The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-12

The Alaska Traffic Association was form
ed IN this city last night for the purpose
of controlling rates from Pacific coast ports
TO points on the Yukon river. All the
principal transportation companies OF Be-
attic, San Francisco. Vancouver and Port
land were either represented at the meet
ing last night or have agreed to abide by
its decision. There is to be no more rate
cutting to Yukon river points. and the
association has found clever way OF
managing the matter.
No attention IL to be paid to tramp
schooners and steamers operating on the
ocean run between Seattle and St. Michael.
Within a week every steamer that has been
built for the Yukon trade or that Is now
on the big river will. 1t is alleged, be IN
the combine. A rate OK $275 from st. Nj
chael to Dawson is to be established. Last
night the rate from Seattle and other coast
points to Dawson was made $500 for first
class accommodations on the laroer steam
ers. The second-class rate was placed at
$50. 1t makes no difference 10 the associa-
ton ii the tramp vessels make $40 rate TO
ST. Michael. The prospector viii have TO
pay as much TO get from the mouth OF the
Yukon to Dawson as he would from Seat
tie to the famous camp.
Transportation men have for several
weeks been considering the association
proposition. but 1t was not until last night
that formal organization was secured.
Many OF the prominent companies were
represented at the meeting which was held
in Barneson & Chiicott's office. The Alas
ka Commercial Company was one OF the
large companies not represented. but they
have. 1t Is said, agreed to abide by the
action OF the other transportation men.
The Boston and Alaska Company, Seattle
and Yukon Steamship Company, Columbia
Navigation Company, Empire line and
North American Transportation and Trad
ing Company are In the combine. as we'll
IA severai other steamers. In fact. all COM
panies having river steamers are either In
the combine or Will agree to Its rates.
The officers Of the associat ton are Pres
iden. Richard Chi.cott and Secretary A
j. Hageman. The committee on classical
tiou afiu rates II SoiiiSusfu OF - f. MAI
win. II. G. colver and A. +. Claiiin. This
COMMITTEES VIII decide on the rates TO be
charged by steam schooners and sailing
vessels. The rates will be arranged In
justice to the operators of the smaller
steamers and sailing vessels which cam
no; give as good accommodation as the
nfss-ciass steamers. The committee on
permanent organization Is composed OF A.
l.. CroneEwett, w. E. Mills and John F.
Jacobson.
The question OF rates for Dawson freight
was the subject OF considerable discussion
at last nights meeting. Sailing vessels
have already advertised TO carry freight
to st. Michael for $40 per ton. aad there
was every prospect of big cut. The rate
decided on by the association was $40 per
hundred from Seattle to Dawson.
There are several reasons for the $3.50
rate 10 Dawson TIE ocean steamers have
larger capacity than have the river
steamers. which will be unable to make
more than two trips. Insurance rates or.
the river are so high as TO be prohibltory
AMI there Is every chance of losing the
must be paid FOR the who.e year. although
they work bu, a few months. Consequent
~ 10 make the business pay rates must
be kept up.