The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-03-30

After explaining at length that the pur-
pose OF the amendments was for the de-
velopment and union OF the various lines
controlled by the Consolidated Railway
company. Mr. Mellen said the privilege
was desired or purchasing certain sections
OF steam railway lines that can better he
operated by electricity and that are avail
able for connecting UP parts Of the trolley
roads that have been acquired.
AT this time. he said. he could not be
more specific as TO the plans OF the COM
pany in regard TO It's electric lines.
DEMURRAGE RATES
Mr.. Mellen then passed TO the consdera-
ton or freight demurrage rates and urged
a change In the existing demurrage law,
characterizing It as an irritating, un-
necessary burden for the company. and
one which IN the end becomes tax upon
the community itself.
The survey recently made across Con-
necticut by engfnJsrs said be be ia the
employ OF the New York Central and
Hudson River railroad was referred 90 by
Mr.. Mellen. who said the survey twas
made az the instance OF "a foreign cor
poration for the purpose announced of
connecting up It's lines" In discussing
this survey, Mr.. Mellen touched upon the
recent acquisition by tho New York. New
Haven and Hartford railroad Of the New
York Ontario and Western. Tie said
"Why do YOU suppose such survey was
made DO YOU think it was the possibility
OF the large local traffic OF the territory
such a line would serve or was 10 90 in
fuence the disposition of certain property
acquired by our company recently that
had the effect OF putting coal from the
mouth OF the mines, into the doors OF the
furnaces OF our factoriss without the in
tevocsition OF any other authority than
that held by the officials Of your home
sond?
NOT A WISE POLICY
TT Is wise your laws should be Of such a
character that when one wants 10 build n
trolley he must come here nnd prove HIS
case before being permitted the authority
but when he wants 20 damage the steam
line. the largest Interest On your state for
his own selfish purposes, he shall have a
free hand2
Continuing Mr. Nellen said.
''1t Will be necessary that YOU consider
seriously whether YOU should not give
more freedom q action % the steam
ailwsy than iis charter now permits. In
hese DAYS ~ large transactions tho iIm-
tations upon its capital are of charac-
sr 90 restrict its operation in many ways.
should not care - be called upon 20
landle many transactions ~ tfe marni-
ude OF our New York. New Haven and
Hartford purchase Without more latUuoc
han the present terms of its charter
perrnit, and n it IL 90 maintain is In
dependence as Il easily may you should
rive n by amendment al the freedom
action to do with others what others
ave power 90 do with d."
Ar. Mellen discussed the question %
srporatc control saying in part:
THE ISSUE OF THE HOUR.
The demand which has resulted for q
rricfer supervision ~ railroads in the
interest Of public welfare is che issue
fthe hour 10 ie riRht 30 should b. had
here has grown up great abuses without
iount and a. b. time they were lsid hare
nd stopped.
"A railroad enjoys great privileges from
he public. II performs p public scr.
ice 80 Imposes tax which should BE-
IKE 10 all who use 81 and II II cannot