The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-28
RAILROAD NOTES.
Investigating the Freight Train
Disaster at Fresno.

In discussing editorially Gould's combina-
ton Of the Western railroads, the New York
Commercial Bulletin OF recent date says:
1t Is serious question whether the advisory
board possesses any real power whatever. The
agreement does not look as strong or binding as
mas been expected. The absence of provisions
In regard TO the control Of the different compa-
MES causes feeling OF distrust. 1t seems to be
agreement will be found moi materially stronger
than that formed with so much flourish by the
railway Presidents some time ago, which associ-
alton OF gentlemen was found to have M
power and came to nothing. It Is q question
whether the new agreement confers upon any
body more power than the old one. 1t is stiptl-
lated, indeed, thai any official employe who
may disregard the established rates shall be at
once discharged. But discharged by whom?
n what power could discharge Gould from the
ton from tho presidency OF the Southern Pacific?
Even the form OF agreement Is about as frail as
lt well can be. Tho compact really insures a
term Of six months only. here seems every
reason TO expect that ibis expedIent for control
ing railroad com etition will come to the same
fruitless Issue as all that preceded 1t.
Superintendent Fillmore of the Southern
Pacific was busily engaged Yesterday in re-
ceiving reports of and making investigations
into the causes which led to the freight COLI
sion near Fresno on last Friday evening. A
switch was opened to the main line, allow
ing two engines standing in side track to
be struck with great force by through
freight No. q, in charge of Engineer John
Moore and Conductor Harbraugh. Who
turned the switch in question Is what the
officials are trying to fathom. Circum-
stances surrounding the case point clearly to
tramps or some other person or persons
malici0us'y inclined. The company has
offered reward of $4,000 for information
which will lead to the arrest of the guilty
parties. Fireman Stanagef, who was badly
crushed in the collision. will probably re-
cover.
jerome F. Madden, land agent OF the
Southern Pacific Company, reports that up
to and including December 10Th. IL 81
acres in the Fresno tract have been disposed
OF. for which was secured 500, 257 so. The
land sales of the company for the same
period In 1880 amounted to only $2475 %,
the price of 800 IL acres.
The drst of winter series OF excursions
from Boston and other New England points,
over the Southern Paciic's Ogden route,
will arrive to-day with large party. These
excursions will be Continued throughout the
winter season, leaving points in New En-
gland semi-monthly.
w. I; Allen, General Agent Of the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and st. Paul, has received
from the head Office the following telegram:
Commencing on Sunday. December 2Sth, all
through passenger trains on our Omaha and CHI
eago short line VIII arrive at and depart from the
Union Depot at Omaha, where transfer OF east
g. n. HEAFFoRD.
General Passenger and Ticket Agent.
The Iowa lines have at last succeeded in
entering Omaha. Formerly these trains
stopped at Council Bluffs, across tile river,
and transfer steamer carried the paSsen-
gers to the other side
Joseph Allen, Assistant General Freight
Agent OF the Santa Fe at Kansas City, is in
the city on short vacation. He Is accom-
panied by his wife ard family.
Charles Dell, Contracting Freight Agent
Tor the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St Paul,
will leave for Los Angeles tonight.