL am. yesterday, 70
make in at Holyhead last night The second
engineer. John McPariane, and four firemen-
John Price, John Malcolm, John Webb and
John Q. Price, severely scalded by steam-were
taken to Stanley hospital, Holyhead-
Three of the injured men have since died
and another is in very critical condition.