New-York tribune., 1909-04-02

Chicago. we are not preparing to construct
g line down the western coast Of Mexico ne
said we have done SO. and il has rescheo
Mazatlan. We ran dovn there with tram OF
seven cars and more than half of the popula-
tion Of 25 600 came out TO see what 10 some OF
them was their first big train
WANTS LESS RED TAPE.
y did not say that United States Senators
were 'inebriates.' / did use the expression, An
inebriate United States Senator / spoke OF
'subser.ient states attorneys general did
not refer to the Attorney General Of the United
States referred 70 two men who had at
tackled me"
IN reference so his statement in Chicago that
she government should economize rather than
seek TO increase its revenues simply Mr. Harri-
man when asked if he had any definite sugges-
tions to make frankly said the question had put
him in a hole. 1t reminds me of one Of my
managers who was complaining about things
in general" he said. When asked him TO be
specific he said I had him in hole.
"Of course" added MI Hartman, you have
got to maintain the government dignifed
and liberal basis. and it is more difficult to con-
troll expenditures when you have to rely on
annual appropriations. but you have got to have
less red tape and get everything down on
more efficient basis"
That seemed to remind Mr Hartman of what
might happen if the government controlled the
railroads Suppose there were some improve
ments to be made on the lines" he said with
chuckle and YOU had to wait for an appro-
priation from Congress or a state legislature.
don't believe much work could be done. do you?'
Mfr. Hartman enthusiastic about the
Mexican extension OF the Southern Pacific 1t
isn't much what line COSTS he said. as
what revenue it will produce when built that
must he considered. There are six seven val
leys down there as fertile and large the
Imperial Valley. which has some 100000 acres
We have spent some SCI O00oo0 and the entire
work will cost a bout S50eo0oo0.
we doing it a cheaper rate than that
at which the Panama Canal will be built" he
added. when surprise expressed at this
figure.
Referring again to the Lagma dam Mr.. Har-
riman showed a picture Of Mr. Randolph. the
engineer. who the only one TO undertake
the damming Of the Colorado River He told
me" said Mr.. Hartman. ''the only thing he
was afraid Of was that l would not stand the
financial racket We stood behind him. but the
government has not stood by He said We
got ahead Of the river by only four or five days.
and that Rad il not been for the speed in the
work the Imperial Valley would have been lost.
" SGNTu some IOOT or INe lhouSdAlu iioiiVo-
FEELING DOWN SOUTH.
Early last January Mr.. Hartman started on
his travels, returning here for only few days
before going to san Antonio for his outdoor
camp. Down in Georgia" he said. I found
them all enthusiastic over Taft They thought
if they could have had a little more time they
could have changed the state for Taft. also
found much Taft feeling in Texas. The senti-
ly. Why, state railroad commissioner there
came way over from Austin TO San Antonio to
look me over as he expressed H. He certainly
was courageous. Why. few years ago they
would have shot seen talking to me down
there. / told him we wanted to build some
more railways down there. but while his senti-
ment had changed their laws had not"
Mr. Hartman said that settlement of the
tariff would. of course improve general business
conditions, but his roads situated they
could keep up expenditures in conservative
way regardless IF that issue.
A number Of questions were asked which
Mr.. Hartman declared were in the category he
never answered directly because he did not wish
TO be accused OF misleading anybody. One Of
these to whether or not he had got con-
troi o. the Kansas City Southern Railway. But
regarding the report that the Southern Pacific
was going on per cent dividend basis he said:
Frankly. ] haven; any idea Of that. We are
going TO use all extra money for improve
mentsr
They say you not going to stand by the
Erie Railroad any longer" a member Of the
group said.
Why. that's where live he replied.
You mean you can't help il, them"
oh, yes I could the quick response
But I wouldn't like 10 leave the Erie
Are You going 20 follow the example Of the
steel companies and reduce ages?" Mr Harri-
man was asked.
We want efficient men," ne said. and so
long as the men produce what they are paid
TO produce don't want TO consider reduction"
Mr. Hartman said that work double track
ing the Union Pacific had been quietly resumed
last August and almost done Work
is being done the Rocky Mountain di-
vision Of the line. which will in time be used in
electrifcation of that part of the road.