The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1895-04-13
AN UNWISE MOVE.
That Is the Opinion ola Great Many
Regarding the Robinson Bill.
II it fasseY, Other Raiirosd Companies
will Doubtless Steer Clear OF the
Upper Peninsuis.

Considerable is being said regarding
what is termed the "Robinson blll' TO
establish lower passenger rate on the
Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic railroad,
and while many have been led to believe
that 1t would be grand thing, there
are also great many wise think
ing men who are bitterly against
the bill, realizing that II It is passed
it would materially injure the upper
peninsula and the interests of her peo-
Pile.
THE SENTINEL has heretofore taken
no stand whatever 10 the matter,
and doubtless would not now, only
to correct several Measurements which
have been made, and TO make known
the fact that instead Of the
people OF the upper peninsula
being united in one grand body in favor
Of the Robinson bill, there ale a large
number against 1t, and we believe that
the legislature as Lansing should not be
deceived in the matter, but should know
the correct sentiments of the people be-
fore taking action on such an important
question.
THE SENTINEL is at all times devoted
to the interest of the public and the
locality in which 1t Is published, and not
to any corporation, consequently we are
by no means favoring the railroad com
hpt stafa uyh Ilx, hot
is tor the best interest o! this peninsula.
We heartily agree with the Hancock
Copper Journal in its statement that
what we need is more railroads, but the
passage Of Mr.. Robhsop's bill would
certainly have a tendency to keep them
away. The question then arises would
1t be policy to jsopardize future interest
for the sake OF cutting tho present pas
senger rates one cent per mile? The
fact should also be takeu into considers
tion that railroad in this portion Of the
state does not enjoy the patronage that
tho average roads throughout the coun-
try do, yet their trains must
be run regularly, and many times
at actual loss. Three years ago the
writer visited the Pacific coast via the
Northern Pacific road. After leaving
81. Helena. for long distance the fare
charged was ten cents per mile, and we
were informed that even at that price
the road actually lost money. One en-
gine on the New York Central road eau
easily haul ten or twelve coaches well
filled with passengers. while this road is
forced to keep an extra engine TO assist
train Of three coaches up Summit hill.
These facts are simply mentioned 10
show that railroad in the upper penin-
sula cannot be classsd on an equally pay
ing basis with roads even in the lower
peninsula.
1t has been shown aud not disputed
that the D.. 5. 5. IL A.lroad lost several
thousand dollars the past year 10 its
passenger business, and should the bill
pass and the company be obliged TO
abandon one train per day. or In any
way lessen It's accemod ations. then Mr..
Robinson aud the people who are now
fading fault aoout the rate, would cei-
lainly set up a tremendous howl. The
writer has interviewed many prominent
men of L'Ansc and vicinity and without
hardly au exception they are strongly
opposed to Mr.. Robiuson's bill, believing
that It's passage would be detrimental to
the peninsula by not only keeping other
roads out, but In various other ways,
In communication to the Houghton
Gazette Mr.. Robinson says When
other roads get ready te come, they will
come, whether the passenger rate De
three or four cents per mile will make no
difference" That may be true, but II
his bill is passed the . other I" roads will
probably sever get ready.
The way times are now we can not
afford to take chances.