The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-07-06
CANADIAN ROADS.
First Days Session at Boston Of the
Senatorial Committee lnvesii-
eating the Question.
Railroad Officials Who Believe For
eign Roads Should be Treated the
Same as Home Enterprises.
Canadian Pacific Competition a. Looked
Upon by n Union Pacific Omoer-
A. 10 DinerentiAIs.

Boston, July 5.-The United States sen
ate committee on interstate commerce,
which has under investigation the relation
of Canadian railways TO the Interstate CON-
merce laws and United States railways.
began its session in this city to-day. Sena-
tor CullOm explained the purpose OF the
committees visit President Bliss, of the
Boston Il Albany, was then invited 20 give
his views 10 the committee.
President Bliss stated that he was not
one of those who believed the Grand Trunk
railway should be prevented at this late
day from doing business in the United
States. provided, however, they were sub
ject to all the rules aud regulations 10
which American roads are subjected. He
had no personal knowledge that Canadian
roads were making reduced rates, but il
was the general opinion Gthey were. II
they make reduced rates TO individuals, hs
claimed they failed 10 comply with the
provisions of the Interstate commerce rules.
II the system Of granting subsidies 10 Can
adian roads was continued, IL would be an
injury TO Boston IN so far as IL would divert
trade from Boston. In reply to question
of Senator Blair, Bliss claimed if II
was Just TO regulate American roads So
that they cannot compete with water lines,
II is just also 70 regulate Canadian roads,
so they cannot prey upon American roads
after the latter are tied up. Senator Blair
tried hard 10 make President Bliss say that
II Canadian competition was removed the
roads would surely Increase their charges.
but the witness would not do 50. stating IL
the Canadian roads were subjected 10 the
same regulations as American roads the
latter would have to take their chances in
competing. BE was not disposed to think
the Canadian roads the public benefactors
that the people thought them.
President ChOate. of the old Colony road
said his road was probably less affected by
the interstate commerce bill than any
other road In the United States. He
doubted il any law regulating the cOmpe-
tlttOn of Canadian roads could be enforced
though il would be q good thing TO subject
them to the same laws as our roads. bow
to do this he did not know. Certainly not
by legislation. He believed there had
been an increase of business over
Canadian lines since the passage of the
law. The competition of Canadian roads
was an advantage 70 New England. He
was in favor of permitting Canadian lines
TO run through New England under the
same regulations as our roads. The eX-
clusiOn OF their cars would be unfair. He
did not think the Interstate law would
ever be enforced; the long and short haul
clause was wrong; some system of pooling
would be the best thing.
After a recess Miller, general traffic
manager of the Union Pacific, said the
competition his road felt IN connection
with the Canadian lines was in trAnscOn-
tlnental business. He quoted from Cana
dian Pacific figures to show the increase in
its traffic and said this was due to the too
large differentiAls allowed the Canadian
Pacific. If the diffeTentiais were done
away with, the Canadian Pacific would
come in as a free lance and make such
rates that no road could do business at o
profit They could afford it on account OF
government and.