The Topeka state journal., 1911-08-22
RAILROAD NEWS
Reciprocity viii Give Great I'M
petus to Building.
Many Extensions Expected Since
New Law Passed.
THE RIGHT OF WAY s?
This Problem COnfrOnts Roads
That Would Build Soon.
Other Items Of General Interest
in Traffic World.
THE RIGHT OF WAY /?

Duluth, Mimi, Aug. 22.-What reci-
procity between the UnIc9d States and
Canada would bring in the line of rail-
road building is an interesting prob
lem that is being discussed about the
city, especially among those interested
in the grain business. 1t is generally
believed that should this measure be
ratified by the Canadian parliament,
that road building in Canada would be
given a big impetus.
Probably the first American road to
extend its lines in Canada, should the
measure pass, would be the Great
Northern, which already has eighteen
branch lines from the main line, run
ming up to the border. OF these two
pass into Manitoba ono of them 70
Portage La Prairie and the other to
Brandon. Farther west, one branch
line makes a curve which runs into
British Columbia at two places.
Thirteen of these branches are in
North Dakota. the other five being tar
to the west. These lines would open
up the Canadian western fields to the
United States, and bring the territory
in direct communication with Duluth,
with reciprocity.
Northern Pacifis Is First.
The Northern Pacific is farther to
the south, but In North Dakota it has
one line running directly to the border,
This is the branch which at one tims
connected this country with Winnipeg.
but which was sold on account of the
many obstacles which were thrown into
its path by the Canadian government,
until the conditions became almost un-
bearable.
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
also has its subsidiary, the Puget
Sound road, near Canada, and a linS
could eslly be built into that country
and also bring the northwest in con
nection with the head of the lakes.
se IL SJJah
connections could ever be made, even IL
the reciprocal agreement should be
passed. The roads would have to ask
many concessions from the Canadian
government, and as the government is
financially interested in the Canadian
roads, it is doubtful if it would make
any concessions with the American
roads, for should the American roads
secure entrance into Canada, they
would cut into the receipts of the
Canadian roads, and bring a decrease
in the returns made to the government
| by the Canadian roads.
Right of way Problem.
The securing of a right of way would
| be one of the big problems to face, as
| it is doubtful If the government would
make any grants and therefore the
American roads would have to pur-
chase their way into the dominion.
While this could be carried out, there is
question whether the various fran
chises necessary could be sseured.
The gossip among railroad men IS
that if reciprocity should be adopted
American roads will make an effort to
get into Canada. and under such condi-
tions one of the bitterest railroad wars
ever carried on would be started. II
is an old story among railroad men
that the Canadian Pacific officials al
one time claimed that If the Hill inter
ests ever invaded Canada they would
| of road in the
United States to every one that the
Hill road built in Canada and this OLD
threat may. be recalled if reciprocity is
carried.