The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-02-25
TWo-CENT WAR AROUsEs.
Railroad Officials Hold Meetings to
Discuss Important Subject.

Chicago, Feb. 25.-Railroad official
| everywhere are thoroughly stampedeC
by 2-cent passenger legislation. TIVE
conferences were held in Chicago TO,
| a discussion of the subject and one il
st. Louis, the latter being by the presi-
dents of the southwestern railroads.
In Chicago Warren J. Lynch, pas
senger traffic manager of the New
York Central lines west of Buffalo
gave out a remarkable interview
which was in effect a warning to the
state of Illinois that if the people de-
manded two-cent fares they would
certainly get a "2-cent service"
This interview was issued after 6
conference between passenger officials
of all Illinois lines during which they
determined to exert every possible in
fiuence to defeat 2-cent legislation in
this state. Mr.. Lynch's interview
written and carefully edited by him.
self, may be taken as fairly expressing
the thought and the disposition of al
railroad passenger officials upon the
subject of 2-cent fares in the middle
west or west.
The interview is as follows:
If the people of Illinois decree
through their legislative bodies that
the rate for passenger travel in this
of course. at the same time declare
their Willingness to accept and be
satisfied with 2-cent service.
Generally speaking, one person can
see as lar INTO the 1uluI6 DIS dnOllICl'
1t is stated that not a single new mile
of passenger train service has been pul
on by any railroad in the state of OHIO
since the 2-cent law was passed one
year ago.
AS to the nature of the service to be
furnished for 2 cents per mile, 1T is
safe to say that official pride and ad-
vanced railroad economics will pro-
duce for the people of Illinois as good
2-cent service as is furnished any 9TH
density of
population, which demands that its
railroads be operated on 2-cent
basis.
If the application of advanced rail-
road economics, including the pur-
chase of supplies on the narrowest
margins, the buying of coal at the
lowest prices, and in the cheapest
market, and the general operation of
the roads at the minimum of cost
consistent with safety. provides mar
gin of profit on the basis OF cents
per mile, current conditions VIII. IN an
proba bility, remain as they are while
the present phenomenal prosperity
continues.
But if this margin of profit does not
exist there is but one of two alterna-
tiyes facing the people of Illinois; in
ferior service, which means fewer ana
slower trains, or a horizontal reduc-
ton CT the wages of all persons en-
gagged in railroad work and its allled
industries.
st. Louis, Feb. 25.-Executive and
ira ffic officers of several Missouri lines
assembled in the Office of President
Davidson. of the Frisco to discuss the
2-cent passenger rate legislation and
exchange views on the best course TO
be pursued under existing conditions.
There were present at the meeting
President WincheH of the Rock Island.
President Davidson of the Frisco, wee
President Cochran of the Missouri
Pacific and NJ. c. Markham, assistant
to the vice president; Vice President
wells H. Blodgett of the Wabash.
General Passenger Agent st. George
of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas. The
Chicago &. Alton, Santa Fe, Chicago
Milwaukee & st. Paul and the Great
Western were not represented
The general conclusion reached was
10 the effect that it would be 1mpoSS1-
BILE to maintain the present passenger
service in Missouri on 2-cent basis,
and the validity of the law could be
attacked on the ground OF
of earnings or properly.
No definite course was agreed upon, as
all the lines interested were not repre-
scented. but there is little doubt that
an appeal will be taken to the courts
unless a compromise should be made
on a - cent basis. OF course, if the
Missouri lines should decide to go into
the state or federal courts their grieV-
ance could be more strongly presented
on the 2-cent basis. Passenger bust
ness within the state. it is contended,
in any case is not a paying proposition.