The morning call., 1894-10-30
PREGNANT FACTS.
Appeal to the Valley
Roads Friends.
ISAAC UPHAM'S ADDRESS.
Progress of the Fight Against
Railroad Monopoly.
DANGER OF A LOSS OF TRADE.
What Our Merchants May Expect If
They Fail TO Assist the Pro-
posed New Line.

The following address was delivered by
Isaac Upbam. president of the Traffic AS
sociatioD, at the annual meeting OF that
body. 1t abounds in pregnant facts con-
cerning transpor alton matters which will
be found interestingl to those who are
familiar with the efforts now being made
TO establish competing road into the San
Joaquin Valley:
This is the third annual meeting of our asso-
citation and while am not expected 10 deliver
an address on this occasion, L shall ask your
indulgence for few moments, as | wish to eX-
press my ideas on our present situation.
You all remember the condition of our affairs
when this organization was formed three years
ago.
At that time, we were completely hemmed in
on all sides. The Transcontinental ASsOcIa-
tion was ruling supreme and dictated the rates
OF freight on goods shipped TO and received
from the East.
The railroads were pooled against us, also
the ships around the Horn, and the Pacific Mail
was subsidized.
We were paying "a 20 per 100 pounds for
first-class freight by rail and SIS per ton
around the Horn.
This condition Of affairs continued until the
expiration Of the contract of the Pacific Mail
with the Panama Railroad Company.
AT that time, we were informed by the
Panama Railroad Company that If we would
put on a line OF steamers between San Fran
cisco and Panama and raise 5000 900 as a guar
antee OF our good faith, they would cO-Ortrate
with US ana extend the line by putting on
steamers running between Asplnwall and New
York.
The money was easily raised the contract
was made and the new line was started. The
railroads declared war against US, and rates
were reduced from 81 20 to 81 per 100 pounds
from New York Rates from here TO New York
were reduced proportionately, and the pro-
ducers OF this state OF affairs received the
benefit.
Our $500, 900 was expended and we raised
another 100000. but even this was not suf-
hcient TO carry on the fight. and regret to
say, this enterprise did not receive the support
II was entitled TO.
road Company have continued the line. How
long they may do so at the present reduced
rates VIII no doubt depend upon the patronage
they receive. Now. by the expenditure of
100000 we have saved TO this city and State
at least S10.000,oo0.
II any of you gentlemen could make
S1O,O00.000 by an investment of $500, 900 you
would be glad TO do II. Wen. that is just what
has been done by this Traffic Association.
Now we have started another enterprise.
We are trying 10 raise sufficient funds TO build
railroad from Stockton TO Bakersfield, dis
tance OF go miles.
On The 4th of this month the executive com.
mlttee held a meeting; the necessary papeIs
having been prepared by competent attorneys.
committees were formed to solicit subscrip-
tions, and we ough. to have had a sufficient
amount, which is only $3.50, 900. TO incorporate
before this time.
The newspapers have given publicity TO the
matter; hey have been our friends; they have
reasons why every person VINO is interested in
the welfare Of this city or the San JOAQUIN VAL
ley should come forward and assist us 10 this
most important undertaking,
III IS thought best not TO make known the
amount already subscribed. but can say that
we have not met with that measure Of success
which is due us.
Some of our friends feel quite discouraged,
but l, Tor one do not feel like giving up the
night yet. We should continue work for at
least thirty days longer. We should submit
this matter to real estate owners merchants
and every one who is interr ste0 III the prosper
ity OF this city, aud II they say NO we will not
subscribe" then the failure Is not our fault
and the blame must rest on those who refuse.
We are completely at the mercy of one cor
poration, ana cannot yet believe the people of
this city will allow this golden opportunity TO
pass by without taking advantage of It.
The people OF the San Joaquin Valley are
watching our movements very closely. They
cannot understand why it takes so long 10
raise the small amount OF S350000 when this
amount should have been raised in three days
People should stand In line waiting 10 sub
scribe.
AS soon as this amount is raised we can then
in good grace go 10 the people OF the valley and
ask for assistance, and will get it t0o in
money, rights OF way and grading.
We have assurance from Stockton that she
will do her share, also from Fresno and all
alOnH tne ilne CnIcago Is coming INTO the VAL
ley now for trade, and even Los Angeles is get
ting f00tn0ld there.
We are fast losing the trade, and unless
something is done and done quickly the trade
of that valley will be lost TO San Francisco
Goods from here have even been shipped there
via Los Angeles.
There are more good reasons than can stop
to eDumerate why this road should be built.
We are now making history for San Francisco
and shall we allow 1t to go abroad that there is
not public spirit enough in San Francisco to
raise S350,00o TO relieve her from bondage?
The work, so far has devOlved upon a few
members OF our executive committee, the large
real estate owners; those who are interested
most so far have done but little. They should
not wait for this committee TO call upon them,
they shonld hold meetings, Organize work
promptly. for, if they do not. it will soon be 100
late. ana want TO say TO you now, if this road
is not built. you have no further use for the
Traffic Association, and what Will be the result?
You already read OF the Pacific Mall trying
10 compromise with the Panama Railroad Com
pany. and. If accomplished, San Francisco will
be bottled up as effectually as she was before
this association was started The only ones TO
be benefited will be those who deal in posters
"to let.'
Our case Is submitted the public must render
Judgment.