New-York tribune., 1902-01-26

division of fic. and that the motive of the
original purchase had been that of preserving 10
the Union Pacific system the avenues of traffic
open to it,
You wish to represent that no one of the
other half of the Northern Pacific interests
made any promise in controI?"
Mr. Hartman replied: There is a common
interest among us all. and we believe that
mon interest will be served regardless of hold
ings That common interest can be served by
natural conditions. Our interests are so in COM
mon that we cannot injure others without in
juTing ourselves"
COMMON INTEREST CONTROLS.
Mr.. Hartman insisted that the common in
terest Of all systems now affiliated under the
Northern Securities Company must be consid-
cred rather than the so-called community OF
interest" He said he was member of the
board of directors of the securities company and
Mr.. Hill was its president, but the combination
under that company affected rates in rowise. He
told how, shortly after the scramble over North
ern Pacific stock, to Mr.. Morgan had been given
proxy by him in order to sell the stock again.
1t was understood the sale was to be effected in
cash and securities-the latter in the Northern
Securities Company If 1t should be organized.
Mr. Hartman eventually controlled about 500
100000 Of the stock of this company. The ques-
ton If the formation of the Northern Securities
Company and the association of so many roads
might influence rates brought denial 1T
may enable us. said Mr.. Hartman, when
brought close together to eliminate the pre-
vailing distrust to the various lines main
tanning traffic rates. The complaint has been of
too high rates: we may be able TO stop the dis
elimination in rates of one shipper against an
other"
He stated that this, however, need not have
been done in such company. The suggestion
was made by the commission that this company
might also prevent reduction of published rates
by competing roads. He did not consider the
company afforded power of concentration for
pooling. Other large considerations than stock
holdings, he said, influenced rates.
'If Mr.. Hill or myself owned all the roads the
people would get better rates because of condi-
tions. With freer hand We could the better
regulate rates TO any point. The prevailing
movement OF cars. etc, influence" He added
that he did not think competition ever reduced
rates more than temporarily.
At the conclusion of his testimony. Mr. Harri-
man took a special train for New-York. Mr..
HILL who not called again to the stand,
was excused. and accompanied Mr.. Hartman
George b. Harris. president of the old and new
Burlington companies, then testified to the
transfer of the Chicago. Burlington and quincy
Railroad Company's effects to the Burlington
Railway Company promised to furnish the com
mission a copy of the ninety -nine-year lease OF
the road, and said that none of his conferences
with Mr.. Hill others had any reference other
than to the general efficiency Of the road-ne
said it was the hope of the new company to be
able to reduce rates, and said such reduction
would follow only natural conditions. He IA
vored publicity for all rates transactions.
Charles S. Meen. president of the Northern
Pacific. was then called. Mr.. Mellen said his
conferences with J. J. Hill were not more fire.
uuent or more potent than those with any other
presidents Of Northwestern roads. He said
there were no agreements between the Northern
Pacific and either the Great Northern. Union
Pacific or Canadian Pacific road on allotment
of traffic or on differentals. The Northern Pa
cific was Just as independent in its management
of affairs as before January l. 1907, and
there had been orders or suggestions as TO
MANAGEMENT from the Northern Securities Com
pany or any Of its directors.
The commission ended its sitting with Mr..
MeIlen's testimony, and took adjournment
till Wednesday, at Washington. d. c. The fur
ther inquiry into the grain rate situation was
put off by reason of the enforced absence OF
several Kansas City witnesses.
WANT AN APPEAL IN LAND CASES.
Washington. Jan. c5.-Senators Turner and Fos-
ter and Representatives jones' and Cushman, OF
Washington to-day urged the President 10 have
an appeal taken in the OF the United States
against the Northern Pacific Railroad Company,
which was recently decided against the United
States by Judge Hanford. The involved the
title TO lands in Clark County Washington, which
have been taken up by homestfaders. The Attor-
new General recommended that no appeal be taken
on the ground that the law against the
United States and the had practically been
decided. The time for appeal expires in about
seven days The President said he was not dis
Attorney General