The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-12-10
IN 4
VERY HOT FIGHT
Trying 10 Hold Uncle Sans
Traffic for Army Fraasp0Ita-
tion to tha Pacific.

WASHINGTON. Dec 9.-Presf5ent E. H
Hartman. of the Southern tactic Rail-
road and head OF the Hartman system.
Santa Fee Railroad. II connection with
Senator Perkins. OF California. and the
merchants Of San Francisco are deterIrs-
i,let to put UP the strongest possible fight
against the awarding of the contract for
army transportation across the Pacific
to the Boston Steamship Company by the
War Department.
The bid OF this company has been I'M
der consideration by the Secretary Of War
fer sorae time. and there has been much
talk of transferring tbs transportation OF
troops ard stores from Government hands
TO the Boston Steamship Company, whoss
ships sail from Seattle. thus shifting the
enormous traffic ana trade of the South
crr railroad lines and San Francisco
to the Northern railroad lines ard Sc
attic.
Some time ago the War Departln,.it de-
cided that there would be great economy
in transferring the transport service from
tie Government to a private company
and advertised for bids. The Boston
Steamship Company of Boston. but with
headquarters in Seattle. was the only
bict;er. and in official circles here it was
believed IL would receive the award OF
tie contract. James ]. Hill. of TIE Great
Northern. and the business men of Seatsla
tavc been doing every thing in their power
10 promote this award. and until re-
10, y otra-> f0
IT.
Washington to take hand in the fight
tie had an interview with General Lud-
iaeton. observation-disclosures OF tina
Amy at the War Department yesterday
IL an effort TO prevent the award OF caa
contract Gir. Morton wished 70 see Sec
retary Root. but was told the secretary
was in New York and had the Papers
relating 10 the contract with him He VIII
not return until Wednesday and no action
VIII be taken until then.
james ]. Hill will come 10 Washington
oa Tuesday. ard 50 will President Wins
lc-v OF the BGsson Steamship Company,
ard several prominent men tom Seattle
Irark Wa erhouSe. managing agent 81
the steamship cornrary. at Seattle. IS Eer5
now. but is seriously Ill.
President Hartman was In conferences
II New: Torl. Yesterday with ]. c. St',ros.
traffic manager OF his SySIt't,l st.lNi
ScFwerin Tice-presdent of the Pacific
Mail and early in TIE week will come to
Washington
The representatives CT the Southern SD.
Of the fight hope 70 Induce the War De-
ractment to reopen the question ard all">
new bids 70 be made. II this IS done t.ss
rep esertativeS OF the railroa S and t"I
r7,srehants o. San Francisco will Join liz
the formation o. a co.nnanv TO caderaid
the Boston Steamship Company or any
other concern that may enter into the
competition.
Tn. question has tafen an ever moro
serious aspect tv drawing TO 1t the posi-
he Interference OF Congress. Renresenta-
tive HUH chairman of the House Cons
,-ittse on aIilit.ry Affairs, SAYS that IN
rs optafon /; is bevoId the authority OF
,ht, Secretary OF War TO make the pre-
nossd transfer OF the service. and 1t Is
no.ssible that II such an attempt Is made.
Congress viii have something 10 say on
the subject
Mr. Hull IS OF the personal belief that.
although greater expense is incurred
b. the Governments handling OF the SER
.:c. the men ard stores receive much
better care than they would il, the hands
OF n private company. Mr.. HAT also; says
thar he is not alone In this opinion and
that several members Of his COMMITTEES
concur n his view Of tho matter.