The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1910-01-03
w. VA. SHIPPERS
MAKE CALL ON
CONGRESSMAN
Ask for a Speed,
Redress of
Grievances

WHEELING. Jan. G.-An important
movement was inuugurnted in North.
ern West Virginia Saturday, when n
large delegation OF shippers appeared
before Congressman w. P. Hubbard to
seek his aid In introducing a congress
sional inquiry into the stock ownership
and control oil the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad.
Shippers complain that the equip
ment of tho Baltimore and Ohio has
been allowed to run down until 1t no
longer serves to move onc-flfth OF the
tonnage that is offered it. They allege
that this fact Is due to the policy Of
the road dictated by the Pennsylvania
influences, and that 1t is part OF the
policy that the rival road has adopted
to cripple the Baltimore and Ohio and
ruin its shippers In order that tho
Pennsylvania operators may have a
monopoly Of of tho coal mining AID
coal moving business throughout tho
coal regions of Pennsylvania and West
Virginia. which adjoin.
| They cite as Il fact tlat the Pcnn-
sylyania railroud and tho Union Pa
ciflc own 40 per cent OF the stock OF
the Baltimore and Ohio. and by that
ownership control its policy. In sup
port of tho contention that the influ-
ence of stock ownership is ininlIcnl to
tho road. they urge the fact that two
high officials OF the Pennsylvania are
now on the board of directors OF the
Baltimore and Ohio. These questions
were fully discussed with Mr.. HUB
bard. who received the delegation
courteuusly and promised to make inl-
mediate Investigation into the facts
for such action as may afford relief.
AS bearing out the contention Of
shippers that they are being unjustly
discriminated agaInst by Pennsylvania
Railroad Influences. they allude to the
action OF that road in trying to impose
q differential on West Virginia roal
about n year ago tina would have de-
stroycd the industry In that region. an
action which the Baltimore and Ohio
resisted. but was finally forced to ac-
cepL which only became imperative
because the shippers in West Virginia
enjoincd its enforcement In the courts
Tho whole northern section OF
Northern West Virginia Is stirred up
,ver the matter and an organized ac-
tion Is to be made TO receive greater
facilities and equal equipment TO ham
die their business. The will seek t.1e
correction of the present intolerable
situation through Congress. the Inter
State Commerce Commerce Commits
sion and the State authorities. Owing
Ohio granted by Virginia in 1889, the
State may exercise considerable pow
er in regulating the action of the road
when inimical to public interests.
Lorce's Reply to Shippers.
w. c. Lorce. general superintendent
of the Wheeling grand division of the
Baltimore and Ohio, said:
"T don't think there Is any thing In
1t. or course. 1t Is Il we'll known fact
that the Pennsylvania and Union Pa
cifc have an interest in the Baltimore
and Ohio. but neither has done any.
thing TO hamper tho Baltimore and
Ohio. In fact. they have always been
anxiius TO see the road go ahead, and
have never failed to approve of any
expenditures for the bctterunent of tho
lines. I do not think the Pennsylvania
and Union Pacific together. II their
look like an effort Is being made to cut
controlling interest in the Baltimorr
and Ohio. though they do own consid.
cradle stock.
+Only recently the Baltimore anil
Ohio purchased 10000 freight cars and
ll0 new engines. and this does not
"The Pennsylvania does not get into
down the roads facilities.
Goal shippers In Pennsylvania have
always contcnded that Ohio and West
Virginia operators have better rates,
while those in Ohio claim discrimlna.
tion In favor OF those from West Vir.
gfnia and PENNSYLVANIA. In fact, the
matter was taken up ut one time by
the Interstate Commerce Commission,
the inquiry being held here.