The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-07
The Long Island Commuters.

To THE EDITOR or THE SUN--Sir: I am
not familiar with all the facts in controversy
between the Long Island Railroad Company
and its commuters. AS a commuter on an
other line my sympathies would naturally
fall with this class Of people. But there is one
important phase OF the question in hand
which am obliged to consider in the light OF
the facts. and 70 give it due and proper con-
sderaton.
The freight tranno Is the real basis of rail-
way prosperity and success; and to this sub
iect the prudent managers give their close
and anxious attention. A good freight trafio
is essential to the full development and suo-
cess OF passenger traflo In other words.
a railroad must enjoy a good income from
freight trafilo In order 70 keep It's roadway
and equipment IN condition for a FIRST class
passenger Uhflo. And this is especially true
with reference 10 a subur ban traflic. with the
incidental low rates. and demands for heavy
trains to be operated on quick and frequent
schedules.
Now. in respect TO good freight trafflc.
Long Island Is O sort OF rermHorm appendix
on account OF It's isolated position and natu-
raj conditions. The island has no great com
mercial or industrial centres. and does not
possess those natural advantages which are
essential 10 a large freight traffio. Moreover.
II does not lie In a line with. or along the nat
ural course OF. a route OF large freight traffic
1t does not like Syracuse or Rochester for
instance, lie in the natural pathway of large
freight traffic. Consequently. there Is on the
island an utter lack OF those conditions which
render q good and we'll developed railway
system-ft for the operation OF large num-
Der OF passenger tTains-necessary and
profitable. In this connection, | may allude
10 San Diego. Cal, city with fine harbor
and great natural commercial advantages
But, on account Of its isolated position on the
route Of freight trafic. the city is n CONNER
eial cul de sac. and Il cannot oompete, with It's
far more successful rival. Los Angeles. and
other more favored places.
=, Tho Boston and Maine system has perhaps
bnsihess in the World ut What IL tbo bssa
OF this successful traffic? great freight
trafilo operated over the Identical lines. Be
a ferry transfer-and large commercial CEN
tres like Lowell. Haverhil Portsmouth,
Fitohburg, and scores Of other places of great
through the profits OF its freight trafic, to
equip and maintain a series OF roadways
which are capable of use for the operation OF
great number OF suburban trains on fast
and frequent schedules The greater por-
ton OF the suburban business OF this system
lions. the freight traflc renders the main
tenRnoe OF good rosdways both necessary
freight frame is tho very basis OF 'e s1c tsse
fnl suburban passenger tranic. Somewhat
similar conditions prevail along the Erie
York and great centres 10 tho northward
and west ward enable 1t 70 maintain a road
way At for the successful development of a
good suburban traric
Another point the ferry transfer necessary
TO the freight and passen ger business OF the
Long Island Railroad is a source OF direct loss
which must be taken into consideration. This
element Is great source OF loss to other lines
but especially 70 the Southern Pacific al San
Fran cisco.
Taking into consideration these natural
Disadvantages OF the Long Island Railroad
l think there are many points In favor OF the
IN ftuu
due weight. GEORGE A. BESHAM
NEW NoRE March O.