The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-08-25
WILL JOIN THE ASSOCIATION
The l., |. al Railway. Long a Disturb
ing Factor, Whipped Into Line.
Induced to Make Application for Membership
in the Western Freight AssociatiOn-Bal-
timore & Ohio Excursion Rates.

The Indiana, Illinois & Iowa road has
made application for membership In the
Western Freight Association. Ordinarily
this would not be remarked as a circum-
stance worthy of special mention. since the
line in question is simply a short link form
ing q connection between certain Eastern
and Western roads. but considering the
stir that was recently occasioned by the
alleged manipulation of through rates via
this connecting link q peculiar significance
is given to the event. A few months age
some of the Chicago lines began to
protest that rates were not being
maintained by certain of their com-
petItors. The reason given was that
the great bulk of the through freight
between the Missouri river and Eastern
points was being diverted to the Peoria
route. via the Indiana. Illinois & Iowa
road. The latter line. being in position to
exact q division of the through rate both
from it's Eastern and Western connections.
was found TO be receiving at least ouole
pay for the service in performed. The COM
plant was hat it used q portion of this
money TO influence shippers, thereby secur-
ing business by the manipulation of rates.
Not being a member of any association 1t
was not subject TO the rules and regula-
tions that govern other roads, but Chair
man Midgley issued an order to the West
ern connections of the Indiana, Illinois u
Iowa, directing them to cancel their Joint
tariffs with that line on Missouri river
traffic. The roads chiefly affected by this
order were the Burlington and the Atchi-
son, Topeka 81 Santa Fe. Both refused to
obey 1t. An appeal was taken to the
board of commissioners Of the Western
Ira ffR ARanpIQfIOn 0T wnlGn In6S6
companies are members, and the question
was partially considered at the meeting OF
Aug. Ii. Ii Ia to come up for final action at
the next meeting of the commissioners,
Sept. 4. and there has been 10 question up
10 this time as TO what the decision wonld
he. But the question to be decided Is what
divisions shall be made with roads not
members of the Western Freight Associa-
ton in cases where such divisions are not
within the jurisdiction of the JOINT conf
mittee. Foreseeing the outcome of this
agitation the Indiana. Illinois d Iowa has
taken steps TO become n member OF the as
ISOLATION, and so avoid the threatened
punishment. There is little doubt thatit has
been advised to do this by the burlington
and the Atchison, and perhaps by the Chi
cage * Alton, these being the three roads
interested. The question of admitting the
applicant will be submitted by Chairman
Midgley to q vote of the members.
indianapolis Men Coming to the Front.
Benjamin Norton. who has reached the
position of first vice. president of the Long
Island road, is given the following compli-
mentary notice in the New York Recorder:
BENJAMIN Norton, vice-president of the Long
Island road, began his successful railway career
in 1850 as a d0Orman for the Manhattan Beach
Railway Company. He there attracted the at
tention of the officials OF that line by his general
good bearing, and was within a very short period
OF time promoted TO the position or ticket agent,
and then money collector. In 1873 Mr.. Norton
chico of the Indiana. Bloomington & Western.
Austin Corbin at this time met Mr.. Norton. and,
beng q keen judge OF men, attached him TO his
service, finally bringing him TO New York and
making him purchasing agent of the Long Island
road. From this position Mr.. Norton has adj
vanced rapidly, being, In turn, paymaster. pur-
chasing agent and assistant superintendent In
1897 the position of traffic manager was created.
aud he assumed the duties of that place. Mr..
Norton is looked upon as something OF q wonder
age eAi'aD "' ~ '"
The Pittsburg Post speaks of Gaylord
Beach, who was on the Bee-line for twen-
ty-eight years. beginning at the bottom
and reaching the general managershlp OF
the property. IN the following compli-
mentary manner:
One of the most unpretentious. and at the same
time most energetic and capable, rallroaders IN
this section is Gaylord NJ. Beach, OF this city,
the Pittsburg & Lake Erie railroad. He has
occupied his present position since May l, 1890,
and In that time has proved his qualifications for
the position. Prior to entering the service OF
The Pittsburg 4 Lake Erie he was general man
ager OF the Big Four system, embracing 2.Os6
miles of road, and general manager of the Day
ton * Union railroad. He is sixty years OF age,
and began railroad work as q laborer, and has
steadily and by merit worked his way to the top
and thoroughly understands all the various de-
partmentsO OF railroad work. One of Mr.. Beach's
characteristics Is that he cannot be crowded into
giving a hasty judgment about anything. He
thoroughly examines any matter coming within
his Jurisdiction, and when he does announce his
decision both men and company are assured OF a
Just verdict
Mr.. Scull's Side of the Story.