The National tribune., 1889-07-18
THE RATE CONTROVERSY.

In response 10 the action of the eight De-
partments OF the interior of the country,
with relation 10 the 1-cent rate 10 Mil
waukee, which was reported ia last weeks
NATIONAL TRIBUNE, Mr.. W. ". Abbott,
Chairman OF the Western Passenger Asso-
citation, sent communication TO Department
Commander Martin, Of Illinois, of which
the following are the essential paragraphs:
Tie Central Traffic and Trunk Line Associations
have bad the Grand Army under consldera-
tiOn for long time and have examined fully into
ibe merits Of tIe demands made by the Depart
fneBt Commanders for "a rate Of I-cenI per mile
Boih associations with the fullest information be
fore them, voted 10 make the rate single fare and
positive That no representation that can be
made 10 associations will induce them TO
change their legislation This subject.
On behalf Of the lines in the Western States Pas
senger Association. who have also given the sub
lect their best consideration and who lave tender
ed 10 the Grand Army the lowest rate that we
make for amy occasion. beg 20 advise you u our
concurrence in the conclusions above recited.
Commander Martin thereupon took the
only course that was left open TO him, and
issued the following sensible, temperate
circular Of advice TO the comrades of his
Department:
HEADQ' ~ DEPARTsaIET OF ILLTEoIs, GAR
Room 50i, - WAsHIsGTOs 81,
CHICAGO. July. 1859.
After IA lOng-eontlnued effort on the part OF a
| large number Of the Department Commanders Of
tie Grand Army Of tie Republic, supplemented by
earnest appeals 10 the railroad officials from our
L. a..
| Milwaukee. have failed to secure for tie old
soldiers The customary rate Of per mile to the
! National E8eampmeni 10 be held at Milwaukee
/ VIA, during the Inst week ia August.
la view Of the fact that rate Of less than cent
| mile las recently been given 10 the German Turn.
FeTein National meeting at Cincinnati and a rate
Of y cent per mile has been given 10 the Niagara
Pals excursions there II general feeling that the
men whose services and sacrifices alone made II
possible for the railroads 10 exist and share in the
prosperity which has attended the Nation in recent
years are fairly entitled TO at least the rate which
has been asked. The refusal Of the railroads "a
| give this rate is unjust discrimination against
| the veterans Of the late war ] therefore, ia con.
| current action with the Department Commander
| Of Michigan, Indiana. Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa
| Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota, who to-day will
issue similar circular 10 their respective Depart
meBts, request all comrades Of this Department. "a
aALlSt Vi erAA ES1Pcct hha scil-1tieIbe and Out O
love FOR Order, that they forego the antici
pated pleasure Of meeting their comrades at ths
National EneampmeBtb by remaining at home only
those attending who duly elected delegates OF
ex-ofieio members Of the Eneampment Let al
ia dignilsd but resoute manner resent this grea
injustice sought 10 be melted out 70 the old soldier
by the railroad managers.
issue this request with much regret II will bs
a great disappointment 10 thousands Of comrades
/ fu and fIe art
pated grand Reunion resolve itself into ner.
formal business session. Ii viii also be great dis
appointment 70 the comrades and patriotic citizen.
OF Milwaukee. who are doing everything la theil
power 10 give their visitors generous welcome
They entitled 10 the thanks aud best wishes q