The San Francisco call., 1909-02-19

Pacific Mail Begins Campaign
to Block Plans of Inde-
pendent Line
Traffic circles were greatly disturbed
yesterday by the report that the South
ern Pacific and Santa Fe contemplated
an increase in their local rates from
trade centers in the interior to San
Francisco. It was stated that the two
companies had made preparations to
put an increased schedule into effect
within so days. Not only was such the
understanding among San Francisco
shippers, but from the interior came
dispatches yesterday bringing addi-
tional reports of the proposed adyance.
It is understood that the higher rates
have been taken under consideration
for two purposes. first to prevent the
concentration OF freight in San Fran
cisco and it's shipment from here to
New York by water, and secondly to
discount the effect of the Stetson rate
bill now before the legislature.
To Force Shipments by Rail
Since the transcontinental tariffs
were advanced shippers, where possible,
have taken advantage of the water
routes to New York. To do this freight
has been concentrated in San Francisco
from outside points and sent out from
this port. BY raising the local rates to
San Francisco from the tributary sec.
ton of the state the railroads plan to
force the shipments by rail
The proposed increase would also
strengthen the position of the transpor
tation companies and enable them to
offset to some extent the effect of the
stetson bill. This measure which is
now before the legislature, gives the
railroad commission power to fix abso-
lutte rates. 1t gives also the power to
investigate proposed rates and might be
used to block an intended advance.
Stetson Bill Will Pass
1t is said that the strong support
given the Stetson bill will force its
passage against the opposition OF the
railroad companies, and they are now
preparing for this contingency.
The railroad officials are not inclined
to discuss the subject. but it is stated
that the increased rates will apply
largely TO those articles on which the
eastbound transcontinental tariff was
raised. This would include canned
goods, dried fruits, beans. leather and
many other articles.
The Stetson bill was given effective
support yesterday when the traffic bu-
reau OF the Merchants exchange do
cided to use all its influence to insure
its passage. At special meeting of
the governing committee of the bureau
the measure was Endorsed, as was also
the proposed constitutional amendment
providing for the appointment of the
members of the railroad commission in
stead of their election. This amend
ment was drawn by Attorney Seth Mann
and will be fathered In the Legislature
by Senator Campbell. It will be known
as the Campbell amendment
Traffic Bureaus Campaign
So determined is the traffic bureau
that the measure shall be passed that
state wide campaign will be waged in
its behalf. For this purpose a special
committee was appointed consisting of
nard and Joseph Durney. This commit
tee will have full power to direct the
work in behalf of the two measures.
Organization will be effected in every
part of the state and each community
will be asked to impress upon its rep
resentatives the Importance of these
two statutes. They are regarded by
shippers generally as essential to the
future security of the commercial en-
terprfses upon which the prosperity of
the state has been built
Pacific Mails Activity
A further development in rate cir
cles, in which the hand of the trans
continental railroads was visible, ap
peared yesterday when it became
known that the Pacific Mail steamship
company had entered the field actively
for business and was Offering special
tariff concessions. The purpose of the
company was manifestly to oppose the
movement for an independent steam
ship line. The Pacific Mail is merely
buffer for the Hartman lines. AS a
rule il solicits no business, but merely
operates to prevent real competition
Now that rival steamship line is
threatened, which may cut into the
railroads business, the Pacific Mail has
gone out for freight at low rates in
the hope that it can attract such ship
ments as would otherwise go to the
proposed independent lir