The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-04-20

Reduction to Montana Points from st. Paul
Over the Northern Pacific.
President Thomas Y. oakes upon his re-
turn from the east to st. Paul Immediately
replied TO the communication addressed TO
him by the Helena board of trade on the
matter Of stop-over privileges for this point.
From his reply 1t will be seen that stop.
over privileges have not been obtained, an
alleged special 10 Helena print 10 the
contrary Notwithstanding, although the
concession made In the matter Of rates to
Helena is equally as good, II not better.
The letter Is addressed 10 Robert @.
Walker, secretary of the Helena board Of
trade. IL says:
"Resp0nse 10 your communication OF
23d ultimO, transmitting an extract OF the
minutes of your board, has been delayed
by my absence from st. Paul. can only
explain our position In the matter OF stop
over privileges by recital OF the history OF
the apparent concessions accorded 70
Spokane Falls, which seems TO be an un-
Just discrimination against other towns.
Before giving this, however, would say
that a reduction In our settlers rate TO Hell
ena and Butte from S32 90 to s25 has been
determined upon, to g0 into effect in Mag,
LIST proximo, IN order to place Montana
points ON par with those farther west.
When this rate goes into effect there will
probably be no occasion for dissatisfaction
on the part OF your people"
In reciting the history OF the stop-over
privilege at Spokane Falls, Mr.. Oakes saws
this was done through an arrangement
when the Transcontinental association
was first formed, TO enable second-clsss
through Pacific coast passengers, not ac-
qualnted with the country, to examine
casually the region west of the mountains 8
between an agreed point some 800 miles
east OF the c0ast. The Northern Pacific
then adopted Spokane Falls as It's
The reoreanizaiion Of ihe association ALTON
the southern lines changed their minds
on the subject and seemed determined
10 force discontinuance of the practice
The Northern Pacific advertising material,
however, was scattered through the coun.
try and the road could not consistently dis
continue the practice. Amy attempt to
extend the stop-oyer privilege further east
would be futile. Mr.. 0akes says, and would
tinental association.
Secretary Walker, Of the Board OF Trade,
Is pleased with the result. and believes the
settlers rates % this point will be Of more
benefit than a stop-over privilege, as IL will
leave travellers here, and II they choose
may purchase tickets farther west at the
Helena office.
HELENA, April 19-Editor OF the Inde.
dependent: Your press dispatches, thii
morning are In error In stating that thu
western Passenger association made q re-
duction OF 81 so on second class rates from
Chicago TO Helena. This reduction wa,
brought about by our local trunk lines ives
OF St. Paul, independent OF the road
running into Chicago, and was made I
short time ago, and there has been d,
further reduction made by the association
between these points. The action reporte,
In the dispatch merely amounted TO q ratifi
cation OF that reduction. The ST. Pau
roads deserve the credit OF this reduce,
schedule, and II Is an injustice to have In
Impression 20 out that this reduction wn
first urged or suggested by the assocIatio
and not by our own lines. JAY.