The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1907-05-24
THE FREIGHT BUREAU.


been seeking to effect an adjustment
of freight rates to Montgomery in or
der that 1t might be placed on ba-
sis to compete with adjacent points
which are benefited by lower rates, and
whose rates have been reduced, there
by enabling them to make encroach-
ments upon a territory that is prop
erly tributary to Montgomery.
Just two years ago this month a
number of these citizens held an en-
thusiastic and determined meeting in
the rooms of the Commercial and In
dustrial Association, and out of this
meeting has grown the Freight Blu
reau. Only very few of our citi-
zens can appreciate the work that has
been accomplished by this organiza-
ton. Interests with the railroads.
especially local conditions, have been
harmonized, and a much better I'M
derstAnding has been brought about
between the shippers and railroads.
The case now before the Interstate
Commerce Commission for a readjust-
ment of the rates from the West to
Montgomery, is destined to be of ma
tional Importance. The press OF New
York, Chicago, st. Louis, Cincinnati,
and points all over the Southeast are
giving notice of the complaint that
has been filed, and every indication
points to the fact that interest is be-
ing taken therein by all of the prom
inent shippers of the country. 1t is
expected that 1t will be heard in
Montgomery. This hearing will be
notable one and will bring to Mont
gomery prominent railroad officials
and attorneys from all parts of the
country.
Owing to the Importance of this
case to every merchant, retail or
wholesale, in the city of Montgomery.
we hope that those who are not now
fortunate enough to be mewbers of the
Bureau will rally to it's support,
and lend their moral and financial aid
to a cause which, if gained, will mark
an epoch in the progress of Mont
gomery.
Other cities all over the South find
that a Bureau OF this character is
necessary adjunct to their business.
The great advantage of its operation
is evidenced by the fact that it Is
equipped to handle railroad matters
with railroad people, especially in the
settlement of claims, much better
than by individual effort. Our Gulf
City neighbor has recognized this and
all of the wholesale and retail mer-
chants of that city have just organ
lied a Freight Bureau, and over $5,-
600 per year for three years has been
guaranteed to maintain the same. The
necessity of a Bureau at Montgomery
is more apparent than at Mobile.
Anent this, The Mobile Register makes
the following editorial remarks, which
we are prone to say are equally appli-
cable to Montgomery:
What the Mobile merchants must do
is to become alive to their own needs.
Other cities long have had bureaus of
this kind and profited by them. Mo-
bilians are not close enough together;
they do not unite to achieve common
benefits. They must change their
methods and cease to be satisfied with
old results Their competitors are
reaching out to take their trade on
hsn tfs soe ssRey some kng
will say that they are doing all the
| business that their capital will justi-
fly. The danger lies in the fact that
ing into Mobiles territory and get
ting q foothold. If this continues
without hindrance, some of our mer-
chants will not need all of the capital
they now have. 1t is said
that eternal vigilance is the price of
liberty: it is the price of commercial
supremacy also. We advise that all
our merchants join this association
and give their support to it.
1t is a fact to be deplored that the
Montgomery Freight Bureau has new
err, even when enthusiasm was at the
highest pitch, received such substan-
tial support as the citizens of Mobile
are prepared to give their Bureau
There has never been the unison of
action between all the merchants of
Montgomery that is necessary to make
a Bureau of this nature success The
case before the Interstate Commerce
| Commission will be of inestimable
value to Montgomery in every branch
| of trade if it is won, and we have
| reached the crisis where the whole
support of the whole city is necessary
to bring the case to a successful con-
| clusion. Every merchant and manu-
facturer whether wholesale or retail,
should assist this cause financially,
morally and physically; lend your
hearty cooperation and back it up
with your ready money: We believe
truthfully that no other public ques-
ton will prevent or deter the success
of the 1910 movement as will the nom
support of this Bureau. 1t is not a
luxury it is a necessity for the up
building and welfare of the city. e..
II is time to wake up and see what
our sister cities are doing; Montgom-
cry is so accustomed to having things
come her way without effort or, dem
onstration on her part, that the good
things that are indeed within grasp
are often allowed slip by for the
want of just little reaching out. Cit
liens, reach out for the success of
this organization, and let us all give
a long pull and a hard pull, and
pull altogether" and for the sake of
the name OF Montgomery. don't let
Mobile do what we cannot or Will not
do.
VIOLATING GRAVES.
Acting on a request from the State
Historical Society of Kansas the At
CaparaI Of that State bas met