The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-11-12
Funded
.Sl,5N2,Ol5,Oss

Grand total 81, 502, 0l5 0S3
Tho table does not include tho connected
companies which go out into tho other
parts of the country MS feeders of these
trunk lines, such Us tho Northwest to the
Vanderbilt system and tho Nickel Pinto
and tho others bringing up trade from tho
southwest and northwest to tho coast
reaching lines.
So far tho Interstate commission has
dono nothing. But it has boon kept in
formed of tho progress of tho pool and
knows TINT tho originators of the last
great coalition, who havo seen proyious
pools and dickers grow and wane, claim
that 1T is entirely within tho law. Indeed
Ia their declaration they say that ono Of
their objects is tho carrying out Of tho
provisions of tho interstate commerce law.
But the history Of this pool is full of no.
counts Of fights by tho commissioners
against just such combines of normally
competing lines.
Tho promoters shy that they intend
merely 10 "cqualize rates" and lop of ex-
crcScenres in tho shape of special freight
lines, scalpcrs' commissions, extra privi-
lcgGs, etc. There is plenty of field for this
sort OF pruning. Tho whole railroad bust
ness Is permeated with profit sucking
loeches.
Largo systems have fast freight lines,
which are nothing moro than creations Of
tho lines themselves for squeezing extra
charges from tho public.
The. scalping business can only exist by
and with tho conniyanee Of high officials
IN the roads
Tho purchasing bureaus of tho roads are
shoneycombcd with this system of special
profits aud commissions
ALI this may be cut off, but those best
posted look to profits, not by my such dis
organization OF the modern railroad sys-
tom, but BY tho simpler adjustment of
rates" which means general markingnp
Of prices until tho roads arc satisfied they
can get no more
Wall street regards the new pool as a
bull card. 1t is pointed out that it will
put the traffic schedule makers in posi-
ton to got satisfactory rates for freight
and passengers, and that this means, &C
cording to tho traditions Of tho railroad
fraternity, all that the traffic will bear"
For long time 1t was uncertain whether
tho Grand Trunk Of Canada would como
into the pool. This subsidized limo has al
ways oeon In position, to upset any deal
tho American lines might propose. Con-
Gequently there was great re oicing among
the railroad presidents when it agreed to
combine. It meant that tho ring was com
pleto and that the trade and business Of
the United States would be entirely at the
mercy Of the trust.
" But every corporation in the combine Ia
chartered body, getting it's power and
prestige from somo legislature which can
control it. And one Of the roads is now
doubly under the control Of civil autbori
ties, as 1t ia in receivers hands.-Ncy
York World
a Stunning Speech.
a distinguished traveller who Ind made
che ascent of an Asiatic mountain (which
may be here called UpapoD was To rc-
turn thanks for the visitors at dinner Of
the Alpine club, but though he was n bold
mountnineer, hewa q timid orator. "Got
( TO make a speech:" said a frioud whom ho
consulted at tho club. sThen there il
nothing like taking glass of sherry and
blttefs first" So said other friends, ono
after tho other. and on each occasion the
presented due was oonscientiously swal-
lowed. The effect en- "a nervous orQoniza
ton was nothing less than confusion
worse confounded
2 When his achievement had been da.
gcribed in glowing terms by the proposer
OF tho toast end the celebrated explorer
: Fose 10 renly, be coutcntcd himself at first
With smiling Elandly ut his audience for n
min iite or two Is he swayed backward and
lorm4srd. Then he began: "GcntIcmen,
8Hrapol Is 1900 levels above tho feet of
t tNtc sen. There was roar Of Honeric
laughter, but tho orator smiled still and
continual: No, that is all--nonsense.
Gil course mean 10000 seas above the
y1egel OF tho feet" Another shout msdo
8h tIi think that this statement, too, had
s3s,lln2tathing wrong about it, and then he
gaze gay up iiis task In despair, and we never
heard particulars Of an ascent which VIC
wore quite prepared to celebrate as the
M est etnarknblc feat OF modern climb.
lag -s-B lteok wood, Is Magazine,