The herald., 1897-03-27
LOCAL TRAFFIC
Chicago Capitalists and the
Redondo Railway
DAN LAMoUT's NEW JOB
MAIN ST. AND AGRICULTURAL
ELECTRIC LINE
Rapidly Nearing Completion-New
Time Table for the Southern
California Railway

California Railway
Quite q furry has been created in 10.
cal railroad circles by the decision OF
the United States supreme court that
all associations having for their pur-
pose the maintenance of agreed rates
and the division of traffic are illegal.
lust what will be the effect of this de-
cision is subject of much discussion.
It is agreed, however, that If the de-
cision holds 1t means the general demor-
alization of passenger and freight rates
all over the country. Heretofore rates
have been maintained solely through
the efforts of the associations, and now
that these associations have been de-
clared illegal, it looks very much as If
rate war is sure to be precipitated.
John A. Gill, Pacific coast agent for
the Vanderbilt system of roads,who Is
down from San Francisco on one of his
regular trips, discussed the matter with
q Herald reporter yesterday.
This decision is one of the worst
things that could have happened to the
railroad business of the country he
said. mot only will it have denor-
alizing effect upon the railroad business
but its evils will reach through every
channel of industry. Under this decis-
ion it will be impossible to get through
rates to any of the eastern points, which
means the shutting out of California
products from the eastern markets. II
will now be necessary for each of the
companies to charge a local rate to the
= air M n
then the shipment must be taken up and
a new payment made to the connecting
line.
"I cannot understand how such 4
decision could have been made, and
shall now await with considerable in
terest the outcome of the whole matter"
The ticket brokers in this city take
a very different view of the situation.
They say it is the salvation of their bust
ness and think it will result in an i'm
mediate and general reduction of rail-
road rates. 1t is claimed by them that
many of the weaker lines that have for
merly been tied up through their con-
nection with the association will now
hail the opportunity to cut loose and
make rates that will go far below any
thing now to be had
At any rate. the decision has given
the railroad companies a pretty rough
shaking up, and the outcome will be
watched with considerable interest.
Hugh c. Bethard, well known rail-
road man of Chicago, arrived in Los
Angeles yesterday at 80 o'clock via the
Santa Fe on his way to San Francisco
from which place he will sail in a few
a fnr Han Itt1tr. an ~ fa dad f,1o
ure trip. He is accompanied by his wife
and daughter. Mr.. Bethard has for
years been in close touch with the af-
fairs of the Great Northern Railway
company, and in response to question
by Herald reporter as to who would
probably be chosen president of this
great system said:
"I guess there is no longer any doubt
but what ex-Secretary of War Daniel
s. Lamont is slated for the presidency
by James ]. Hill. The two gentlemen are
very intimate friends and have been for
a long time. Mr. Hill was due to arrive
in London on Wednesday of this week,
where he is to meet several stockholders
and hold meeting, the object of which
really don't know, but have an inkling
that it is for the purpose of considering
railway matters in the northwest of
vital importance. / have heard some
we'll posted financiers say that they will
also consider the consolidat ton of the
Great Northern and Northern Pacific
railway systems. However, as to the
truth of this can't say, but am strongly
Of the opinion that Mr.. Lamont will be
the new president of the road in which
Mr.. Hill Is the largest owner"
The enterprising people of Santa Mon
lea have for many months been trying
to induce the Southern Pacific company
20 h,,f1 n hct TO io1 do
pot in their city, one that would be
credit to the place, and they had hopes
that on President Huntington'S visit
he would be convinced of the much need
ed improvement; but when approached
upon the subject last Wednesday by
two leading citizens the railway mag
nate gave them cold comfort by saying
that owing to the present low rates he
could do nothing. One of the heaviest
property owners of that place was in
Los Angeles last night, and in speak
ing of the matter said: The compa-
ny's depot in our city has little or no
accommodations, and is no better
than barn. Santa Monica is the
best station for business of any on
the Southern Pacific line, taking the
population into consideration, and they
could well afford to put up a structure
that would be more creditable to our
city. We had been encouraged recently
oiio euou5ut tHdI tnev were going To
make the much needed improvement,
but it's the same old story that we have
heard for many years-rates are low
and money scarce"
L. T. Garnsey is in Chicago in the in
terest of the Redondo Railway company
ana upon his return the public may ex-
pect some important news. II is report
ed that company of Chicago capital
lists have become interested in the road
since the recent harbor decision and that
II plans are carried out as contemplated
some very extensive improvements will
be made within the next few months.
1t has been known for several weeks
that the Redondo company were figur-
ing on extending their line to San Pc
dro. ana the sudden departure of Mr..
Garnsey for the east has given some Gre
dence to previous reports. Should this
company enter San Pedro they would
prove a strong competitor for the large
amount of business that will be trans
: acted there when work on the harbor be-
gins.
Superintendent Fred Wood of the new
Main Street and Agricultural Park
Electric Street Railway company has
gone to San Francisco on business con-
nected with the road. Work is progress
ing rapidly on the new line and it is ex-
pected that It will be in first class work.
ing order in time for La Fiesta. The lay