The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-09-23
SOLVE PROBLEM
 AT THOMAS YARDS
CONFERENCE TO DETERMINE THEIR JOINT RESPONSIBILITY IN OPERATING NEW PROPERTY

In an effort to work out the problems of Thomas yards, which are to be oe- cnpied October 1, meeting of operating officials of the Frisco, Illinois Central and Central of Georgia railroads was held yesterday in the Chamber of Commerce assembly hall. The officers did not com pete their work yesterday on account of the absence of General Superintendent Gift of the Illinois Central, who did not arrive until last night after o'clock. On this account another session will be held today beginning at 7;3O o'clock. The three lines will occupy the yards in accordance with an arrangement effected by the ex- ecutive officers held in St. Louis last Friday. The operating officials will have charge of the property. and in order to inform them of all the planst under which the great mass of details will be carried sout. the meeting was called.
 It was determined among other things that the Illinois Central railroad shall op- crate the machinery part of the shops on account of the fact that this company owns exclusively the shops roundhouse and other buildings at the plant The three companies will pro-rate the charges incurred by the Illinois Central The charges for operating the traffic end of the new arrangements will be borne by the Frisco. These two details are the principal ones agreed to at the meeting yesterday. There are, however. 100 small matters to receive the officials sanction, and for this reason the meeting was long drawn out yesterday.
 It was the evident desire of all the operating officers to minimize the switching work to be performed in Bir- mingham to the smallest per cent. To this end the officers agreed that all pas senger trains and other equipment would be housed at the new plant. In addition the city of Birmingham will see very lit- tie of Frisco and Illinois Central freight trains. It was agreed that all freight trains on these lines should stop at Thomas, and that all trains bound west should be made up at that point and their trips begin there. The trains of the Central of Georgia from the east will be operated down the Frisco main line until the new Birmingham Belt tracks are completed on Twenty street, when these trains will be enabled to make complete circuit around the city of Birmingham.
 The officers decided that such switch ing work was absolutely necessary would be performed in Birmingham to supply those industries which are located on the tracks now.
 The occupancy of the yards by the three railroads is one of the most important steps taken by local companies in some time. The railroads have always stated that the yards would be occupied when business was good and the earnings suf- fcient to meet the expense. It Is gath cred that business has very materially in- creased to warrant the removal at this season.
 When the officials meet again this be reached. The remaining work is con- nected almost wholly with the fixing of salaries. the employment of clerks, the handling of way bills and other details. Those who attended included:
 A. D. Lightner, D. F. McDonough, B. E. Fitzgerald, J. H. Hutchinson, J. H. Jackson, J. E. Doggeral of the Frisco lines.
 E. F. Stovall, J. B. Mallan, Thomas O Malley, J. J. Gavan, J. M. Eagan, H. D. Teed of the Illinois Central.
 j. H. Johnston, H. A. Ramsay of the Central of Georgia