The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-12-11

L II L nv " DIN In AhOOO11S
The price of potatoes in Aroustook
county has dropped to 40 cents barrel,
and the market is weak at that. Nc
farmer will sell at that prica unless he is
in urgent neel of money, and trade is
almost at stahdstill, says the Bangor
News.
Then there is another Gauss of COM
plaint-the freight rates. Aroostook
people say that they cannot compete in
New York and Boston markets with
other potatoes growing sections Of the
country on account of the cost of trans
portation. The freight and heater
charges from Fort Fair field TO Boston on
barrel of potatoes at present rates are
45 cents. So the Aroostook potatoes, SO
long as New York potatoes can be hand
led ut lower prices are practically shut
out. Last year a reduction of cents q
barrel was made in tie freight rate to
Boston, the loss in revenue being divided
by the Bangor & Aroostook, Maine
Central and Boston u Maine. 1t was
claimed that the reduction in rates would
increased business, but President Bur
leigh says that traffic was not increased
by the cut, SO that the old rates weru
restored this season. President Burleigh
says:
"Before we can make lower rates to
Boston we must secure the cooperation
of the Maine Central and the Boston &
Maine. Last year the loss in revenue by
the out in tariff was reckoned at $50, 900
That loss, by the arrangement we had
made, was divided up among the three
roads. Everyone can see that the Bangor
& Aroostook couldn't have stood it alone.
"Now, this year we are again asked to
cut rates in order that Aroostook may
compete. But this year rates. not alone
to Boston but to New York are wanted.
In fact, the New York rates seem most
desira Bile. in order to:broaden the market.
We must in order to secure these reduced
rates, make terms with the Maine Gen.
trail, Boston & Maine, New York, New
Haven & Hartford and steambor.
company from Boston to New York. -
Although it now costs IS ceuts to get
40 cents worth Of potatoes from ARGOS
took to Boston, it does not follow that
the freight rate is too high. The trouble
seems that tine price of potatoes is too
low. A railroad, however well-disposed,
can scarcely adjust Its freight schedule to
meet the ups and downs of the produce
market.
General Manager Cram of the Bangor
& Aroostook, accompanied by Mrs.
Cram, and Miss Snow, his stenographer,
has taken a trip over the line Of the
road in his private car, for the purpose of
meeting shippers and investigating the
freight question. He says:"I certainly
hope to arrange matters SO as to stimu-
late freight business in potatoes. i am
interested first to discover whether the
new arrangements in Boston & Maine
and Maine Central affairs will influence
negotiations any"
Notes.
Governor elect Powers is quoted as say
ing: elf the new management of the
Maine Central wants to become imme-
diately popular with the travelling pub
lic let Mr. Evans restore to US our two
cent mileage. good for anyone, or at least
make one book good for mans family.
Now, only the well-to-do man can afford
to take his wifeJand children on mileage
at two cents-a peculiar paradox.
rather
1t is expected that cars will begin
making regular trips over the first sec
ton of the Bangor, Hampden & Winter
port railroad the early part of next week.
Augusta peorle arc moving to secure
an extension of the tracks of the electric
railroad nm tn the east side of the river