The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-07-24

Chicago, While we naturally belong to
Lake Superior. We all demand the
enforcement of your distance order of
1889.
Gen. Baker stated that he did not
know that there was anything else to
present. None of the complaints are
personal. We have to meet the fact
that there is discrimination against
Blue Earth county, which we want
remedied. We do not want the rail-
roads to correct their tariffs by raising
the rates to our neighboring towns.
In order to bring the matter up and
put it on record, we demand and ask
that you put the distance tariff deci-
sion in force: and use your authority
to correct the abuses brought up. AS
an example of our disadvantage, the
Cement Works bid on furnishing a
large amount of cement for Pierre,
but the freight from Mankato and
Milwaukee, from which bid also
came, is exactly the same, 90 cents.
On this account we lost the contract.
This is beyond your authority, buty you
should know the fact.
f. M. Currier emphasized the points
made, as member of the committee.
Any enhancement of freight rates de-
presses the prices of the farmers pro-
duct. We Alliance men of Blue Earth
county have long felt that we are suf-
fering from discriminating rates. l
wish to emphasize the request OF Gen.
Pope that you enforce the distance
tariff principle, as we do not think
that a reform can be brought about in
any other way. Every intelligent man
knows that the Twin Cities have had
the advantage in rates, and they pro-
pose to hold it.
John Diamond also asked that the
reform be brought about. 1t costs Ct
cents to move wheat from Amboy to
Mankato, and from Mapleton to Min
neapolis by the Milwaukee road 15c.
In reply to question, Gen. Becker
stated that it was matter affecting
the revenues of the railroads, and any
such order would undoubtedly go into
the courts. Therefore the procedure
must be regular and lawful, and can
not be haSty or done at once. The
railroads must be given an opportuni-
ty to make an answer, and must be
given some time to do so. The hear
ing will be had at Mankato. The
complaint must be presented in writ
ing and verified.
This rather surprised the commit
tee, and the matter was discussed in
formally at length.
Gen. Baker stated that he believed
that it was the duty of the Commits
sion to proceed without written
complaint. The committee had called
the attention of the Board to the vio-
lation of the law, and he wished it to
proceed and have it adjusted.
Gen. Becker stated that he would
proceed according to the law and the
decision of the Supreme Court.
Some further time was then spent
in an informal talk, in the course of
which Gen. Becker stated that even
though some of the complaints come
without the authority of the board, it
would do what it could to satisfy the
people, and if necessary would go be-
fore the Interstate Commission. He
cited case of the Great Northern,
where the Board had taken such &C
tion successfully.
The Alliance committee afterwards
met, and on motion of Mr.. Diamond it
was voted to present a written COM
plant, to include all possible griev-
ances. 1t was left with Gen. Pope to
draft the complaint. This will be
presented to the commission, and the
railroads will be given reasonable
time to answer. Then meeting will
be held in MankatO, at which both
parties will be represented. Gen.
Becker thought that this would occur
in about a month.