Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-07-20
WAR OVER R1TEg.=
Gulf Lines Make Big Reduction aud
Esstera Lines Are Expected TO
Meet the Cut-Sti1l Lower
Nspa0 Nm B~u.-

Meet the Cat-stilI Lower
Tariff to Follow.
There IL a big freight rate war on
between the lines east Of the Missouri
river and the railroads that have out.
let's to the Gulf. For the past few weeks
there has been considerable competi-
tion for the sugar and coffee business
between these lines. First, the Gulf
roads made a cut, which was followed
by corresponding one by the lines
comprising the trunk lines. the Gen.
trail Traffic association and were af-
ter the business.
The reduction made by the trunk
lines and other roads did not have Eff
feet on the attitude Of the Gulf lines.
They met every reduction and general
~ made the cut ten cents lower than
the rate put into effect by the North
ern lines. On Friday last there was
a meeting Of the traffic officials of
the lines east OF the Missouri river in
New York, and It was agreed to make
a reduction of ten cents over the prices
then in force. There rates go into ef-
feet to-day.
As soon as the Gulf lines were in
formed of the action Of the Northern
lines, a meeting was called and a new
rate made. The rates by the Gulf lines
TO Missouri river points Is go cents
and ST. Paul 25 cents. The new rate
is to be IL cents to Missouri river
points and II cents to st. Paul. 1t is
to go into effect on July IS.
1t was originally the intention to
meet the reduction made by the Gulf
lines, but word was received from the
lines having Gluf terminals that they
wouldlike to hold a conference with
the lines east OF the Missouri river
in Chicago.
This request will not be granted,
and If there is to be any compromise
the managers OF the Gulf lines will
have to come to New York to hold the
meeting. II is said that conference De-
tween all the lines interested will be held
early next week
1t is rumored that there is consider
able dissatisfaction among the Gluf
lines over the manner In which rates
have been cut. There is very little
business being received by them and
the frequent slashing OF rates has up-
set affairs generally. Some OF the rail-
roads are anxious to come to an un-
Outstanding with the lines east of the
Missouri River.
OUTLOOK FOR FURTHER CUTS.
In case no agreement can be reach
ed the trunk lines will authorize an
other reduction of 10 cents a 100
pounds. If this is done 1t is believed
that the Gulf lines will meet this cut
same basis is adhered to it will make
the rate from Gulf points to Missouri
river points cents and to st. Paul :
cents. The rate by the lines east of
the Missouri river points will be af-
ter action is taken, II cents to the
Missouri river and II cents to st.
Paul by the lake and rail route.
II the Gulf lines make the reduction
to cents there will be no further ac-
tion taken by the lines east Of the
Missouri river. as IL is cOntended the
Gulf lines will soon tire of carrying
freight at such n loss. Until the
minimum rate has been reached there
will be fight for the bulk of busi-
ness. 1t is thought by the lines in
this section that a compromise will
soon reached. but until it is there
will be big tieht for the business.
The rate westbound to Missouri
river points. which went into effect
yesterday. is 81 cents and IS cents
by lake and rail route to st Paul.