The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-04-27
The Alton Boycott.

Had anything been wanting to confirm
the western roads in the practically univer-
sally entertained opinion that the boycott
against the Alton is almost certain to result
in the complete Generalization of western
passenger rates it was furnished by the de-
liberate statement of that road of its policy
In that regard, when the"proposed advance
in the Kansas City-St. Louis and the st.
Louis-Chicaeo rates was under considera-
ton. The result is a large increase in the
nervousness that before prevailed. 1t can
not be denied that the boycott is proving
very unpopular with a big majority of the
western roads. 1t has placed them etween
two fires and forced them into a very en-
barrassing and inconsistent position.
In the first place they have either got to
participate in the boycott by ceasing to sell
through east-bound tickets over the Alton
or subject themselves to damage suits on
the part of the passengers who may have
the tickets sold by them refused when pre-
sented on the eastern ROADS. If they re-
fuse to sell tickets over the Alton road when
they are asked for them they are still sub
Ject to the damage suits, for the Alton
threatens to sue them for such refusal.
Whether they sell them or not, however,
they are likely to have rates demoralized
and revenues dlssipated through causes
over which thew have nc control. It is al
most certain that the board of rulings will
agree to guarantee that eastern roads will
prorate with them in any reduction of
through rates that may be brought about
on account of the boycott. That does not
satisfy them, however. The larger part of
their losses will arise from the reduction of
local rates which will be brought about
through any war in through rates.
Besides they have no assurances that, if de
moralization should be introduced into the
territory, rates could be restored when the
boycott is lifted. The generalization
might exist a great deal longer than it's
original cause.
The inconsistency of their position con-
slsts IN the tact that they are participating
IN q boycott tor conduct on the part of the
Alton OF which they are all guilty. All the
western roads pay commissions on business
received from connecting roads in western
territory. They have indorsed the principle
by making provision for tine payment of
such commissions in their association agree
ment. 1t does not alter the princlpia of
the thing in the slightest degree whether
commissioned are paid east or west, So
long as they pay them anywhere they are
parties to the maintenance of the
p lnclple of paying them. It is the
appreciation of these facts that renders
them all SO uneasy - present, and it is not
to be wondered at that the Alton is rather
enjoying their predlcament. That road, as
far az can be judged from outside apUear-
dnces, IL the most serene of the western
roads at the present moment. To say tina,
the boycott against it is unpopular with it.
western competitors is putting it mildly.
They are all outspoken in the belief that
the Alton will come out ahead IN the Ions
run, and they are not Mt all pleased that
upon them will fall by far the greater part
OF the expense of working an EXPERIMENT
the success of which they do not believe
and in the success of which, in truth, the,
have no particular interest.