The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-06
OBEY INSTRUCTIONS
JOINT TRAFFIC ASSOCIATION RULES
TO BE CLOSELY ENFORCED.
Loaded-Car Movement 5000 Below the
Prosperous-Lake Shore Earnings.

All along the line there is evidence that
both freight and passenger officials are de-
termined to carry out, as far as they I'M
derstand IL, the spirit of the joint traffic
agreement, feeling that the security of their
positions depends upon strict enforcement
OF the rules. The circular agents have re-
eeived sets out that: Shippers. consignees
and other individuals have been 50 accus-
toned in the past to receive favors and con-
cessions In spite of whatever agreement the
railroads might make that they are unable
to comprehend the state Of affairs attained
with the beginning of the new year under the
latest compact made for the maintenance
Of rates as well as the canceling Of every
privilege which it has compelled. They,
therefore, have not hesitated to make their
usual requests and demands, but only to
have them firmly refused. One prominent
official is quoted as saying: 81 have my
orders They are from the throne and ad-
dience. shall obey them TO the letter, for
any other course means the loss OF my posi-
ton. / was in New York early in the week
and my superior officer said to me: Go
home and get all the business you can legit-
imately. Be perfectly passive and make no
deals. In fact, do nothing that will permit
the slightest complaint to be made against
you TO the board of managers. If you do
otherwise and it is found that a complaint
as well tender your resignation at once, for
the president, If you DON'T will be sure to
ask for it,.
Decrease I'm Freight Traffic.
The train records show that in the week
ending Jan. there were received and for
warded at Indianapolis total of 22,0SS
cars, 5,4S7 being loaded. The empty car
movement, however, was the largest on
record giving evidence that the statement
That empty cars would be plenty after the
holidays was quite correct OF the 6,6o1
empty cars handled here. the Big Four
lines handled 2.612 and the Pennsylvania
lines 2,305 These cars are being quite gen.
orally distributed at stations on Western
lines, and should the country roads be in
such condition that farmers can reach the
railway stations and elevators the coming
week, the large grain movement of some
equaled. East-bound shipments of flour.
provisions, produce and dressed meats are
still quite heavy, while in grain and live
stock the shipments last week were the
lightest In some months. So far as live
stock is concerned, this is not unusual at
the holiday period, and doubtless this week
the traffic of this class will again be heavy.
Rates are firmly held, and, while there has
been no advance, were the tariff adhered
TO in many cases ii would have the effect
or an advance, as, previous to Jan. /, I'M
questionably there was more or less shad-
ing OF tdrlH rates. Wnetner tne same vol
ume or business can be secured at tariff
rates as under the old order of things is
the question. However, freight officials,
now that winter weather prevails, think il
| better to carry less tonnage and carry it
at full rates. West-bound business is at
minimum, so far as high-class freights
are concerned. but in the lower classes the
| tonnage last week was we'll up with pre-
| ceding weeks of the fall months As rates
| on anthricate coal are now higher, light
| er shipments are looked for. Local bust
| ness was little off, The wholesale houses
| had a quiet week, and the manufacturers
| did not push matters much. But this con-
dition of things Is only temporary, as ev-
| erything at the beginning of the new year
| points to good business year, which
means good business locally for Indian
| apolis lines. Shippers at this point seem
satisfied that in the matter of rates and
| facilities for handling freight Indianapolis
| need not take a second place Below is
| given the car movement for the week end
| ing Jan. and for the corresponding weeks
1 of 1895 and 1894: