New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-28
CONFERENCE ON ROADS.
WHITE HOUSE MEETING.
1t FolIo5cs appeal to President for
Re0sSuring Statement.

Washington. March 2I.-An important confer
ence was held at the White House Tonight at
which the railroad situation generally was dis
cussed. Those present were Secretary Cortel-
you Secretary Garfield. Assistant Secretary
Bacon Chairman Knapp and Special Counsel
r B. Kellogg of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission, and all the members of that commits
sion except Messrs. Prouty and Cockrell, who
are out Of the city The conference lasted two
and half hours
After the conference adjourned it was stated
that the meeting was called to outline a scheme
to be presented to the next Congress for the
federal regulation Of the railroads of the United
states The plan proposed by Jacob H. schif
was not taken up at tine conference, nor was
the Hartman investigation
Marvin Hughitt. president of the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad, arrived in Washington
tonight and will call at the White House to-
morrow TO discuss the railroad situation with
President Roosevelt.
Members of the Illinois Manufacturers Asso-
citation. including c. H. Smith. of Aurora presi-
dent; Levy Maher, of Chicago general coun-
sell John f. Wilder. OF Chicago; w. B,
Brnton OF Dixon. ILL.,. Charles A Plemondon, of
Chicago, and John NJ Glenn secretary of the s.
soclatlon, called on the President to-day by ap
pointment and extended to him an urgent invl-
lest possible date. convention OF representa-
tives of the manufacturing and mercantile in
terests Of Illinois and the Middle West. The con-
ference lasted over an hour. during which there
was n free discussion of the railroad situation.
At its close the committee gave out this
statement:
The committee submitted to the President that
the present disturbed railroad financial condi-
tion was creating a feeling of timidty and ap,
prehension 10 such an extent that II threatened
an Immediate curtailment of banking and bust
ness credit which had heretofore been extended
TO the business interests of the country at time
when the greatest possible demand for the tur-
ther extension of credit prevailed for the devel-
opment Of the increased demand Of the manu-
featuring and mercantile industries of the coun-
try. II shown to the President that the
manufacturers. in :he enjoyment of their unpre-
cedented credit. had largely extended their busi-
ness in the making Of purchases necessary TO NIL
orders which require many months Tor thelr
completion: that the manufacturing and mercan-
tile interests apprehenSive that a feeling or
distrust was getting "A foothold which would
lead TO financial curtailment and such restric
ton Of credit as 20 threaten dangerous results
10 the great prosperity that now exists IN al
avenues of industry.
II was urged upon the President that very
great good would come TO all interests alike II
he would signify his willingness 10 express in a
public address as soon possible the keynote
of his creative and constructive policy. The Pres
dent was informed by the committee that,
though the country's prosperity was very great.
II would soon become seriously impaired by the
creation Of an uneasiness on the part Of banks
and investors. and would lead 10 such distrust
as 70 prevent the supply OF the necessary moneys
20 satisfy visiting wants. well as to meet
the unparalleled development OF the manufact-
uring and transportation interests OF the coun-
fry The President inquired carefully into the
prevailing mercantile conditions. and expressed
himself as most anxious and determined 70 do
all IN his power 70 protect. preserve and en-
courage all legitimate business interests ~
every kind
At the close of the conference the President
thanked the committee for its frank statement
Of the existing conditions as they appeared 70
the committee and promised that within n Few
days he would determine whether his present
enragements would permit him 10 accept tho
coT,roittee's Invitation. which he expressed him
self ms anxious 10 do II he possibly could.