The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-05
western Passenger Association.

Affairs in the Western Passenger Associa-
ton are in chaotic state, and break
from the association lines which present
members Is expected at any time. Such ac-
ton will be the direct result of the with
6rawal of the Chicago, Milwaukee & st.
Paul. IL was at first believed that the ac-
tion of the Chicago. Milwaukee & st. Paul
would cause the three lines which have per-
sisted in remaining outside the association
TO apply for membership Immediately, but
this has not yet been done, nor Is there
prospect of its being brought about in the
immediate future for the reason that the
outside lines demand more than the associa-
tion feels itself able to grant. Ever since
the Chicago Milwaukee & st. Paul with
drew there has been much curiosity to
what action the Chicago st. Paul. Mime
apolis s. Omaha and the Burlington lines
would take. These roads are in the field
cago just actively as is the Milwaukee,
and they aver that the Milwaukee was not
suffering more than they because OF the
Western. Minneapolis & st. Louis and the
Wisconsin Central TO join the association.
But since IL has taken the initiative and
gone into the field for business without fear
or favor. the Omaha and the Burlington
realize that they are III rather an unenviable
POSITION, with four of their competitors en-
gagged in rate war. and they necessarily
kept in the background, unable 70 engage in
ship in the association The first authentic
statement of the attitude of the Omaha
road regarding the present status of af-
fairs in the Western Passenger Association
comes from official OF the passenger de-
partment. and IL Is construed 10 mean that
but short time will elapse before the OTna-
ha will free itself from the association.
The Pennsylvania Gets Another Road.
President John s. Wilson, of the Balti-
more Chesapeake & Atlantic Railroad, has
confirmed the reported purchase of con-
trolling interest OF that road by the Penn
sylvania Railroad. which. together with its
valuable properties of rail and steamboat
lines. become Immediately part of the Penn
sylvania system Information of the sale
came from Wilmington. Del. where.
through banking house OF that city. on
The largest part of the stock was owned in
New York. and John T.. Searles, of New
York was the largest individual holder The
transfer OF the Searles shares TO the Penn
sylvania. when securities amounting IL is
said. 10 s2,2S0Ooo. changed hands. gave the
purchasing railroad majority OF the stock
and entire control.
President Wilson made the following
statement concerning the deal: The report
of the sale OF the Baltimore. Chesapeake *
Atlantic Railroad TO the Pennsylvania Rail-
read Is correct. My belief is that the late
eiusion to sell rather suddenIy' and Il IL S Wns
stimulated somewhat by the recent Balti-
more Appear Tax court In deciding TO tax
the property. Notwithstanding the distinct
and clear understanding that IL was free
from taxation for thirty years. After ex-
penses and hxed charges were provided for.
all the excess for the last four years
invested In improvements, and therefore no
dividends were paid. ! think it exceedingly
fortunate that the road has fallen into pos
esssion OF the Pennsylvania Company. L
do not anticipate any radical changes I'm the
management Mr.. Wilson said that I'm all
probability the Pennsylvania control
would not be manifested until the next
otockholdert meeting. which Will not be