New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-13
CANADIAN RAILROAD PRIVILEGES.
IMPORTANT HEARING BEFORE SECRETARY WIN
DOM ON THE MATTER OF CONSULAR
SEALING OF CARS

Washington, Nov. ia question involving the
rights and privileges of Canadian railroads In the
transportation Of American merchandise over Ameri-
territory the subject of long hearing ~ the
Treasury Department to-day. The Treasury Depart
ment was represented by Secretary Window, Assistant
Secretary spaulding and Special Agent Tinge the
State Department by Secretary Blaine and the Depart
ment Of Justice by solicitor Hepburn.
The argument was opened by ex-senator G.. ID.
Conger of Michigan, and c. 2. CongeA who said they
appeared In behalf Of large number of American
citizens and also In enforcement Of the Interstate
Commerce act 10 induce such change of the present
system viii longer permit CARS or vehicles laden
with bonded freight for transit through contiguous
foreign territory 10 be loaded, bonded, sealed and
manifested outside of American ports. and within
foreign territory" They asked that tho entire system
Of granting such permission be revoked and presented
statements to show that the present system operates
injuriously to this country in many ways.
Judge william A. Day. counsel for the Grand Trunk
Railway Company of Canada, the next speaker
lie defended the present system at length, and con
tended that it based on the best legal authority
and, during experience OF quarter OF century,
had resulted In the least injury to the Interests
Of the United States lie insisted that the question
was properly legislative one, and should be settled
la Congress; and the fact that Congress declined to
interfere was, he thought, to be taken expression
of its approval Of the existing condition OF things and
an approval Of the Treasury regulations. Judge DAY
said further that the Grand Trunk Railway rested it,
rights under tie Treaty of Washington, and he argued
that Article 20 of that treaty fully justified the pres
ent system OF consular sealing of cars
A. G.. Raymond, OF Detroit, who said he represented
American railroad interests desiring the retention Of
the present regulations, followed Judge Day in the
same line of argument. He denied that there any
discrimination the part OF Canadian roads against
American elevators and quoted statistics 20 show that
American roads received more than their reciprocal
share of business in the transportation of merchandise
between Canada and the United states. He went
ON TO defend the present system Of consular sealing
in Canada Of containing goods from Asatic ports.
Secretary Blaine showed deep interest in this part
of Mr. Raymond's argument and frequently questioned
him to show that all Eastern merchandise arriving at
ports Oh the Pacific coast, both British American.
intended for Canadian ports Is diverted from American
roads to Canadian roads with corresponding di-
version Of British freight arriving at Vancouver 10
American roads.
Mr. Raymond argued that this was the natural re-
suit OF a struggle between rival corporations. and on
this point informal discussion occurred between
Secretaries Blaine and Window and ex-Collector
Magone OF New-YorlI.
Secretary Blaine remarked, while Mr. Raymond was
speaking, that he was here simply as one Of the
spectators, and not in any official character whatever
lie wished to say, however. in answer 10 Mr.. Ray
monds suggestion that this might be a policy Of 10
such thought, that the mere supposition Of such
policy and then arguing against 1t might create
serious msapprehenson in the country as to such an
intention the part OF the Government, and that
for this he nterp0sed to prevent any such IDEA
going abroad the result Of this hearing Mr. Blaine
continued II the Government OF the United States
had been DESTROYS Of throwing obstacles in the way
Of developing the Canadian Pacific, would not
given ii the privilege Of going through two States Of
the Northwest and crossing at the Soo" nor would
nv own State Of Maine have given IL the liberty Of
crossing it's entire territory, In order that its con
necon with the cities Of the maritime Provinces Df
New brunswick and Nova Scotia might DO made some
900 miles nearer" Mr. Blaine suggested that tile
hest mode Of resisting retaliation or unfriendne,s
Wa TO make the system absolutely complete and
perfect He added that II would be much moYe salts
factory TO the section from which he came II HALIFAX
and ST. John could treat New England as fairly aud
ms generously Portland and Boston treated tie
provinces In closing, Mr. Blaine said he wished i
To be distinctly understood that he had spoken as
citizen of Maine. and not Secretary Of State
Alfred Russell, representing the Wabash Railroad.
and Daniel Magone. Of New-york. representing the
Rome, Watertown and ogdensburg Raroad made
short addresses in defence OF the present system.
There also present representatives OF a number
OF other railroads. Secretary %indom said he wond
reserve his decision.