The Minneapolis journal., 1903-04-18
Minneapolis Milling Interests May
Seek Relief From That Of
fetal Source.
The Railroad That Would Make
Rate Would Capture Busi-
ness Galore.

1t is the opinion In railroad and MILL
ing circles that the Interstate commerce
commission will eventually be called upon
to act in the matter of the adverse rates
affecting Minneapolis. The transporta-
ton world is just beginning to realize the
vast and far reaching importnce Of the
question that has been opened UP by the
action Of the millers in closing their
plants. The question has been up before.
but never in such form as at present.
Millers will not be satisfied with any sort
of patched-up arrangement Of a temper
ary nature. While they will welcome con-
| cessions from the railroads that will war
! rant them in operating the mills at a fair
profit. they will not drop the matter until
| they have tested the power of the inter-
state commerce commission to act
What VIII Railroads Do?
1t is up to the railroads now in the
present status of the situation. Nothing
Of Importance developed at the meeting
yesterday at which local representatives
Of the Omaha, Milwaukee, Burlington
and Great Western roads met the millers.
1t is now thought that the next impor
tant development will come at the con-
ference of the western and eastern trunk
line managers in Chicago next Tuesday.
At this meeting the northwestern miller
will be well represented and the matter
will be gone over directly with the men
who have the power to bring relief
Meanwhile in the Minneapolis field op-
portunity awaits the man. The first rail-
road man of prominence representing a
great system who enters the field en-
powered to act. will find such opportunity
to do business as has rarely been pre-
sented. What concessions such man
would have to offer no miller will say,
but 1t lis admitted that the time is ripe
for an aggressive canvass and that no
such opportunity to secure control of this
Immense shipping business has ever be-
fore been known. The millers are in
the mood to throw their entire tonnage
to any line showing disposition to favor
them, and having facilities to care for
the traffic. ., .-.-e
A Chance for J. J. Hill.
This attitude on the part of the millers
and their open expression of it gave rise
to rumor on Change to-day to the effect
that J. J. Hill will come to the rescue.
The millers believe he has the power to
relieve the situation, and they hope that
some proposition may be received from
him. With the Burlington and the Erie
ans immense distributive territory could
be covered, and the millers would give
the bulk of the business to the Burling-
ton on any agreement as to rates that
would guarantee them protection at all
times. 1t is well known to be Mr. Hills
theory that rail transportation is cheaper
than water carrying and that the rail-
road will eventually supplant the steam
er in domestic commerce
Failing to secure the desired rate ad-
justment from the railroads or lake car
riers, the Minneapolis millers still have
the option of combining to purchase con-
troll Of some railroad lien east. Such a
course as a last resort is favored by
Ernest F. Smith, chairman of the Com
mercial club committee on transportation.
He does not claim to have originated the,
idea which he says was first advanced a
few weeks ago by q heavy shipper who
regarded it as feasible. There are two
lines either one Of which might be- avail
able. '.' = .5t -