The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-07-16
WAR TO THE KNIFE.
The Baltimore Steam Packet Company to
Make a Big Reduction In Rates.
ESTABLISH A NEW LINE TO RICHMOND
The Steamer ''virsinia" 60 he Put ON
the james River Route between
baltimore and Richmond-Retalia
ton Against the Southern's Nor.
folk.Baitimore steamer Line.

tioh Ngasnst the Southern's Nor.
folk.Baitimore steamer Line.
The Baltimore Steam Packet Com
panS has decided to place the "Vir-
gina one of it's finest vessels, exclu-
sively on the line between the cities
ny way of the James river route The
virginia is appropriately named and
tne company say travellers and the peo-
PIE OF Norfolk when they see their SPLEEN
did vessel coming up to her dock Will
feel a Just pride I'm her She Is n side
wheel steamer, built of iron and $50 tons
register. She has accommodations for
3oo passengers. including 9S elegant
statesrooms She is lighted by electrI-
city. including 10000 candle power
search light. is heated by steam and is
provided with every modern appoint
inent Tor the safety and comfort of her
patrons Her interior finish is of ma
hogahy, walnut and other rich woods
and all decorative work in her saloons
Is white and gold. giving the interior n
beautiful and artistic appearances. The
lrElnia has been specially over
Tniu ana rented for the Baltimore
ftichnond service, by the James river
route, and Is palatial vessel. Meals
u 10 carte viii be served in the best
style, and will include all the delIcacics
or the season. 1t is claimed for the
Virginia" that she Is very fast. that She
ana reach Baltimore the next morning
Ewing patrons ample time to do bust
ness or leave on trains. reaching New
orN NJ p m. and Boston at IL p. m
Lhey may also return in the afternoon
from Baltimore, if they WISH reaching
nome the following forenoon. The voy-
age by the James river route and I'm
the Chesapeake, nearly 400 miles on sal,
water. Will. 1t is asserted form u de-
lightful sea trip, which doubtless will
be greatly enjoyed by the travelling pub
lie.
Col. H. NJ. Boykin, of Richmond. has
been selected as general agent for the
new line. In this connection ii will be
Interesting 10 know that the Baltimore
Steam Packet Company. which has in
augurated the new service, has an
nounced its intention of making n big
cut In freight rates and withdrawing
from the Virginia Freight Association
rms very important announcement Is
set forth I'm the following letter OF Traf-
Tic Manager u. w. Thompson, which
explains Itself:
(Copy)
May goth, 1896.
c. a. Chipley, Esq, Chairman Freight
Association; PHILADELPHIA, Pa:
Dear Sir:-The York River Line own
ed by the Southern railway, having noti
| lied us OF their intention to occupy the
territory long accorded this company by
al transportation lines. which action.
| III our opinion, being an uncallcd for
attack upon our territory and revenue
| we are compelled, unwillingly, to here
with give thirty days notice of our
withdrawal from the Virginia Freight
Association.
We desire to express to the associa-
ton, and our friendly connections, our
sincere regrets that the action of said
company makes this move necessary for
our preservation. The traffic be-
tween Norfolk. Portsmouth and Balti-
more Is only fairly remunerative for
cur line. and II divided means loss to
| both. We have made every concession,
consistent with honor. agreeing to give
them equal facilities and rates with the
Atlantic Coast Line, Seaboard Air Line
and the Norfolk and Western. treating
| them with strict impartality as we
nave always accorded our Southern
connections.
In our attempted negotiations their
excuse developed to be: That they did
not care to place their through business,
heretofore going via West Point I'm our
hands. Al the suggestion OF our presi-
dent the Merchants and Miners Trans
portation Company offered to, carry this
business, giving all facilities. etc, nee
essary, and at the same time President
Hoffman offered to relieve them of any
expense already incurred. This was de-
clined. thus proving their animus and
determination to attack and deplete the
revenue of this company. The past his
tpiS vi thlS serves 10 con-
| firm this. and proves their intention of
trying to control all transportation lines
south of Mason and DiXon's line to the
detriment of all business interest in the
South.
There is but one thing for this COM
pany TO do, which Is to accept the posi-
ton and protect our interest to the best
of our ability, and in determining this
| question the future trade interests. OF
Baltimore with the South have not been
overlooked.
This full explanation seems due to
your association. and to all our friendly
| connections. to the end that if the reve-
nue. OF their different companies be
affected seriously the blame can be
placed where it properly belongs.
Yours respectfully.
Signed Il. w. THOMPSON
great big transportation fight may
now be looked for.
"A Virginian reporter called on gene
raj Southern agent for the Clyde Line,
Capt. j. w. McCarrick. at his residence,
on Duke street last night and asked
him If he had anything to say in re-
gard to the proposed rate war. The
ND ts,iF IL l. L..