The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-09-18
MAY UNITE THEIR FORCES.
Trailc Alliance Likely Between the
Northern Pacific and
Great Northern.
Both Roads Determined to With.
draw From the Western
Association.
President Cakes Discusses the Situation
and Throws some Light on
Recent Developments.

Ever since the Great Northern railway
gave notice that II would withdraw from
the Transcontinental association, Helena
merchants have bsen wondering whether
the result would be war between that o
and the Northern Pacific that would give
lower freight and passenger ratss between
81. Paul and Helena. They have hoped II
would result In lower rates, though o pre-
vious experience did not justify. them In the
belief that the lower ratss would long con-
tinue. When the Great Northern first
reached Helena IL cut rates soms, but they
we're Alters restored. and in soms cases To-
cal rates we're made higher than before the
Great Northern entered tho field. The lat
TOR line, now that il is completed to spo-
kane. 10 evidently going to pat into opera
ton the same plan II did whsn 1t first
reached Hslsna-out rates for a little while
and then put them mp again. Following
she withdrawal Of tbs Great Northern and
Northern Pacific from tho T~ranscontinen-
tai association, ia is stated on good author
ity that the Great Northern has already
gone ont and that the Northern Pacific
will withdraw from the Western Traffic
combination at an early date. II would
also appear that this concerted action on
tho part OF the two great trsnsoontinental
systems is simply intended TO pave tho way
for an alliance between them, offensive and
defensive, for the protection of their mu-
tual interests.
president Cakes. Of the Northern Pacific,
10 an interview the other day on the rsln-
ticns between his line and the Great North
ern, said to . Pioneer Press reporter:
I've do not attach muohlsiRnifcancs.to
the withdrawal Of the Great Northern. The
notice was undoubtedly given because the
Great Northern thinks ii can handle its own
business in it, own way, unrestricted OF un-
enoumberod by the regulations Of either
the Western Traffic association or the
Transcontinental. In that respect the
Northern Pacific is in very much the same
position. There are only two interests to
be considered, and the Great Northern and
Northern Pacific will be sble to agree upon
MI that is necessary for the protection of
their traffic without the intervention of any
association. As q matter of fact both COM
panies joined tho Western Traffic associa-
ton almost entirely to promote and encour-
age a better feeling among the ines which
were in more active competition. with each
other than we're the Great Northern and
the Northern Pacific. Our two companies
never had any difficulty in arranging agree
ments and living mp to them. What little
experience We have had with the Western
Traffic association has been very unsatis-
factory. The methods of the commission
,eys are cumbersome and their decisions are
tardy."
Do you p to withdraw from the
traffic association?
e"Yss, we shall be compelled in self-dsfsnse
to withdraw if it be true that the Great
Northern has done 10. and l have no doubt
but that it 10 true. We lave not. however.
given notice Of withdrawal yet"
DO you anticipate any trouble between
the Northern Pacific and the Great North
ern in the matter of rates?
I'VE get together always and agree upon
rates to common points; We have done it
for years, md We anticipate nc difficulty in
agreeing upon rates Va points that have
heretofore been controlled by the Trans.
continental association. The only point
that would be involved At this time would
be Spokane Falls. Pacific coast points will
not come mp for consideration until the
Great Northern reaches Puget Sound. l
should not b. surprised II tho Great North
srn were to reduce rates to Spokane Falls.
but I shall be very much surprised
II they reduce them without the
p psns:'' II M. Hi desires to
make a reduction and can show us that II
will be wise TO do SO We will join with, him
in establishing = new tariff. ! cannot see
Why there should be any disqualification
between our system and Mr.. Hills. You
have to judge OF what a railroad manage
done il the past. Heretofore there has been
the most perfect harmony between the two
companies"
Do you consider the Great Northern when
It reaches the coast will adopt the same
policy it inaugurated on the completion of
Its line to Helena in regard TO freight rates?
II do not. but even on that occasion Mr..
Hill afterwards rsstored tue rates."
DO you mean to imply that your systen
and Mr.. Hills will form an alliance for the
protection OF their own interests regardless
Ut any outside association?
MOT altogether. because We are not en-
tiroly independent Of other systems. For
instance, the Union Pacific reaches Port
land, and, by means, of boats. taps soma
of the Puget sound points and 10 conse-
quently a factor III thu situation which we
kAve to consider. If the Canadian Pacific
Safries out its avowed policy OF re-
~dcinR rates ! look for some demoraliza-
ton. In fact, ] rather look for an expert
noe similar to that Of eight Or ten years
ago whom the lines got at loRgerheads and
cut rates for some time. In regard to the
Canadian Pacific coming into this territory
by means of the 500 extension and thereby
Offering another outlet 70 the coast l do not
think that any particular significance is to
be attached to it. The Canadian road has
practically IA good or better connection to-
day by means of the Great Northern via
Winnipeg"
Speaking of the alleged trouble between
the Union Pacific and the Northern Pacific
over the Oregon Short line case, Mr.. Cakes
said: -
ut was a case in which the courts sim
ply upheld our contention that We had the
right to operate our own railroad between
Portland and Puget sound roint without
affordinR the Union Pacific better facilities
than We enjoyed ourselves. Onr relations
with the Southern Pacific are Of the most
harmonious character"
Fnll !iae ST yarns and worsteds at Butcher l.
Bradley's, i0b Broadway.
7. G. Power Co. are state agents for tho
Old Reliable Schuttler and Bone Dry Rush
fnrA farm and uunrf1 yyapopa.