St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-01-22
~ Van'manu farmer.
saturday, January ~, 1910.
ARE THE NEW RATES FAIR.

mat 1t seems the natural course Of events
would produce the utmost amity and CO.
operation. The development of every foot
of ground and every interest along it's route
would naturally be suggested as the ideal
condition under which railroad could realize
lne largest and most profitable business.
Other influences at rest, probably this would
DE true. 1t laws were effective to confne a |
railroad to its legitimate business in the car
rylng trade, and to separate from it every
conflicting interest, the work of the Railroad
commission would be reduced to simple rou-
tine. But interests ostensbly separate are
part and parcel of one and the
same concern, SO legally separated as to con-
stitute no violation of law Every intelli-
gent man understands and appreciates the
great benefits to be derived from railway
facilities, and hostility or resentment only
arises when a feeling exists that railroad
is sacrificing one interest to the building
up Of another, or that it is preying
upon the necessities of the people by
the infection of high rates. That railroads
do these things is exemplifed by constant
situation several winters ago in the East
when the output of coal was controlled by
the railroads and it's scarcity and high price
were a severe tax upon people. Therefore
it is natural that any movement entailing
increased cost on the people should be
scrutinized closely.
We of Covington are fortunately so situ-
ated that in the matter of freight rates we
are more or less independent, because we
have a waterway that is ample. 1t is only
surprising that more effort has not been made
to build up this waterway ana put it in con-
dition for safe and fast travel and improved
water craft. There should be ample dock
facilities and determined effort to secure
a sufficient appropriation to have the river
thoroughly cleaned and free open channel
secured for the passage of boats. AS long
as we have this we are independent, so far
as freight rates go, because we have suffi-
cient business to demand competition.
Some other towns in this parish are not so
favorably situated, and it is their misfortune
not only to be handicapped by increased
rates but by rates which are discriminative.
Vaudeville and Abita are up in arms and
other towns are complaining. We do not
pretend to understand the distinction that
largely increases the rates of short haul
over those of longer haul, unless it be COM
petition with water, and the following rates
seem to justify Abita Springs claim of dis
elimination:
First-class freight Covington to New Or
leans, 80 cents; Abita to New ORLEANS, 81
cents; formerly Is cents.
To New Orleans-Feed: From Covington,
s cents; from Abita Springs, Ia cents Gro
ceries: From Covington, Is cents; from
Abita Springs, "a cents. Flour: From Gov
ington, 20 cents; from Abita, Sc cents. A.
C. Meal: From Covington, 8 cents; from
Abita Springs, IA cents Household furnl-
ture: From Covington, 20 cents; from Abita
Springs, AZ cents. Lumber: From Coving-
ton cents; from Abita 6.5 cents. Brick:
From Covington, cents; from Ablta, 10
cents. These rates are per hundred pounds.
Throughout the different classifcations the
same disparity seems to exist
Abita and Ramsay say they will put In
teams, ship their goods by schooner, and
haul from the wharf landing in Covington.
Mr.. Pearsall has lately shown disposition
to help Covington out in it's railroad prob
LENS. and he has at all times been very kind
n his assistance to the town in the way OF
oratritous hauling of road material, and in
other ways, and it is understood that his
company will at an early date give US an
other passenger train, with but four stops
between here and New Orleans and with
schedule of one hour and fifty minutes.
This is all very encouraging and will be ap-
nreciated by every citizen of Covington,
Anita Springs and Vaudeville. Hence our
criticism Of the new freight rates is without
sn;nous and is actuated only by sense of
d,,+v With the interest of every section OF
t Hsy narish at heart, and believing that the
naw rate is not only unjust but will eventu-
a,1v ;niure Covington through its effects
mon tributary towns, we are strongly op-
' 49, a the maintenance of such rates.
pY There should be fairplay for every town
j, tbe road; an equal chance for every in
J, y, ii the territory through which it runs.
There is nothing of more Importance to
co.,;ngton than the development of the
Sr surrounding her, especially that Sec