New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-02
RAILROAD INTERESTS.
TIE NORTHWESTERN RATE DIsPUTN
r11u M1ssorRr RIVER LINES INSIST ON Eek

THE MISSOURI RIVER LINES INSIST ON Ex
TENDING THE COMMODITY TARIFF.
Chicago July l tspcciaD.-Thc committee appointed
by the western Freight Association 10 labor with Vice
President Harris Of the Chicago, burlington ana
Northern and secure his Withdrawal OF the low com
modify tariff TO go into effect July 3, reported com
nleto failure at the meeting of the Western Freight
Association to-day. vicoPesdent Hairs was him
self nrosent at the meeting lie absolutely refused
~ Withdraw the tariff On the other hand he gave
notice that additional articles would be added to tho
commodity tariff when the needs of Chicago merchants
demanded 1t.
As already noted this tariff reduces rates in car
lots from Chicago to ST. Paul between 80 and 70 per
cent 1t includes so far as known every article upon
which low rate must be quoted to allow Chicago
merchants to meet Eastern competition BE- lake lines
in the Northwestern country. Already the tariff has
been modified in respect to agricultural implements
The figures quoted are 90 cents hundred modified
arn issued to-day by the Chicago, burlington ana
Quincy and Burlington and Northern reduces the rate
10 II cents.
General Manager Egan, Of the Chicago st. Paul and
Kansas City, before the Persuasion Commute
this morning, but they could influence him no more
than they could Vice President Harris, OF the During
ton and Northern. lie positively Insisted that
the commodity rates went into effect to st. Paul he
would put them into effect at Missouri River points
II IS claimed that under the rules OF the western
Freight Association and the Interstate COnHcrce hhF
way Association By both Of which the Chicago, 81
Paul and Kansas City Is bound, the rates cannot be
made to Missouri River points in less than two months
Under the rulcs Of the first association tho rates can
be made in about eighteen days. 1t IS safe 10 assume
that within eighteen days from July 8. If the North
western roads put in the low commodity rates to ST.
Paul the same rates will be in effect TO the Missouri
River Under the rules Of the Interstate Commerce
Railway Association, It takes nearly six weeks to
reduce rates there opposition, unless the rates to
he met are made by road outside of the association
In that case with the approval OF the chairman
the rate can be met with only the legal notice TO the
Interstate Commerce Commission. 1t is the avowe1
plan Of the Chicago ST. Paul and Kansas city rad 10
mt the rates into effect TO the Missouri under this pro-
Vision 1t is claimed that this ROAD will withdraw from
both associations and put the rate into effect to the
Missouri on July 6, but the report lacks confirmation
Conservative railroad regard the present situation
as The most serious that has mcnaccd western rail-
roads: Few OF them are running at profit the
most Of them at a heavy loss. If the low commodity
rates reach the Missouri II thar every western
road must adopt them. Estimates as to the conse-
auent decrease In gross earnings vary from 30 TO 60
por cent Not Western road. with the possible eX-
coptiOn Of the Alton, cOnld stand inc strdlh IL inc
rates went permanently into ehcc[