Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-08-07
THE CONFERENCE
Rig BEND FARMERS AND RAIL-
ROAD MAGNATES CONFER.
Interesting and Instructive Meeting
at Davenport .--- President NH
Makes a Speech and Presioeh'
MeIlen Springs a Pleasant Sur
prise on His Hearers.

Davenport, Aug. "a farmer among
farmers, James J. Hill. president OF the
Great Northern railway, at the Daven-
port conference, drew the agricultural
interests OF the Big Bend country and
the railroads closer together than ever
before in the history OF the state. In
his plea for partnership and co-opera'
ton between the railway companies
and the farmers Mr.. Hill had the full
sympathy OF his listeners. The presl-
dent set forth the fact OF partnership
between the two interests in new
light, He was given cordial reception
by the wheat Arowers and the prevail
ing characteristic Of the gathering
seemed to be the desire of all concerned
to Join together in the upbuilding OF
the state as factor in agriculture.
The few who attended with the object
of criticism were disarmed by the frank
ness and sincerity which marked MIR
Hills words throughout the conference.
While he could not make any definite
statement concerning a reduction OF
freight rates until he has attended the
conference being arranged by farmers
elsewhere, the president OF the Great
Northern assured the assemblaee that
if any action was taken the coming
wheat crop would feel the benefit. His
words were received with rounds OF
warm applause. The farmers inter
pref Mr.. Hills words to mean that ac-
ton will be taken after he has conferred
with the wheat growers in other parts
of Eastern Washington. He told them
they must look to the Pacific and the
Orient for their markets.
President c. s. Mellen OF the
Northern Pacific announced at the open
meeting that his company will build a
railroad between Coulee and Adrian at
a cost of $3.50. 900. The distance is
about 90 miles. but the construction OF
the line will benefit large stretch OF
territory in the Big Bend. The an
nouncement was totally unexpected,
and created great enthusiasm among
the farmers. Mr.. Mellen said that the
company would present the road to the
farmers as a gift. The construction OF
the tracks will save the Northern
Pacific long back haul of $50 miles in
transporting the freight of the Big
Bend country to the Coast.
When the conference closed the best
of feeling existed on both sides. The
farmers made no effort to disguise their
satisfaction with the results OF the as.
sembly.
Spokane, Aug. Strain rates will
be reduced from all points in Eastern
Washington, and the reduction will
take place in time to benefit the farm
ers on this years crop. The amount Of
reduction is yet to be determined, but
conjecture ranges from cent to cents
per bushel.
As a result of the Grand Coulee-
Adrian connection, which will be COM
pleted before January II possible, the
Northern Pacific will cease hauling
grain Eastward to Spokane and thence
Westward to the Coast. and will move
it's share Of the tonnage to the terminus
of the Central Washington branch.
There it will be taken by the Great
Northern and carried to Seattle. instead
of Tacoma. as heretofore. These an
nouncements were made by President
Mellen. of the Northern Pacific, at
Davenport.