The San Francisco call., 1899-10-22
PACIFIC COAST INTERESTS.

I all odds the most important part of the work
\ undertaken by the recently organized Traffic
- Association is that OF urging the appointment
OF representative OF the Pacific Coast to the Inter
state Commerce Commission. Such an appointment
would be recognition OF the rights OF this section
OF the Union and would place in position OF power
ard authority guardian OF those rights whenever
threatened
Events occurring manifest clearly the need Of
such 4 representative. For some time past the ag-
gressive merchants and manufacturers Of St Louis
and Chicago have, been seeking to induce the Inter
state Commerce Commission to so change freight
rates give to those cities and others in the same
region OF the country considerable advantage over
the cities OF the coasts on both the Atlantic and
the Pacific side OF the country If the scheme be
carried the merchants and the manufacturers Of
the Pacific Coast will be so heavily handicapped that
many of them will be virtually crowded out OF bus-
ness
The merchants OF this city have taken active and
we'll considered steps to avert the danger BY the
organization OF the Traffic Association they have not
only acquired greater force than they could have
exerted by acting separately but they have been able
to rally their aid in the contest the more enter
prising citizens OF other Pacific Coast cities 1t is
now certain that when the issue is Joined with St
Louis and Chicago before the Commerce Commis-
sion San Francisco will not have to make the fight
alone. The whole Pacific Coast for once will be
united for the maintenance OF its rights.
While the immediate point at issue is that Of set
ting freight rates it will be readily perceived that
even complete victory for us on that score would
be of but temporary value, since the question could
and would probably be reopened at the next meeting
OF the commission. SO long have not in that
body representative OF interests so long will
there be danger OF the establishment OF rates which
will work material harm to our merchants and our
industries The main point, therefore, which is now
stake is that OF obtaining such representation and
to that end ali the commercial and political influences
OF the coast should be directed
In an emergency OF this kind it would be folly TO
introduce State prejudces antagonsms. The OBJ
OF some candidate in this State or in Oregon or in
Washington, but to bring about the selection of a
strong able resolute, sagacious to represent the
whole Pacific Coast the commission and to guard
its interests in all controversies over the regulation
OF rates.
The time. therefore, has come for the exercise OF
genuine Pacific Coast patriotism If there be divi-
sions among ourselves there will be but forlorn
hope OF winning, but if the representatives OF all the
coast cities unite in urging the selection OF some
who will represent the whole coast the much
desired object may be attained The issue is one
whose importance cannot be ignored and it is graft
Tying to note that at present all prospects point to
the conclusion that the merchants OF the coast are in
thorough accord on the subject and are going to
work together in harmony to the end