Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-11-26
TRouslE IN CHICAGO.
4 Great smash-up Of the Western Passenger
Association Expected.

/ CmcAGo, Nov 2J.-The Western Pass
enger Association is probably shattered be-
yond repair. President Allen Marvel of
/ the santa Fe sent a communication to
Chairman b. u. Caldwell of the association
notifying him that the Santa Fe had been
forced to the conclusion that it could not
sufficiently protect its business from Chi
cago to southwestern Missouri River points
i and points intermediate while 1t was subject
10 the rules and regulations of the assoeia-
+ tion, The association had failed TO give is
/ anything ike adequate protection from un-
equal outside competition, AMI II was nee
essary for il TO adopt decisive methods to
/ protect itself. Unless the association would
/ therefore release the Santa Fe from the
obligation Of observing the rules and regu-
/ lafions of the association the chairman Buss
consider the letter as final notice of its
withdrawal. 1t required to be released TO
at least six months.
No surprise would have been created b.
the withdrawal of the Santa Fe hal the ss-
cent arbitration gone against il, but as is
was in its favor it was thought all the trouble
was over and that the association had re-
ceiyed a new lease of life. Ii is very easy
req ling between the iines of Presider;
Manyers communication hat il is agaiDs,
the Alton competition the Santa Fe is pro-
testing. Perhaps if the Alton could be in
duced to enter the association the Santa Fe
might withdraw its notice. However tae
situation is extremely critical.
Still another railroad association went to
pieces. The Columbian passenger commit
&c virtually went out of existence. All
attempts to get full meeting of the mem
bers have failed. The meeting gathered in
the Rookery building. The business had
not gore very far when General Passenger
/ Agent James Charlton of the Alton sug-
gested that they Dissolve the committee
without attempting to transact further bus
iness. 1t had been found impossible to get
a full meeting, and there was no business
- be transacted that could not Just as well
be attended TO by other organizations pre-
yiously in existence. The committee had
really no rate-making powers, and no
authority TO do anything that could not be
oyerthrown by some other body.
motion was then made and carried thas
the committee adjourn forthwith subject TO
the call of the chairman should necessity
require, but the next meeting should nos
be called to meet sooner than Nov. !. 1898,
and that the salary of the secretary ceases.
twas learned that the operating depart
ments of the different roads were the prime
movers in the action that led to the holding
of the mass meeting here in the interests
of high rates except on special trains and
occasions during Worlds Fair Times.
The operating department have submitted
to the passenger departments that freight
matters must be attended 20 next year that
the passenger business does not make up
more than 20 per cent. of the revenue o.
the roads that if low rates rates prevail i.
could not be increased more than lj per
cent, and that it will never do to sacrifice
freight traffic for the sake of all the reye-
nue. to be got out of passenger traffic. They
therefore demand the maintenance of the
passenger rates at the highest possible
notch.