The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-03-04
THE RATE QUESTION.

The following intelligent letter was
handed the EAGLE last night by a
prominent Wichita wholesaler, who re-
quested its publication. It Is worthy OF
careful perusal and consideration, and
should be read by everybody interested in
the rate question:
TO the Editor Of the Eagle,
From a commercial standpoint, there
has never been a time in the history Of
Wichita when her progress has been so
seriously threatened as at present The
decision of the Western Freight associa-
ton at Chicago yesterday. ordering the
Kansas lines to annul their agreement
with the interior jobbers of the state, is to
Wlchita-and IN fact, to all Of Kansas
confession on the part of the Kansas rail
roads that they dare not correct the dis
ordinations that have for so long existed
in Kansas At the meeting between the
Kansas shippers and the railroads, held
at Topeka, the Kansas lines fully
mating against the interior towns
of the state, and agreed, before the com
missioners that they would immediately
correct the same. In fact at this meet
ing the traffic managers of the respective
liues stated thai they were surprised 20
know that such determinations existed.
and that had they known so before, they
the "Unpieasantness' Of being summoned
before the Kansas commissioners They
were asked by Wichita iobber, wnen
the agreement was being submitted to the
commissioners for approval, If they would
assure the wholesale grocers that the new
rates would be permanent. They seemed
insulted that their good faith could be
have been IL effect but two days
aud now they decide 70 withdraw
them. Why have they done thist II has
been lust week since that there was .
meeting Of Kansas City wholesale grocery
men called for the purpose OF preventing
the new Kansas rates going into effect
This meeting was held behind locked
doors. Immediately following came the
notice from Chairman Aidgiey served on
the Kansas lines that the new rates must
not be effective Mr.. MiGgley explained
tia. the Chicago and Alton, Jhs Burl.ug-
ton. aud some other Missouri line haa pro
tested. Next came the Cnlcag0 meeting
aud the Withdrawal OF the rates There
Is one point that ought 10 De carefully
noted. viz: That every Kansas line coz
seuted 70 the new rates. buE TIA: they bad
Withdrawn them because three Missouri
lines that 10 Dos enter clE state bad pro
tested The Missouri lines Of course Wsre
afraid shat their Missouri! terminals Kan
City and s.. Joseph would suffer x the
nsw rates went into effect X 5 The
old matter Of Missouri interest.
debating the policy Of hArsas
railroads Bat what must be dou-s Va
have fortunately the hearty support Of cur
STATE board O. railroad com1Iiss.cners.
who have ALREADY manifested 10 10 mis-
taken manner. their desire 20 support c.
But should ws not Do ali We can "a help
0urselvess There is bat o1s sainZ fhat
we can 90 outside Of our comm ssslonsrs-
we eau educate the people Of Cur state a.
- TIE Determinations tASf exist II she
people coald bat Appreciate bow they 2rs
"a Jare4 By thee frsIgui oKeTeasr..es. the
result would be sssurr'i. A. ef3re ~tzfe1
the present crisis - all iIlsIsgflsat !ar tsse
cgHn at=Tc3Al Interests ~ ~ ts-i8fa Hafti
= not he well 10 call Iseef4lL; a.. egg csI.-
zeEs tE4f plans fuAy TX prrseassg4 vFI-sselsF
g aggressive stele nay use tsskss - LIZ gfsg
taaE tAs railroads - kzas&s may lsaFl.
thai lhe4g prefer policy sse941 - - yF1
text Kansas Industries sg1sEss Gl=.gaEl