The evening world., 1912-12-04
BY LOUIS d. BRANDEIS.

BY LOUIS d. BRANDEIS.
.Ths question presented by the New
11svsn-0rand Trunk incident IL this;
The New Haven had acquired a sub
stanual monopoly of all transportation
in New England. there being only the
lnes OF tho Bangor and Aroostock ir
H. extreme north OF Maine. and the
lines OF the Grand Trunk through Yer
mpnt. to New London and Portland
which were independently owned. Grad
usiiy the New Haven had acquired all
OF che railroad lines In Connecticut and
RAods Island. and the great Boston and
Maine system. with Its subsidiary Maine
Central. Finally. even the Boston and
Albany came under New Haven control
By Q partnership arrangement between
IL New York Central and the New
Haven.
The New Haven had also gradually
acquired practically all steamship lines
connecting Connecticut. Rhode Island
and MASSACHUSETTS, with New York and
ooints South. and interests which were
Substantially controlling in the steam
ohip lines to Maine and Canada.
After all this had been accomplished
<hs people of Massachusetts and Rhode
island began to realize the evils OF mo-
aopoly. Tho lack Of progress In trans
Yortation facilities. followed by actual
REORGANIZATION OF the service. and ulil-
msteiy conditions which imperilled
travel: the increase In rates and fares.
ana the arrogant conduct Of the New
Haven officials ultimately made the pso-
pie Of Massachusetts and Rhode lei
aud realize tho inevitable evils o.
monopoly and seek new avenues of COM
petition after they had permitted the
old ones to he closed.
WAY OPENED FOR THE GRAND
TRUNK AND COMPETITION.
The first step was taken when Rhode
leland passed the necessary LEGISLATION
20 enable the Grand Trunk to extend
0tk line to Providence. Massachusetts
asssnted. so far AZ the line was to
pAss through that State. Then the
ciamor became loud on behalf OF the
people of Massachusetts. and particu-
larry the business men represented by
the Boston Chamber Of Commerce and
ether trade organizations. and supported
by the members Of the State Legislature,
10 have the Grand Trunk extend Its line
10 the port Of Boston. The Legislature
formally invited the Grand Trunk off,
Slais TO make such extension; and ANAL
", against the persistent opposition o!
the New Haven. the necessary aegisla-
ten was passed by Massachusetts,.
The building OF the Grand Trunk ex
tension TO Providencs was diligently
pressed. and 1t was expected the ront
would be open for operation during 1913
In addition. contracts were let for tn
construction OF additional Grand Truni
steamers which were to sail between
Providence and New York.
Suddenly on Nov. II the public learned
that owing to certain negotiation
which had been conducted between thu
New Haven and the Grand Trunk th'
work on The Grand Trunk extension
Nas to be Immediately stopped. Tn
protest throughout Massachusetts an'
Rhode Island was immediate. and |
was felt that the New Haven. havinl
failed to defeat the demand In tn
Legislature OF the people of both State
for q competitive system. had take
action multiplying the laws which ha
been passed and defying the people
Will by suppressing competition throug
the great power which the railroa
monopoly. supported by the fnanciers
possesses; and that partly throug
threats and partly through valuabl
concessions equivalent to bribery. ha
induced the Grand Trunk to abando