The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-09-29
Refuses to Withdraw the IS st.
Paul Rate.
OTHERS READY TO QUIT
Tired of Trying to Punish the
Rock Island.
May Start Trouble All Along
the Line.

Chicago, Sept. 29.-The harmonious
conditions which have existed in rail
road circles for some time past are
threatened with disruption should the
attitude of the Rock Island remain I'M
changed in the Chicago-St Paul rate
controversy.
Notice was given yesterday that all
the roads in the Western Passenger as
ISOLATION with lines between Chicago
and the twin cities would discontinue
the one-way rate of IS on and after
October 8. The Rock Island is the only
line which has declined to enter into
this agreement and officials of that COM
pany announce that the IS rate will To-
main in force until such time as they
see fit to change it. irrespective of what
the other Chicago-St. Paul lines may
do in the matter.
1t is understood the other roads inter-
ested used every effort to bring the
Rock Island officials into line but the
task was abandoned when 1t was found
they were determined to keep the pres
ent rate in effect. The result is that for
the first time in many years the travel
ing public will have two fares 10 choose
from, the Rock Island placing its figure
at So and the Northwestern, st. Paul.
Burlington, Chicago Great Western, IL
linois Central and Wisconsin Central re-
turning to the old rate of Sl1.50 for the
single trip ride.
Just what the Rock Island intends do
ing in the matter of service has not
been announced, but it is supposed it
will shorten its time as much as posi-
BILE and offer inducements in addition TO
the lower rate. On the other six roads
the distance between st. Paul and Chi
cago is shorter than by way of the Rock
Island, but the difference is not great
enough to influence the average traveller.
BY way of the Northwestern the dis
lance is 402 miles. the st. Paul 419 miles,
the Chicago Great Western APO, the Bur
lington ADJ the Wisconsin Central 465,
the Illinois Central 500 and the Rock IS
land 514 miles. 1t is said to be the pur-
pose of the Rock Island to shorten the
time so difference of an hour or there
abouts will be the only handicap.
The present tangle in the Chicago-St.
Paul rate situation was brought about
June 20 last. when the Wisconsin Cen
trail gave notice of its intention to cut
the fare from S115O to IS. This move
was due to the fact that the Northwest
ern and St Paul roads had made a con-
siderable cut in running time on the
southbound trip from St Paul The
Wisconsin Central claimed that in order
to mold its passenger traffic it would be
obliged to make lower rate to offset
the time schedule of the Northwestern
and ST Paul. The reduction in time was
made to make a mail connection from
the north according to the officials CT
the latter roads.
The rate of SIG for the round trip be-
tween Chicago and st. Paul will re-
main in effect until the agreement as
TO this expires in the latter part of No
vember. Officials of the other lines in
terested in the advance are of the opin-
ion that the Rock Island will event
ually come into line and place the one
way rate at $11.5O, although the Off
cials of the latter company say that
they Will not enter into the agreement
until several other matters in dispute
are arbitrated and settled.
A short time ago a self-a2pointed
committee of passenger officials at
tempted to settle the matters in dis
pute. but the effort was abandoned for
a time, owing to the illness of Mr..
Kniskern, passenger traffic manager of
the Northwestern, and Mr.. Eustis, gen.
eral passenger agent of the Burlington.
The companies which have agreed to
raise the rate do not Srofess to be
alarmed over the stand of the Rock
Island. They say the Albert Lea route,
which is used by the Rock Island. is
too roundabout to materially affect
com petition.