The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-07

and Mr.. Murray told Mr.. Bilson that he
should not answer questions that he
put to a witness.
Mr.. McHenry, continuing, said he
knew or several contracts for portions
of the Northern Pacific that were let
at a price exceeding 81 cents yaru:
The cost of engineering, Mr.. NC
Henry said, was estimated at per
cent of the total cost of construction,
exclusive Of equipment He also be
lieved 5 per cent should be added TO
the estimate of cost for contingencies.
In estimating cost for reproducing the
road he considered the per cent sun
should be charged against the road
The traffic on the iron ore roads IS
practically all one way, whereas on
other roads 1t is In both directions
They do not carry more tons per train
than any Of the Eastern roads The en-
gines on these roads, he said, WelBh
twice as much as those on the Eastern
roads. 1t is also Necessary 10 put as
sistant engines on some portions OF the
road. 1t would be unfair to compare
the earnings of a single track roau
with the earnings of a four-track ROAD.
Sidinrs have no bearing on the ques-
tion of grant The only extra expense
for a double track is only FOR track. II
does not necessitate any extra roau
bed.
II is unfair to estimate earnings by
ton mile traffic. 1t Is interesting ne
said, but 1t doesn't mean anytnsh
There is everything against tnese
roads except density Of traftlc When
the traffic drops of one7hall' IL "oolu
double the expense. 4
1.-THE Lake Shore carries Its frelght
at an average rate OF 6.6 mlllS per
mile" said Mr.. Bilson. That includes
high class freight. What ls the oil,
ference between the high class 10 !coal
and iron?"
1--WE charge 2 cents per mile Tor coaI
per ton for hauling. from one mine 10
the coast, a distance OF thirty miles.
Other freight is regulated by compc-
Don't you think there win be other
roads from Duluth to points in the
Northwest"
mo doubt there will be. But they
would not want to go through the
iron country"
Mr.. McHenry thought the two iron
ore roads would cost about the same
TO reproduce The conditions on both
lines were similar.
He said that expenses for repair
should be charged against account or
maintenance and permanent improve
ment.
Chief Engineer Charles w. Johnson,
amined as to the cost OF reproducing
the Duluth & Iron Range from Duluth
to Ely and Winton. He said the prices
charged for earthwork were reasonable.
He did not think Sc per cubic feet for
the long retaining wall Of that road
excessive, but $40 for coping he thought
a little high, though he was not quail
flied to speak on that point. The items
for trestles and pile bridges he con-
sidere6 reaSOna BILE,
The road bed, he said, was worth
more than any other roadbed that
could be built in three years, and ties
will remain in place longer than on a
new roadbed. An old road, too, he said,
is less expensive to maintain than a
new one.
The charge of $1,000 a mile for en-
cheering, Mr. Johnson thought was
reasonable.
In 1882, said Mr.. Johnson, in reply
to a question from Mr.. Bilson, he paid
IA cents a yard for earthwork In Ne
braska Such work was worth about
the same now. Cost for reballasting,
he said, should be charged to improve
ment account.