Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-01-15
B. & 0. R. R. NOW
UNDER HEAVY FIRE
West Virginia Shippers Associa-
tion Appeals to Congress.
INVESTIGATION is DEMANDED
Alleged Control BY Pennsylvania Rail-
road Influences Blamed For Present
Conditions Governor .Glasscock
Sends Letter in Sympathy With
Movement, But Advises Moderation.

Sends Letter in Sympathy With
Movement, But Advises Moderation.
Clarksburg, W. Va, Jan. 12.-With
800 prominent shippers, manufacturers
and business men of Central West Vir-
ginia in attendance the West Vir-
ginia Shippers Association was organ
lied here yesterday. A. X. Thorn,
secretary of the Clarksburg Board of
I. Cunningham, of F'airlncnt, auditor
of the West Virginia division of the
Consolidated Coal Company, secretary.
Mr.. Thorn said the purpose of the
meeting of the shippers was to organ
| ize an association to inquire into the
nonprogressive policy of the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company as
it relates to car and power equipment
! which has been adverse to the ship
ping interests along its lines in West
Virginia. He said further that it was
understood that the Pennsylvania Rail-
ead Company, by virtue of its con-
+! troll over percentage of the stock of
/ the Baltimore and Ohio, has dominat-
ed the policy of the latter company to
such an extent as to prevent the de-
livery of equipment that has been or
dered by it's directors. If such be
true, he declared, it calls for Con-
gressional attention and investigation.
Continuing, he said the utter negation
,, that has characterized the policy of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com
pany since it passed out Of the hands
of the receivers and Immediately sue
| ceeding the presidency of Mr. Loree
in disregarding the rights of the West
Virginia shippers is apparent.
Governor Advises Moderation.
Governor Glasscock was unable to
attend the meeting, but in a letter he
expressed his sympathy with any
| movement for the advancement and
good of the people of the State. He
said he was keeping in close touch
with the movement which is being ag-
itated for better railroad facilities and
rates in this section and has a Sec
rotary collecting all newspaper clip
pings published relating to the move
ment. He advised moderation and
counseled the organization to be con-
servative and be sure it is right, and
then go ahead.
Concluding the Governor said the
State of West Virginia is big enough
to compel the Baltimore and Ohio or
any other railroad to do its duty to
the State. He assured those present
he would assist them in every way
possible.
Former Gov. A. B. Fleming, of Fair
| mont, in an address, which was re-
ceived with evident approval by those
present, reviewed the operations OF
the Baltimore and Ohio from time it
went into the hands of receivers. In a
| mastery way he paid high tribute to
John X. Cowan and said he was forced
out of the service of the company by
| the reason that he would not be domi-
mated by others. Mr.. Fleming was en-
| phatic in his declaration that the Bal
| tinore and Ohio was and is dominated
and g verned by Pennsylvania influ-
ences. He said President Murray was
a splendid man and good official,
| but was handicapped by other inter-
ests and was not allowed to have his
own way. He said it would have been
| better for him if he had gotten out al
| together, as Mr.. Cowan had done.
Mr.. Murray's Statement Criticised.
The statement Of Mr. Murray was
commented upon at some length and
criticised severely. He said he would
| like for Mr.. Murray to compare the in
crease in earnings and equipment Of
the Pennsylvania road for the same
length of time and that given of the
Baltimore and Ohio.
| Other speakers were Col. john r.
! McGraw, of Grafton; o. S. Mckinney,
of Fairmont; Daniel Howard of the
Ogara Coal Company, Clarksburg, and
| others.
A statement was read showing that
the companies producing 81 per cent.
of the tonnage Of the Baltimore and
Ohio in Northern West Virginia in
1906 was supplied with 63 per cent. of
the cars asked for and in 1909 As per
cent, or less than half the number
demanded by their requirements.
| A committee was ordered appointed
by the chairman to call on President
Willard as soon as possible and pre-
sent the grievances of the shippers
and see If he can correct them. When
their report is ready the chairman is
TO call meeting of the association to
consider the report
Strong Resolutions Adopted
The following resolutions were offer
ed by W. e. Watson. jr., of Fairmont,
and unanimously adopted by the asso-
ciation
| The communities and industries in
the State of West Virginia dependent
| for transportation in interstate COM
merce on the facilities furnished by
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com
pany are suffering from restraint OF