The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-07-07
THE WORLD ON WHEELS.
Chairman Finley's Latest Move
Against the Alton and How 1t
Was Received.
Tho Record of Railroad Building
in America for the Past
Six Months.
Henry Willard Returns to tho United states
Tho Route Of the Great Northern
The Burlington.

just why a majority of the western roads
should join with the eastern roads in the
hue and cry against the Chicago a. Alton Is
n question tina cannot be easily answered,
except on the theory that jealousy seeks tho
overthrow of a successful rival. Many lines
in the western traffic association have I'M
doubtsdly sought to give the impression
that they are in sympathy with the Alton
while secretly lending aid to encompass it's
defeat. No other explanation can DO given
tho remarkable decisions given by Chair
man Finley, which seems to have no other
object than to worst the Alton and the
unanimity with which the other member of
the association support him IN his findings.
The blows aimed at the Alton follow ono
another in rapid succession. The latest
comes from Chairman Finley in the form
of a circular letter to the members reap
Forthcoming the expense of the association
for June. The circular stated that in view
of the chairman's decision refusing the
Alton tho benefits of the agreement, that
COMPANY could not be assessed for it's full
proportion and would only be asked to pay
its share of the Expenses for one-half of the
month of June. General Passenger Agent
Charlton sent back a reply that was calcu-
lated to make Mr.. Finley vince. He said
the Chicago d Alton was either in the asso-
citation or not. md he demanded an imme-
date statement as to the standing of that
road. If not considered a member of the
association he declared that road would pay
not one penny to the expenses of
Juue, but if still a member the chairman
had no authority to remit one penny of its
proportion of expenses. The letter scored
Mr.. Finley numerically for going outside
of his province as chairman of the Western
Passenger association in order to harass
the Alton, and it gives him to understand
the Alton was amply able to protect its OWE
interests, whether inside or outside the
association. All it asked was a clear un-
derstanding of its relations with the
Western Passenger association, as defined
by Chairman Finley, in order that it might
regulate it's actions as a member OF or non.
member of the association. AS yet the
Chicago o. Alton considers itself a mem,
Der in good standing and the minute that q
ruling to the contrary is given, it's COM
petitors will find that their only safe course
is to ''stand from UNDER" The theory has
been advanced that Finley is dominated by
the board of commissioners of the Western
Traffic association, but nobody acquainted
with the character and temper of the Altor
management will believe for a minute tina
it can be forced into the Presidents agree
men by such tactics as have been adopted il
this case.
Chairman Finley's determined and per.
sistent course in his treatment of the AL
ton road has given rise to the opinion tina
it ia his determination to bring about
dissolution of the Western Passenger asso
citation as it at present exists. Those VIII
hold this view claim that he did not adop
this line Of action on his own motion. blu
was induced to take it by the overs be
hind the throne of the Western Traffic as
ISOLATION. When the boycott was first de
clared against the Alton the Off
Gals of that road believed that the
chairman of the Western Passenge
association was on their side in the fight
He took occasion to call the attention O
the association to the matter and to the in
equality that would be created against tn
Alton, and urged them to consider som
line of action that would prevent democrat
ization of rates in the territory. A chang
was soon noticeable in the chairman's pol
icy, however, and from being friendly t
the Alton, he became obstinately oppose
to it and has more than once told it il
plain language that il it wants equality
knows how to get it by agreeing to ceas
paying commission in eastern territory.