The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-14
STILL HAMlIERING on RATES.
Railroad Men Did Not Adjust the
Athens and Atlanta Troubles.


Vice President John NJ Egan of the
Central Railroad returned yesterday from
Palm Beach, Fla, where he went after
the adjournment of the meeting of rail-
road officials held last week at ST. Au-
gustlne. MIR. Egan had quite a delightful
stay at Palm Beach. He went in the surf
there on Sunday, with the water perfectly
comfortable. He said, however, that even
then word of the coming cod had reached
the people and they We're much afraid that
the fruit and vegetables of the section
would be injured. The hope was expressed,
however, that the cold, coming from the
west coast, might be carried beyond
Palm Bach after passing over the Ever
glsdes, that the trees and waters of that
forest and morass might save the narrow
strip Of rich and cultivated ground.
This is a gay season at the Florida re-
sorts. Mr. Egan says all the hotels on
the East coast are crowded and that many
of the wealthy and well known people of
the North are among the visitors. Inc
Centrais vice president speaks IN the
most glowing terms of the beauties of Mr..
Flagler's properties, and the natural at
fractions of the section. In q converse
ton, Mr. Flagler told him The season has
been excellent, and that the cold weather
will be an advantage to the railroads and
hotels of Florida in bringing South the
tourists
MIR. Egan says the matter OF cotton rates
from Athens and Atlanta 10 Portsmouth
and South Atlantic ports continue as they
were before the meeting at St. Augustine.
Considerable time during the meeting was
devoted to a discussion of the rates, pul
nothing definite as to their adjustment
was decided upon. Steps were taken look
ing toward a settlement of differences, out
there is yet TO be a great deal OF discus
sion and consideration before the matter
can be arranged to the satisfaction OF all
parties at interest. The plan adopted LOT
the adjudication of the differences was an
unusual one. 1t provides that
all differences antedating the cut
from Athens and Atlanta to Portsmouth
Inv the seaboard Air Line shall be LEFT 10
the arbitration Of one railroad man. This
arbitrator shall be acceptable to al the
roads interested. Mr.. Egan does not
know who will serve. One official was
wired while he was at the meeting ana
asked 10 act as arbitrator, but he decllh-
ed When Mr.. Egan left reply was De-
ing awaited from another railroad man.
This one may have agreed to act.
AS may be seen, this does not contem-
Mate a settlement of the present rates,
which are now lower, the roads say, than
they can afford. After the arbitrament
of the official who may agree to act 1t is
thought the initial lines from Athens will
be able to reach a decision as 20 who mas
been right and who WRONG. Then re-
vision of rates will ensue. This is the
way the railroad men expect the restora>
ton of the rates to be brought about and
| the war of the roads brought TO close.
! To the initial lines from Athens the thing
! is left. They will agree as to what rates
shall be put in effect. After this agree
ment is reached, ii is thought. the same
basis will apply from Atlanta. Athens is
| taken to be the point furnishing the COM
plications and difficulties, and an adjust
ment there it is believed, will be followed
| by another at Atlanta.