Evening star., 1896-12-16
Meeting Of the Joint Traffic Associa-
ton Tomorrow.
DIVERSION OF THE GRAIN TRADE
Causing the Eastern Roads Con-
siderable Anxiety.
RUMORS AS TO THE B. & O.

been called to meet in New York tomorrow,
and 1t Is expected that much business of a
very important character will be trans
acted.
There is much uneasiness on the part of
prominent railroad men throughout the
country as to the future of the Joint Traffic
Association, especially in view of the ac-
tivity of the Baltimore and Ohio and it's
large Increase of traffic. and there are ru-
mors continually afloat to, the effect that
the association is on the verge of dismem-
berment, or. at least, reconstruction. A
prominent official of the latter. who is also
a member of the board of managers. said
today, in speaking on this subject: Il do
not apprehend that the association is in
any danger. The terms of the agreement
bind the parties to it for a period of five
years, and | have not heard that any road
desires to withdraw.
I'VE have clearly prescribed means of en-
forcing our rules. and as yet no order Of
the board has been diSregarded. Our rules
provide for the imposition of penalties for
orenSes proved against any member, but
as yet we have not found 1t necessary to
impose any penalties.
Charge of Rate-Cutting.
THE Baltimore and Ohio happens to be
the road most recently accused of rate cut
ting. A sudden and extraordinary increase
IN the east-bound tonnage of the Baltimore
and Ohio supplied the basis for the report
that the joint traffic rules were being ig-
nored In that particular quarter In spite
OF the explicit denials by the Baltimore and
ONO management. the rumor still keeps up
a noating existence. Receiver and Vice
President Oscar G. Murray explains the in
crease in the business of his road by show
ing that the facilities of the line for hand
ing traffic have been greatly increased by
the organization of new methods and the
purchase of d large number of new cars.
Ihe board of managers Is constantly
considering complaints, some of a general
ana some OF specific nature. Probably
two-thirds of the applications sapr relief
mus tar considered by the board were in
relation to the operation Of special or COM
modify rates. which were filed by the diff
ierent lines prior to the exercise of author
lty by the joint traffic managers These
commodity rate schedules will expire March
81, 1897, and applicable for their renewal
WIN be acted on by the board which now
OF their renewal. l am of the opinion that
the association has accomplished much
good. 1t has held the trunk lines together
during a very dull business period"
DiversiOn of the Grain Trade.
From another source it is learned that
the Joint Traffic Association is serious,v
considering Teans whereby the constant
and increasing diversion of the grain trade
from Boston, New York and PhiladeInbi,
to southern ports can be stopped Thus
FAR the trcutle complained of has not af-
fected the port of Baltimore. but there
are fears that if the standard rates fixed
by the association are adhered to the last
named port will also be a loser through
the course OF some of the western roads.
The Joint Traffic Association proposas
1t is said. If possible, to put a check on
the Illinois Central, the Southern Pacific
and other lines which making such
vert to gulf ports freights which have here
tofore moved to the Atlantic seaboard
and 1t is said the business men of the
three eastern cities named have at last
convinced the board of managers that
unless something is done at once to pre-
Vent this great diversion the further su-
premacy of eastern seaports will fall.
New YORK people in particular are be =.
ing stirred to increasing activity by eacn
succeeding tonnage report. and merchant
who is fully conversant with the situa-
tion says. when New York takes third
place in the shipment of corn. as 1t has
lead, its dealers think something should
be done. When railroad magnates realize
the shrlnkase in receipts which this state
OF affairs indicates they, too. believe some
in vain tried to meet the issue, but with
out the assistance of their eastern con-
nections nothing of Importance could be
done"
now being shipped from Kansas points to
or via Chicago to eastern seaports, and
much CT the Nebraska grain is also being
shipped to the gulf. It is understood that
the only hope western roads have to re-
tain some of the trans Missouri export
grain traffic Is that the large ocean steam
ers will fird it Improbable to run to the
gulf ports on account of the great dis
tance and the increased risk Of going
through the Florida Keys.
What Receiver Murray Says.
Speaking of the above rumors in refer
ence to the Baltimore and Ohio the follow
ing may be regarded as Mr.. Murray's posi-
ton on the much mooted question as to
whether or not the Baltimore and Ohio has
been cutting rates.
Now. boys. we have provided you with
good facilities in the way of carrying
freight, and we want you to get the busi-
ness"
This was a part of what Receiver Oscar
G. Murray Of the Baltimore and Ohio said
to his freight soliciting agents short
time ago. but the rest of his remarks were
much more emphatic, and are said to have
been very influential in doubling the Baltl-
more and Ohio's east-bound tonnage out of
Chicago.
Il have" continued Mr. Murray, put
you all on trial for one year. If you cannot
increase the business of the company to its
proper proportions In your respective Gis-
tricts. you will have to get out. And, re-
member, too. that the tariff rates of the
Joint Traffic Association must be MAIN
tained."
Il see." continued Mr.. Murray, talking to
The Star reporter. that reports are still
flying about that the Baltimore and Ohio
Is ignoring the Joint Traffic Association,
and by some hook or crook Is getting more
traffic than 1t is rightfully entitled to, es-
pecially east-bound. Certainly, If we were
cutting the rates 1 should be aware of It,
and give you my word mat every pound
of freight we have Is being carried and
paid for at full tariff rates.
Even our strongest competitors ac-
knowledge that, AMI while frequent COM
plants have been made 10 the board of
managers. none of them have been based
on anything but the meres- rumors, and
the managers will tell, you that time and
again l have offered 10 place atstheir dis
Eosal our books and bills to disprove all
such charges.
When our Competitors fail TO 6nd us
cutting rates they turn about and say we
are absorbing charges at the terminals, but
we are not. We are conducting business
square and above board, and If we are get
ting more tonnage than formerly 1t is be-
cause We are dealing fair with shippers
giving them good service, and because the
employees of the road are straining every
nerve to get business.
I'VE are not running the Baltimore end
Ohio on sentiment but aim to make 1t a
making DrODerfy and villas, ~