New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-01

RAILROAD PRESIDENTS SATISFIED TO
AVERT a FURTHER DECLINE.
SHORT SESSION OF THB MEETING AT THE
TRUNK LINE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES FOR
DIVIDING WESTERN TRAFFIC STILL
INCOMPLETE.

W
INCOMPLETE.
All hope has been abandoned by railroad men OF a
restoration OF eastbound grain rates from Chicago
which on Monday were reduced formally TO the basis
Of 90 cents for 100 pounds from Chicago to New
York The presidents Of the roads embraced in the
territory of the Joint Committee Of the Trunk
Line and Central Traffic Associations az tncir
meeting yesterday. took no action whatever on the
rate situation The meeting was attended by thirty
seven officials representing nineteen roads This
was an unusually small attendance. ami was only
one-nfth Of the representation at the meeting in
December. when ncgotia atoms were set foot for
the organiza ton OF associations at the principal
points OF competition in the West. There was a
conspicuous absence of many Western lines. whose
cooperation is necessary to maintenance OF rates
Yesterdays conference did not occupy more than
three hours.
Negatively favorable results claimed for the
meeting 1t had been called because of fear that
the reduction TO the basis of - cents on the grain
rate would lead to general Generalization among
the Western roads Rumors were ahodt that some
of the lines had begun shading this reduced rate
and making future contracts on lower basis.
A. yesterdays rectine however. all the suspected
roads Wncn had representatives present dIScl aimed
knowledge of or connection with the reported cuts
and after discussion was considered possible tntt
the ~ cents RAJ" coG'd be Maintained. y" slHges-
ton of an advance was made and the sentiment
- prevent further decline. The principal obstacle
- a restoration of rates Is the fact thar wiJA.u
be opened, and because cf The extremely light
movement Of grain IL Is generally believed that the
water lines VIII make almost nominal rates. against
which the rail routes Will be bic o. compete.
Another obstacle 10 advance in rates Is tho
Incomplete state of the various agreements for an
equitable distribution Of traffic from the principal
Western points. commits sioNer George II. B,anch-
ard of the CeI,Ial Traffic Association. reported
progress In the work of arranging The agreements
and said that the contracts az Chicago Peoria and
=. Louis substantially completed. But there
ar details Vet To be agreed uVon. and the recent
lowering of the grain rates has not facilitated the
work in this direction The poor attcuds nee at the
meeting yesterday was regarded as an obstacle 90
any attempt of the presidents 10 hasten The work.
and the conference was adjourned for two weeks
pending the completion OF the arrangements now in
progress at Western points.
IL Is emphaticdy denied by Commissioners God
dard and Blanchard that the railroads have any
intention. has been reported Of ignoring the IN
ters,ate Commerce !aw IN consequence Of The Pee
cent decision 90 Judge Grosscup at Chicago su--
tanning The right Of railroad officials % rcfus. @
give testimony which Wouid iUcri.nndtc them iu
any suits based alleged violations Of She Federal
law The railroads have no intention Of attempting
any EVASION Of the law by making pooling arrange
mcnis. bui there is strong feeling that 'onere-
VIII modify the LAW 50 AS 90 permit the pooling
feature Z means for maintaining stable ana uou-
discriminating rates.