The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-24

Mr II. II. wright, general agent for the
Plant system at Charleston is in the
city.
The seaboard Air Line has again come
to the front as a smasher of rates. This
time it is on cotton seed meal When the
general reduction Of 20 per cent. on fer
tilizer rates was ordered by the commits
sion on Jan. 2 the cotton meal manufac-
turers wanted to know why they couldn't
get similar reduction, as their produce
Is used as a fertilizer. They appealed to
one road after another, asking a similar
cut in the rates governing the shipping Of
the meal. but did not get anything like
encouraging answers. When the appeal
went to the Seaboard, better success was
met, for after the request had gone to
headquarters and been duly considered, 1t
came back approved, and 20 per cent.
cut in cotton meal rates is in effect on the
line. Factories are located at Athens
and Elberton on the Seaboard, so they will
get a good lead over competition before
other roads come down. The Seaboard
seems to know how to get along on
cheaper freight charges than the other
roads. IL Is said that when the commits
sion ordered the cut in fertilizer rates the
other roads of the state asked the Sea-
boards cooperation In protesting, but an
answer was given that served to Indicate
that it was pretty well satisfied with so
per cent of what they had been getting.
The meeting of the Southern States
Freight Association at st. Augustine adj
journed yesterday morning. 1t was thought
by many and indeed seemed probable that
some action would be taken concerning the
recent decision of the Georgia commission
authorizing the 20 per cent. reduction in
fertilizer rates. These opinions were err
roneous, as 1t was only the ordinary bas-
ing of rates on fertilizers that was con-
sidered. Nothing relative to the rates on
fertilizers in this section was DONE as the
roads some days ago, though doing SO I'M
der protest, had accepted the reduction
and proceeded to a new baslng of rates
figured on the cut.
One matter of particular Importance to
Savannah was submitted to the meeting
This was the rates on lampblack. This
commodity, in the territory of the asso-
citation, has been in the third class thus
putting the manufacturers in the terrific
ry at disadvantage when they compete
with those that can secure cheaper rates..
IL was In the hope OF correcting this state
Of affairs that a resolution was introduce
ed by which the stuff would be reduced to
the sixth class. The resolution was
adopted and will go into effect at an early
date.
The association adjourned to hold its
next bi-monthly meeting at Old Point COM
fort.
Mr. James Menzies. assistant general
freight agent of the Plant system, and Mr..
Charles Acosta, assistant chief clerk to
the freight department, returned yester-
day afternoon from the st. Augustine
meeting of the Southern States Freight
Association.
General Freight Agent w. A. Winburn
OF the Central returned yesterday after
noon by the Plant system vestbule from
the St. Augustine meeting Of the South
ern States Freight Association.
Mr. James Mabry, who is connected
with the Western and Atlantic as a trav-
cling agent. with headquarters at Atlanta,
Is In the city
Mr. s. 3. Patton, commercial agent OF
the Plant system at Montgomery, is here
to-day.
II. II. Finney, formerly an engineer on
the Georgia Southern and Florida rail-
road but who for some time has held a
similar position on the Savannah. Florida
aud Western. died in Sanford, Fla. FRI
day lie was buried In Macon yesterday.
Several weeks ago he was hurt in coli
lislon and he never recovered from the
injuries he received. Mr.. Finney was 80
years old aud leaves a wife and three chill
drcn. n.f.N