The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-15
The MiIeage-Book Problem.

mercial travellers which has been called by
Commissioner Tucker, of the Central Pas
senger Committee. at Chicago. April %. All
organizations interested in the mleage-book
prcblem have been asked by letter to send
representatives for a general exchange of
views. At this meeting the commercial men
will be asked what guarantee they can give
that the conditions of the new mileage book
will be observed should 1t be adopted. For
instance. can the commercial men give as
surances that the condition of nontransfer-
ability will be observed? Would Chamber
OF Commerce impeach or reprimand mem
Der IL 1t were discovered he had violated
these conditions? These are questions which
may arise at the proposed meeting. There
is vice interest at present over this mileage
book question. both among travelling men
and the railways. 1nere has been tax
that all interchangeable books are TO be
withdrawn. and against this proceeding the
travellers are raising an cutlery. The rail-
roads have been considering the adoption OF
an INTERCHANGEABLE five-thousand-m book,
with photograph or description Of the buyer
inscribed. So.re want 5oe-mile book, stu
has recently been recalled by many of the
lines Some want the books 10 be sold
through a clearing house and the proceeds
TO be speedily apportioned among the MEM
bers. Others want all lines privileged to sell
the tickets. And so IL goes There is no
uniformity OF opinion. Possibly the mass
meeting will find solution to the problem.
Woes of the Theatrical Troupes.
The cancellation Of party rates by the
Western roads Is not the only grievance Of
theatrical troupes. In former times, under
the fierce rivalry for business, there was
great l.berality in the way of transportation
OF baggage and scenery. The advance
agent, too. was usually given free transport
tation on the pledge TO send the troupe over
the road furnishing such favor, and there
were other points in which the theater peo-
pie got the best OF the deal Now all this Is
aDonsneo. ana the adued cost 10 tray
cling theater companies from transpor-
tation charges wifi no doubt so eat
into the profits OF the business as TO drive
most OF the weaker ones off the road A
liberal reduction Is made for ten people or
more travelling on one ticket. and there the
concession ends. The theatrical people are
much distressed over the situation. but are
chary about getting into quarrel with the
railway companies, as the latter are cred-
tied with having long memories, and In any
event in this game they nod the COM
Free Cartnge Not Unlawful.
In the case of the Detroit, Grand Haven
& Milwaukee Railway Company VS.. the In
terstate-commerce Commission. Judge Ham
mond. of the United States Court OF APP
peals. at Cincinnati yesterday. rendered a
state-conmerce Commission and reversing
the Circuit Court that modified and APP
proved that order. At Grand Rapids the sta
lion Is almost two miles from the city and
the railroad established a free transfer line
for the delivery of freight from the station
into that city. The merchants OF Iona. the
next station claimed that this free Carriage
was In practice violation OF the long and
short-haul clause In the Interstate commerce
law. The decision Is a very elaborate one,
covering only the legal points involved with
out outlining any order or the commission
that would legally operate in such a case
as the controversy between the shippers at
Grand Rapids and Iona.
p, C., &. a 81. l.. Annual Meeting.
The annual meeting of the stockholders of
the. Pittsburg Cincinnati. Chicago & ST.
Louis Railway Company was held in Pitts
burg yesterday. The report for 1896 sub
mitted showed gross earnings OF ST.. 49, FOG.