The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-15
LATEST
THE RAILROADS
East Bound Freight Rate Situation
Much Discussed.
YESTERDAYS MARKETS QUIET.
Rally. However, Takes Place Under
tho Lead of Burlinston-R. F. and
r. Stockholders Meet e. Other
Items OF Intcrcst.

= the GaSI-DOunQ QEc16tlt-!< De@z
Tho l-absorbing topic among the freight
departments OF the scaboard roads. but 1t
As believed that. matters are now fairly
well an hand. The fact that the strongest
OF tho Vanderbilt lines captured the lions
share of last weeks shipments is likely
to excite apprehension and possibly
charges OF manipulation. 1t is little
carly yet to determine whether there IS
any justification for this, AS these stand
ard Zines are interested in securing a
maintenance Of rates.
1t has been repeatedly asserted dn re-
ports from Chicago that in spite Of the
recent action OF the Central Freight AS
ISOLATION roads, in obedience to the orders
of their presidents. In adjusting schedules
no the prevailing low rates, and estab-
fishing rates OF 10 and Is cents. Tespec-
direly, on export and domestic shipments,
the business was still being contractedsfo
at 10 and IN cents. It was agreed when
the open reductions were made ahat all
existing contracts should be cleaned up
and no more made at less than Il and is
cents. Shippers have since been advised
that these figures are only temporary.
and that the old tariff of % and . cents
Will be res iored when navigation opens.
= Inquiry among Eastern traffic officials
has developed that the Chicago stories
about continued cutting are not only an
exaggcration. but n urlisstafcment OF the
actual facts. There was a tendency last
week, 1t is admitted, toward a further
downward movement Of grain rates at
Chicago and w11dlc threats were made
and There was a disposition to take bust
ness ut as low figures as reported, no
such attractions are known TO have been
CARRIED Into effect,
On Western lines freight rates arc
tsllaky, and fears are entertained that they
Will so TO pieces, In order to meet the
Missouri Pacdic5s reduction the rates on
wheat from west OF the Missouri River
asave been reduced cents per 100 pounds.
MARKETS WE'RE QUIET.
On the markets yesterday matters
were quiet and trading light
On the New York market some little
disappointment was shown in the morn
ing al the lower prices which. Americans
showed in London, and this feeling was
reflected in a room-sellnE movement
which went pretty well along the whole
list Prices during the first fifteen min
utes of business declined sharply, and in
some cases tho market was decidedly
soft After that time the market showed
q decided tendency TO rally. and in some
cases this almost amounted to buoyancy,
notably burlington. which rallied Sharp
percentage of the transactions in the
mornings market was on the part OF the
traders, and most OF the business ema-
mated from the room. Good railroad
issues showed some strength. while the
fancy issues were more or less inclined
TO hcarinesS.
The London market was reported as
very quiet and prices somewhat irreEu-
lar. s+sGa
The mornings comment with regard
TO the features of Tuesdays markets
point TO pool buying in AtchiSon, the
belief being that as large "a dividend
distribution as possible WILL be made to
the stockholders out ofs the increasing
earnings of the company. The magniti-
cent statement lof earnings submitted
by the Baltimore and Clio was the oc-
ca.aon of liquidation on the part of hold
ers Of the preferred stock. 1t is claimed
by people who are in a position to know
that the trading in Baltimore and Ohio
Tuesday reflected a disposition on the
part OF the holders of the preferred to
switch over ITO the common stock In
Siew or the enormous earnings OF the
company 1t DIS believed that the common
stock offers greater opportunity for an
advance return to holders than the pre-
Gerred
Z The action of Southern Pacific continues
to be rather disappointing, and 1T is evd-
dent that there is a large amount OF tne
stock floating about the street which
will come on the market with an adj
Vance The earnings of the property
continue no be good, and on every de-
cline there are evidences Of Inside buy
ing.
R., r. AND p MEETING.
A meeting of the stockholders OF the
Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
Railroad was held yesterday at IL o CLOCK.
There was a large attendance and the
principal business was the changing of
the present scale of voting to conform to
the changes made in the Code of Virginia
The session was n lengthy one. but the
statement was made after adjournment,
that no other business Of an important
ma ture had been considered.
RAILROAD NOTES.
Only two more spans remain to be put
In place on the Richmond, Petersburg
and Carolina bridge across the James.
Mr.. Edmund Janeway has been appoint
ed travelling passenger agent of the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and ST. Paul. with head
quarters in Philadelphia. Richmond is
Included in his territory.
THE laying Of the spur track of the
Southern asail1oad on Cary Street from
Eighteenth 10 Twenty-clghth has been.
finished. and all that remains TO be done
IS the paving. which will be finished In
a short time.
AIR. Warren p. Taylor, THE popular.
tzafflc manager OF The Richmond. Fred
cricksburg and Potomac Railroad, &C.