The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-11-27

II was not matter Of much surprise In
local railway circles that the ''gen,lemens
agreement" between the 81. Paul-Chicago
lines had been broken and that the war
has been renewed with New York tickets
selling from the Twin Cities for 81. That
IT came so quickly, however, was comment
ed upon.
Although the announcement has been
made with enthusiasm that local rates
would be maintained TO all Eastern points
there Is q general feeling of unrest among
passenger men VINO fear that the St. Paul
war will have tendency to break UP the
agreement made on Tuesday last by local
lines, 10 maintain regular tariff. As the
situation is. New York tickets are affected
The second-class rate from Seattle to 81
Paul is $40 and TO New York 3e3 a differ.
ence OF $23. while the Eastern rate Is Sc
less II Is the general understanding how
ever, that tariff will be maintained here
until orders are received from headquar-
tiers to use the new Eastern basing rate.
Whether or not this will be lived up 10 by
agents as the opportunities to make a
secret cut are coubiy increased All
lines are viewing one anothers move
ments with suspicion. Spoilers are out. but
az II is explained. there are many secret
and novel methods for avoiding the agree
ment. Should the present Eastern war
confine itself TO New York business for
any length of time a reduction viii be
made in the Seattle ticket Should IL. as Il
threatens. involve Chicago business. there
Is good chance for a resumption OF the
local war. Every effort. however. will be
made TO keep out OF 1t in local transconti-
mental territory. using onl ythe cut from St
Paul eastward
The Chicago-St. Paul restoration agree
ment. 1t is stated, has been threatened by
two or three factors, ever since IT was
made. All these. 1t is said. have bearing
on the local situation To a greater or less
extent. The Wisconsin Central which was
alone responsible for the absence Of a
signed agreement. declines a settlement
until II is assured of greater percentage
OF business than heretofore granted II by
the controlling lines. The 500 line took
onense and a resumption OF the trouble &C.
Cured.
The immigration or colonist business. 10 the
Pacific coast is TO a great degree RESPONSE
bic for the present unsettled condition OF
rates, Competition between the Southern
Pacific and the two Northwestern trans
continental lines is very sharp. The South
ern Pacific agents In all the Eastern cities
are working hard and offering reduced rates
TO intending Coast settlers 10 visit Califor-
MIA The Great Northern immigration de-.
partment and also the Northern Pacific OF
course. are working for the Northwestern
territory and while trying 10 maintain IA ties
the strain Is great.
In speaking of the local situation YES
terday weli-informed passenger man said l.:
Tho rate situation here Is not aides by tn
St Paul eastbound cut. IL that last all
lines will be bound to reduce the New York
tickets and any others affected by that
war So far az is known all lines are stick
Ing to the Portland agreement and IL any
attempt 10 use the St PaulNew York cut
rate, without official notice being given all
lines. there will be trouble here at once
II the present agreement Is lived up to, 4.
is the frst Of its kind so treated that l have
ever known
Travel still continues very light which
Of itself strengthens the local situation.