The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-03-01
FRISCO MUST ANSWER.
Railroad Men viii Investigate Re
ported Breach of Agreement.

ported Breach OF agreement.
There will be a general meeting of the
traffic and other high officials of the
western railroads at New York next
Wednesday and the Frisco railroad is
likely to be called on the carpet to an
swer charges of violating the freight
rate agreements, information concern
ing which was brought to light during
the recent conference between the cat
tlemen and the railroad men at the
state house.
When the railroad companies were
shipping cattle under car load rates
there was considerable competition
in which business was controlled from
shipping points by competition which
lowered the rates. This reduction came
largely in the matter of rebates and
special concessions to the shippers.
After the cents per hundred pounds
basis was established all the western
lines entered into solemn agreement
to maintain this rate and permit no vi
olations either by rebates or deductions.
When the cattlemen'S conference was
called the railroad managers assembled
firm in the conviction that the rate sit
uation was all that could be desired;
that the railroads were together; that
no determinations had occurred; that
the only complaint they could be eX-
pected to answer was as to the injustice
of the increases due to the car load rate
complained of by shippers.
When the first days session of the
conference was nearing a close J. w.
Robson made a long speech IN which
he made the charge that the railroads
were treating MisSOurianS better than
they did Kansas shippers. Mr.. Robson
discussed the subject in detail and said:
Down in our section of the state the
rates which you have been insisting up
on have compelled US to drive cattle
across one railroad over which we US
ually ship to get to another which will
give us a show. The one we drive to
makes the rate on the basis of the old
car load rates which is a reduction for
us. If one can do this the rest of you
certainly can do it as general propo-
sitiOn."
The railroad men became suddenly
deeply interested in RObison'S remarks.
The little groups which were discussing
the subject suddenly became quiet EV-
cry eye was upon Robson
Paul Morton of the Santa Fe and
J. A. Monroe of the Union Pacific We're
sitting nearest Robson. Both turned in
their chairs to better hear the speaker.
The revelations concerning the rates
were astonishing to the representatives
of the pool on this question.
When Robson came to stopping
place and paused for breath, Mr.. Nor
ton looked up at him and said:
ITO what road did you deliver the
cattle after crossing the one you usually
ship oVer?"
THE Frisco" replied Mr.. Robson
1nen there WAS d AuDDuO- Int HILL
ayers, and traffic men started and look
ed quickly around the room for the
Frisco representatives
Over in a corner they sat but not a
muscle moved.
wen look after the Frisco" said
Paul Morton with a smile.
Mr.. Monroe Of the Union Pacific turn
ed to Mr.. Morton and said:
What do you think of that?"
Its amusing now" said Morton as
he took another look at the immovable
Frisco people.
Mr. Robson explained in detail how
the Frisco had been cutting the cattle
rate, a careful note of which was made
by the traffic men for future reference.
Later some additional information
was procured from Mr.. Robson and the
railroad men propose to inflict the Sc
we're penalties for violation of these
traffic agreements.