The herald., 1898-03-27
THERE IS NO POOL
so SAYS PRESIDENT RIPLEY OF
THE SANTA FE
But the Two Railroads Don't Propose
to Fight Each Other Simply for
the Benefit Of the Public

SAN DIEGO, March 26.-President Z.
p Ripley Of the Santa Fe railroad and
party are domiciled at Hotel Coronado,
where they will remain until Monday,
when they will leave for Los Angeles.
This morning President Ripley was in
terviewed by your correspondent, and
said:
For several weeks past I have been
In receipt Of newspaper clippings, taken
from both Los Angeles and San Diego
papers, alleging that pool exists be-
tween the Santa Fe and Southern Pa
cific railroads. There is absolutely no
truth In such statement. I will admit
however, that the two roads are not act
lively engaged in fighting each other, and
in my judgment there is no occasion for
such policy. Both are engaged In
legitimate business, and the railroad
business Is the same as any other line
of business. In my position, as presi-
dent of the company, I take it as my
duty to see that those who have money
invested in the Santa Fe get the best
return possible on the amount invested
and I do not think that fighting the
Southern Pacific, or any other compet-
ing line would add much to our revenue
but on the contrary reduce it. Some
few people, apparently, are not satisfied
unless the two roads are in open hostili-
ties against each other. That might
please them well enough, If a reduction
in freight and passenger rates would re-
suit, but they seem to forget that the
railroad companies have to consider thei,
own interests, to a limited extent al
least.
II saw that the fruit.growers held a
convention recently in Los Angeles, and
drafted a memorial requesting reduc.
tion in rates, but to be candid about II
L don't think there Is much hope fol
their prayer being granted. For many
years the fruit business was taken cars
Of by the railroads at considerable loss
and now that the quantity shipped from
Southern California gives a small mar
gin of profit the producers appear tc
think that the railroads should continue
this part Of their business at a loss.
"In some of the clippings received by
me have read personal attacks on Mr.
Nevin. So far have. failed to read any
thing that would even suggest change
in the high opinion that have always
held of Mr.. Nevin. He has carried out
eiS POiASJ ioiN dOWh, cO Aui do Aiio iLcA-
agement extends, to the entire salts.
faction of the officers of the Santa Fe
myself included. AS to certain state
ments alleged to have been made by Mr.
Nevin, I have asked him if they werd
correct, and he has denied them. l most
certainly accept his statement as cor
rect, as I have confidence in his In
tegrity."
DEPUTATION OF UIT-GROWERS
Yesterday afternoon deputation rep
resenting the chamber of commerce and
the Packers and Shippers association
waited upon President Ripley and pre-
sented their claims for a reduction in
the present rate Of citrus fruits, and lem
ons in particular, from this city.
Mr.. Ripley listened with apparent in.
terest, asking many questions from the
delegation, and finally said:
Il do not wish to express my opinion
as to. what, will be done in this connec-
tion. I understand the matter has beer
submfttad to the Trahse eohtinental Traf-
fic association, and it doubtless will re.
seive due, attention. I will add further u
said President Ripley, that your inter-
ests and ours are identical. If you pros
per, so will we, and If your business is
ruined, we will feel 1t greatly. The re-
duction Of freight from $1.25 to 81 is a
big question, but the facts you give us
demand careful attention"