The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-03-04
4 STATEMENT OF FACTS
Committee from National Livestock
Association Meets Traffic Man.
ayers in Conference.

meeting that was held the day before
at Chicago between a committee ap-
pointed from the National Livestock
association and the traffic managers
Of railroads centering in Chicago.
The object Of the meeting was to hear
representations the stockmen had to
make in regard to the treatment they
are now receiving from the railroads.
The poor time made by the roads in
getting stock to market, the withdraw
al of return transportation to ship
pers and attendants and the Unequal
ity in rates were the subjects of the
grievances the cattlemen wanted to
present.
T. C. Power of this state was II OF
the gentlemen representing the ship
pers. He has sent back copies Of a
printed statement of Facts" submit
ted by the committee to the railroad
officials. Following is the committees
presentation of it's case:
increases Cost Of Shipping.
.tTfe new tariff governing ship
ments of livestock put into effect by
the different railroad companies on
January 1, 1904, wherein it relates to
shippers of stock only being allowed
transportation n way, that is in
charge of shipments, has caused gen
1era dissatisfaction, as the payment
4of the return fare home adds greatly
to the cost of shipment. Especially
lis this 50 with the small shipper, who
-has only two or more cars to move.
1T is necessary that cattle and sheep
.should have a man in charge to keep
them on their feet, and this iced has
been especially so during the past
two years, since the matter of getting
over the road has been lost sight OF by
the railroad companies, who seem to
he only looking to the amount of tom
mage they ear pile upon each engine,
and which has practically heightened
running time fully 100 per cent, max
ing what was formerly a 20-hour run
now in about 40 hours. 81.
e4This slow running and waiting for
engines to get up steam. or to "sa
by each other on side tracks that are
too short for large trains to pass
each other, thus making it imperative
for some one to look after the stock,
as they lay down and trample each
other, causing great loss at market,
as packers cut them out owing te
their bruised condition and Otter
causing a loss of so cents to 81 pei
cvtu on each animal so hurt. 1t is
a we'll known fact that livestock viii
stand up much better when being
moved over a road at fair speed, ant
only to lay down wher
humping along and standing on side
tracks.
Claims for Damages Refused.
"The railroad company generally
refuses all claims made for damage:
of this character, and as livestock i!
SO easily damaged, an experienced
attendant is absolutely necessary, es
pecially is this true when stock i
kept in cars for long and slow runs
The necessity of an experienced at
tendant in charge of stock in transl
is greater in shipments Of wild rang
animals for long distances, particular
ly in small ~shiuments, where 1t l
necessary to load in the same ca
different grades and sizes of STOCK
for the smaller and weaker invariabl,
get down and are damaged, unles
looked after closely and in the prope
manner. The owner of stock shlI
ped and the stock itself is entitled t
the greatest care and the best SCI
vice possible throughout the shipmen'
It is the duty and the interest OF tn
railroad to so adjust its rules an
regulations as to give such shipment
the best of attention and thus d.
liver them in the best possible co.
dition.
<eThe interest OF the shipper an
the common carrier are mutual
that respect. 1t is a notorious la
that .trainmen are reckless and ind
ferent to stock in transit and If incll
ed to take care of them, they do n
know how and have other matte
Ia look after that precludes SUI
work. Therefore, a special shipp
with necessary assistants u
company each shipment. to see tn
it has proper attention.
Cost Carrier Nothing.
Heretofore the owner, or his e
ploye, the party most interested, h