The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-06-07
TO PROBE
B. & M. MERGER

Mayor Patrick j. Mccarthy wants the
city to look into the proposed merger OF
the New Haven and Boston and Maine
roads.
Il think II would be a good thing" he
says. Ito call upon the New Haven rail-
road for a declaration OF its intentions as
regards the trade inter ests OF this city
THE New Haven intends to do what
II can 10 control the trafic OF all New
England. and the state should do what
IL can TO protect itself In Massa chusetts
Gov Guild has sent message to the leg
Islature urging the importance OF legis-
lation against stock watering and the
evils OF rate discrimination II anything
against the interests Of Rhode Island
business men is contemplated something
should be done TO prevent IL.
Whatever Is In store for Providence
and Rhode Island depends altogether up
on what is intended by those In control
OF the railroad situation II the con-
trolling interests want TO divert trade
from Boston 10 this city they can do H.
and II they want TO do the reverse they
can do It.
Mayor Mccarthy said that he would
probably confer with Gov. Higgins today
as 20 what steps might be taken TO CLEAN
n knowledge OF the railroads intentions.
He thought that some plan could be de-
vised whereby the business interests OF
Rhode Island might be brought together.
He plans to invite business men OF the
city TO meet for conference with him
and select a committee 70 walt upon the
railroad officials to learn their intentions
regarding Providence.
EX-Gov KIMBALL
-
opinion that the Boston and Maine
merger would work out beneficially to the
city and to the state. particularly II II
should result In the diversion OF trade
through Worcester TO this city The
union Of the two great New England
systems would greatly improve trans
portation facilities. especially so from the
fact that the freight sent from this city
north would at all times be under the
control and supervision OF the New Ha-
ven railroad officials. thus insnring its
going through In quick time,
He explained that the butter and cheese
producing section In New Hampshire
would probably be brought into closer
and quicker connection with this vicinity
and that undoubtedly ,ocai manufa cturers
would b. able TO flnd larger markets
north because of the more expeditions
facilities for transportation.
30 tdr as the rates were concerned. GON
kimhali did not think that merger would
be apt 10 work any changes OF impor-
tance.
COL. WEBB LIKES 1T.
Col. George II. Webb. secretary OF the
Board Of Trade. said he thought the
merger would prove beneficial 10 Provi-
dence and that II might result in a condi-
tion whereby Providence would become
the Principal shipping centre Of southern
New England He pointed out that the
rates OF marine insurance for mcrchan-
disc southwark bound were lower from
here than from Boston. In addition 10
which. he said that there can be no doubt
that shipping goods from this city TO the
South would be more expeditions than
when the shipments are loaded on steam
crs from Boston. With the direct line
from this port 20 Northern New England.
he thought goods which are now shipped
on steamers at Roston TO ensure quick
Dispatch 10 the South. instead OF being