The morning call., 1892-12-31
THEIR LAST HOPE.
A Bill Feared by Railroad
Commissioners.
RIVAL PANAMA STEAMERS.
The Traffic Association Heartily Fa.
vOrs the North American Navi-
CATION Company's Plans.

A meeting of the executive committee of
the Traffic Association was held yesterday
afternoon for the special purpose of discuss
ing the negotiations between the Panama
Railroad and the North American Naviga-
tiOn Company now pending.
The meeting was prompted principally by
the fact that Frank S. johnson, the prssi
dent of the Johnson-Locks Mercantile
Company, leaves to-day for New York.
and it was deemed advisable to advise
him before leaving of the sentiment of
The Traffic Association in this all-important
matter.
Exactly what was done by the committee
is only known to those present, but from
the report made by Traffic Manager Leeds
after the meeting adjourned it is quite GER.
tain that the association favors the project.
1t all depends upon what concessions the
Panama Railroad will make" said Mr..
Leeds. 'lf they will do as has been stated
That they are willing TO do, VIZ. if they will
give the North American Company exclu-
slfe through line privileges on the New
ork and European traffic for San Francisco
ana II they place no other restrictions on the
new line OF steamers except those mentioned
In Judge lngraham's decision, which affect
the Central and South American trade only,
there is no doubt but the new steamers will
the Pacific Mail Company"
Mr.. Leeds IN further discussing the subject
SAID mat the executive committee had as
yet taken no definite action, but he ex-
pected at the next meeting. which will be
held on Wednesday, there would probably
be some plan decided on.
III we find it necessary to act sooner the
chairman Will call special meeting before
that time" said he, but l do not think that
such action will become necessary"
If Mr.. JohnsOn's mission TO New York is
successful one, and the dispatches from
that city indicate that he has every reason
10 find the Panama Railroad people willing
TO favor his scheme, the North American
Navigation Company will place vessels on
berth by January 30
According to the opinion given by Mr..
| Leeds individually yesterday. if all the re-
strictions formerly placed on steamboat
| lines by the Panama Railroad are removed.
as far possible the traffic from Europe
and New York TO San Francisco by that
route will increase rapidly, and Ii will be a
! profitable one for all the lines who engage
in il.
Another topic, which occupied the atten-
ton Of the executive committee yesterday
was the coming legislative session and the
Traffie Associations bill for the removal Of
the Railroad Commission and the regulation
OF fares and rates.
A special committee having charge of this
reported arty. but what the political plans
OF the ASSOCIATION aIe was not given out by
Mr. Leeds.
He. however, admits freely that every
possible pressure will De brought to bear on
legislators to have the bill pass as il will be
presented.
The Railroad Commissioners on their
part, however, are equally determined TO
defeat il and when the session opens on
Monday MesSrs Rea, Litchfield and Beck
man will be found at the State Capitol
shaking the Senators and Assemblymen by
the hands and telling them how utterly alb
suTd 1t would be to legiSlate them out of
Office.
But that will not be all.
Every man who has a seat In the Senate
or Assembly chamber will be presented
with copy of the great triO's annual re-
port, which will be printed by that time.
This report, according TO Secretary Kelly
who is the composer of IL, will contain a
full aud accurate history of the troubles
and tribulations the Traffic Association has
oecasioned the commission during the year
of '92.
The notorious Morgan report, accompanied
by the diagrams which do not explain it.
Will form pleasing appendix To this annual
report, ana there IS no doubt but every
gentleman, who by the grace of his con-
sutuents ornaments the halls of the Legis-
latnre. viii waste the midn ight oil for weeks
so th2t lie may become thoroughly familiar
Win the contents of this highly interes tins
book written by Rea, Litchfield and Beck
man, edited by X. V. Kelly and published
by the State Printer.