St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1909-07-24
THE RAILWAY COMMITTEE.


The citizens Railway Committee met Man
ager N. G. Pearsall, of the New Orleans
great Northern railroad, in the Mayors Of
nee last Saturday, to talk over the matter
VI improving the railroad service between
CoVlngton, Abita and New Orleans.
mayor Richard opened the discussion with
statement of the disadvantage under which
CoVlngton is laboring with the present
schedule and rates, and also stated that re-
ouced excursion rates were desired for a
series OF ten excursions to be gotten up by a
CoVlngton excursion club He asked Mr.
Fearsall what relief the company could offer
There was some discussion as to the cause
OF the difference between the time made
now and the old schedule of one hour and
Iorty-flVe minutes. Mr.. Pearsall said that
formerly the distance from Covington to the
Press street depot was ffty-nine miles,
While now by the Shore Line the distance
to the terminal station was sixty-six miles
and the schedule time two hours and thir-
teen minutes, with a rate of speed, including
stops, of about thirty miles an hour, and
that this was equal to the best speed of any
through trains running out Of New Orleans.
He took up the various causes of delay along
the route, showing the cause to be obedience
to laws that cannot be violated. But one of
the most trying delays, that at Shore Line
junction, seems to depend upon a change in
methods, involving an expense which there
was no promise the company would assume;
but ne thought few minutes time might be
saved there. He said that the time was be-
ing gradually reduced and he thought it
would not be long before schedule time of
two hours would be made.
Judge Burns voiced the sentiments Of the
Committee and of the people whom the Com
mlttee represent when he spoke of the fact
that notwithstanding schedule of two hours
and thirteen minutes was claimed, the peo-
pie who Travelled the road complained that
they were frequently three hours on the
train between Covington and New Orleans,
which was too much for the distance trav-
eled and injurious to the interest of Coving
ton. He thought the people would be con-
tent with an actual schedule of two hours,
as far as time was concerned, but he consid-
cred it of still more Importance to secure a
reduction in the fare. There should be a
round-trip ticket good from Friday until
Monday, and he thoughta rate of ST. 70 would
be satisfactory. Judge Burns spoke with
out animus, yet with frmness that i'm
pressed his hearers His remarks brought
into prominence the purpose of the resolu-
tons passed at the citizens meeting and
outlined clearly the demands of the commit
tee.
Capt G. E. Millar, of Ablta, said he was
certain that with restoration of the old
rates and schedule Abita would have the
same boom she had in those days.
Mr.. Pearsall expressed himself as DESTROYS
of doing all in his power to relieve the stu
alton. He was interested in the welfare of
Covington and wanted to see it prosper.
But beyond this expression there was no
specific promise made, although the impress
sion was left that a reduced rate would be
secured. !. ]: A.:
The Committee will have an audience
with officials of the Baton Rouge, Hammond
and Eastern railroad and are now awaiting
reply to letter written by Mayor Richard,
chairman.