Arizona republican., 1909-09-11

i, the main line, and that a reduction of ! 25 per cent in the rave was in no way warranted by the business. In reply ! it was pointed out that the commits sion did not consider that the revenue i from local passenger traffic alone should be the sole basis of considera- stion-that the passenger business or l iginating in AriZonaa for all outside points and from all outside points for Arizona should also be considered, and the railway officers were request ed to furnish the commission a state ment from their books covering a rep resentative period. They agreed to do this but stater that it would re- quire several weeks on the part of their statistical department to prepare the information. When the re- quired data has been furnished and the Southern Pacific company has | made up its case. the commission wilI give final consideration to the ques- tion Of main line reductions.
 In any case, it Is understood the commission is not disposed to insist upon a reduction of passenger rates on the Phoenix & Eastern beyond Mesa at this time, as the line so far has not been profitable.
 Yesterdays conference was a decid- edly pleasant one. the railroad men presented to the commission quite fully the conditions obtaining along each of their respective lines, their hopefulness of future prosperity and their desire to encourage development in their various fields of activity. The present and prospective phases of the passenger business were discussed and in conclusion they stated. as above re- cited, their decision to accede to the commissions request insofar as is herewith announced. That the rec ord might be formally made they thereupon filed with the commission the following letters. which are quite explanatory:
 Chicago. H., Sept. 4, 1909. MT. NJ. O. Bicknell, Sec'y Arizona Rail
 way Commission. Phoenix. Arizona:
 Dear Sir:-Referring to your favor of the 9th ult. relative to reduction of local passenger fares on the lines op- erated by the s. F. P. & F. Ky. com panies in Arizona, in which you state that your honorable body, after con- sideration of the facts set forth in my letter of August 2nd, is still of the opinion that the reduction asked in your letter of July 1st should be granted, the same being on s. F.. P. X P Ky main line between Ash Fork and Phoenix from to cents per mile, and on the s. F. P. & P. Ky. Co. pracanff P- Bradshaw Mountain R. R. and Ari- zona & California Ky. from to 5 cents per mile.
 For some time past the reduction of local passenger fares on these lines has been considered by the officers of this company, who have hopes that the time would soon arrive when the local passenger revenue, operat- ing expenses, and all things consid- cred, would justify such a reduction. For reasons as partially stated in my letter of August 2nd, we do not be- lieye that the reduction is even now justified by passenger business done. but after further consideration of your request, and in the hopes that the increase of business which you so confidently predict will be suffi- cient to offset the loss from lower rate and increased cost, and that the additional travel will stimulate the development of the territory we serve, it has been decided to make reduc- ton in our local passenger rates.
 We will at once prepare our new local passenger tariff for filing with the l. c. C., passenger rates of and , cents per mile respectively on lines as stated above. effective November l, 1909. or as soon thereafter as is possible.
 Respectfully,
 6Signed) PAUL P. HASTINGS.