The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-12-23
Gov. Van SAINT Calls a Conference OF
States Affected by the Merger
Welcome to Montana.
A State Official Pokes Holes in the
Hill Argument Hartman
People Sore.

Governors and attorneys general of all
northwestern states will meet in Helena,
Dec. 30. The conference is called by Gov
ernor Van SAINT for the purpose of dis
cussing the threatened railroad consolida-
tion, and Of devising means for foiling It,
Governor Van SAINT wrote before leaving
for st. Louis to the governors of North
and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Wash
ington and Oregon, suggesting Helena,
Mont, as the place, and Dec. 80 as the
date for the conference. He asked that
each governor invite his attorney general
to accompany him to the meeting
Governor Toole of Montana, who has
been most hearty in his cooperation, re-
piled promptly, welcoming the visiting
governors to Montana, and indorsing the
idea Of the conference.
Governor White of North Dakota has
written, promising to attend, and Attor-
,ney Gen. Comstock will accompany him.
Up to noon to-day word had not been re-
ceived from the other governors. If next
Monday Is not satisfactory date for all,
the meeting may be postponed to time
suitable to all.
Governor Van SAINT is anxious to get
positive action from executives Of other
states, showing that their moral support
is with him, and that Minnesota is not
along in it's fight.
Attorney General Dauglas will probably
attend. He said this morning that unless
something prevented he would accompany
the governor.
HIPS Statement Analysed.
State officials are having fun with Pres
ident Hills statement. Said one this
morning:
"It seems to me Mr. Hill would better
have said nothing. His argument may ap-
peal to those who are desirous of being
convinced, but it seems to me full of
holes.
According to his statement the con-
solidation Of the Union Pacific and North
ern Pacific would have been very bad. The
consolidation of the Great Northern and
Northern Pacific is a good thing. Con-
solidation is harmful unless Mr.. Hill Is at
the head of it. Any one else engaged in
consolidating railroads does so from
wrong motives. His motives are the only
ones above reproach.
He claims that consolidation of the
Union Pacific and Northern Pacific would
have injured Minnesota. Is that true?
The Union Pacific does not touch Mime
sofa. We would still have had competi-
the coast.
''He wants to know why Governor Van
SAINT did not interfere when the Union
Pacific was buying up Northern Pacific
If Mr.. Hill was a public spirited man,
why did he not notify the governor of the
state Of affairs. Instead, he was shouting
I am in control The public did not know
for months who had the inside track That
is certainly specious argument.
II do not claim that purchase of the
Northern Pacific by the Union Pacific
would have been a good thing. 1t would
parallel lines by one man is a thousand
times worse.
A travelling man who came into st. Paul
to-day said that in the past two weeks
he had talked with seventy-five trainmen
and station men of the Northern Pacific
They all anticipate reduction in wages
when the Hill regime is Installed, and
are greatly disturbed. Station agents on
the Great Northern get so per cent less
than agents at the same points for the
Northern Pacific.