The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-08
DIVIDE AND CONQUER.

There appears to be a difference Of
opinion among San Francisco merchants as
to the policy the Traffic Association should
pursue. The officers of the association,
including Manag er Leeds. think that the
Southern Pacific Company can be regu-
lated by the law-making power, while other
merchants think that the Southern Pacific
should be coaxed into better terms if pos
sible, bat should not be antagoniZed In any
event. The moral sentmentisis say:
We believe that no Improvement for the mer-
camille interests of the city OF San Francisco so
FAR as railroad rates are concerned can be accom-
pllshed for many years through legislation, as
even IL the Legislature should submit an amend
ment TO the constitution TO the people this would
necessarily lie up the question for many years.
aud as the Traffic Association was formed 10 i'm
prove The business interests of San Francisco at
as early a dae possible We believe that an
effort should be made In this direction at once
and that rates should be asked for which will
make San Francisco such distributing point
as she is entitled 10 be by her geographical posi-
tion.
The deft hand of the Southern Pacific presi-
dent may he detected in the suggestion that
rates be asked for which will make San Fran
cisco distributing center. The proposition
is TO ask for the city discriminating rates,
which viii enable San Francisco merchants
to sell goods to the merchants of interior
cities now on a level with San Francisco in
respect to railroad facilities for the mporta-
tlon of goods. Should the Traffic Association
take the position the Merchant" suggests
the whole interior would be IN arms against
the city. The motive of the Southern Pacific
in throwing this irebrand at the present
time is apparent.
The Legislature is soon to meet, and
there is proposition to come before it
respecting the regulation of railroad charges.
which will Deed the support of both San
Francisco and interior members. III the
latter can be made TO think that San Fran
cisco is working TO establish discriminating
rates they will naturally decline to be a
party TO the transaction. There is one
way, and only one for San Francisco to
again become a great distributing point
The merchants Of the city must get goods at
lower cost than the merchants of interior
cities can get them at This can be done by
water routes. Ii the railroad companies
were disposed they cannot transport goods
at rates that would pay steamers or sailin G
vessels. IL wa can get goods in this city at
lower cost than such goods can be delivered
at interior points. interior merchants will
find it to their interest to buy here in prefer
enee to buying in Eastern cities and ship
ping by raii Interior merchants win have
no cause of complaint at this kind IF com :
petition. Our right to take advantage of
our geographical position will not be ques-
toned. When we get goods here at the
lowest possible cost we must devise means
of distribution That really is the part of
the problem our merchants should take in
hand. The problem so far as getting goods
from the East and Europe is concerned is
about as good as solved.