The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-22
CUMMINs FAV0Rs
CONSOLIDATION
Iowa's Governor Elect
! Sees Benefit in Rail-
way Combine.
Minnesota's Executive, How
ever, Intends. to Fight
the New Scheme.

NEW YORK, Nov. 21-The Mail and
Express to-day printed the following in
terview with Governor-elect A. B. Cum
Minis of Iowa with respect to the possible
results of the joint control of Western
railways through the Northern Securities
Company. He said:
I do not believe there will be organized OPP
position in Iowa to the proposed combination
of Western roads. There is a wide difference
IN our State as to the result Of the consolida-
ton. While 1t is recognized that the movement
places great power in a few hands, 1t is
recognized also that that power may be used
for the peoples good well to their detri-
ment. 1t is felt that it will eliminate cutting of
rates. rebates to large shippers and give steadi-
ness TO the transportation charges.
On the other hand the consolidation places in
the hands OF those at the head of the move
ment power that contains the elements of
peril. If 1t Is used to reduce the aceemmoda-
ton or the lines consolidated, to raise their
rates and decrease facilities for shippers and
passengers In order to economize, there is no
doubt the people will be prompt in taking such
recourse as is in their power. This would prob
ably assume the form of lawsuits and legis-
iattve action. If, however, the railroads in
the consolidated lines their large powers
wisely, see no reason for them to apprehend
any trouble in Iowa.
l regard the consolidation of the Northwest
ern railroads the first step toward uniting
the interests of all the great railway systems
west of New York When carried through it
VIII prevent entirely rebates and rate-cutting
winch are great hindrances in many places to
business. But If the powers of the final con-
soIdation are used to raise. and decrease
doubt the general Government would step in
and regulate rates.
Opposing the Consolidation.
ST. PAUL, Nov. H.-Letters were sent
out this. afternoon from the Governor $
ONCE addressed to the Governors of North
dakota, Montana, Washington and Ida
no, asking cooperation in the fight
against merged railroads, and asked the
state executives to suggest plans for con-
certed action. 1t is not likely that there
VIII be. formal meeting or conference,
put by correspondence a plan may be
agreed upon.
son, the Governors private secretary
stated to-day a. Redwing that the Gov
ernor and the members of his official FAM
lily had carefully looked into the legal
phases of the Great Northern-N Northern
racine consolidation, and there was no
doubt that the promoters of the North
erh securities Company were trying to
DO by indirection what they could not do
directly 1t was time the people were
aroused to the fact that their interests
We're being encroached upon. Two COM
petlng lines in the same hands meant that
they would be used to further the selfish
ends of the owners. He admitted that
certain legal aspects of the Northern Sc
curities Company are still in doubt but
said that in few days these would be
passed upon by competent legal authori-
ties. NO date had been fixed by the Gov
ernor for calling the conference with other
Governors. He declined to commit him
self with regard to an extra session, but
left the impression that one would be
called.
Does Not Interest Nebraska.
LINCOLN, Neb., Nov 21-After con-
sultation with Attorney General Prout on
the advisability of taking action to pre-
vent the consolidation of railroads in Ne
braska, Governor Savage qualified his
statement made yesterday by saying
there is no evidence of a combination in
Nebraska. The Governor said:
Roads are fighting each other for busi-
ness in this State just as hard as they
ever did. This applies to the Union Pa
cif1c and the Burlington roads, and all
other lines What is being done in Min
nesota in the way of combination or OPP
position to combinations does not interest
us in this State"