Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-12-26

President Ncllen of the New Haven and President Cham
berlin of the Grand Trunk both served their tuteIage under
that astutc master of transportation, President j. Gregory
Smith of the Central Vermont. who was also one of the trans
continental railway pioneers, having had a large part in push
ing to success the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad.
1t is interesting to recall in this connection that OF the two
distinguished pupils of Ex-Governor Smith one was destined to
serve for a time as president of the Northern Pacific, and even
tually as head of the chief rival of the New England system
he founded while the other was to become the dominating
mind of the system that absorbed the Central Vermont.
Both President Chamberlin and President Mellen have now
issued formal statements relative to the railway situation in
New England. While our readers will bear testimony to the
fact that we have never hesitatcd to champion the interests of
the people as opposed to public service corporations, whenever
there might be antagonism between the two, we fully recognize
tn. fact that railroads are entitled to fair play and to have their
side of the case carefully considered.
President 'hamberlin recently made a statement, repro.
duced in these columns. in which he showed that financial
reasons alone were responsible for any temporary change of
ment he had been careful TO conserve the interests of the people
of New England. and that he would take no step that would
imperil the welfare of this section of the continent. lie in
sisted that the situation had been misreprcsented for the pur-
pose of creating preju lice against the Grand Trunk and hand
Any person who has studied railway problems and noted
the effect of the European conflict upon the money markets of
the world can very readily understand why the public should
give serious weight to these different considerations.
President Mellcn has now given to the Boston American a
railroad situation in New England. and he is also entitled to "A
fair hearing and square treatment on the part of both press and
public.
President Mcnen holds that transportation as safe and sound
as human ingenuity can make it. underihes all modern business
progress. If he is an enthusiast in anything it is over New
England and the ability of its soil to sustain a far larger popu-
htion. in the future of the still umdcveloped water powers, in
us N'HHi'Hl'n as " oW""'i i"i' any N"'''A'H SlV"H' Ni
10O000O0o Americans.
President Mclcn believes New Haven should have every
possible outlet developed. by both land and sea. He realizes,
however. that New England is handicapped geographically. that,
I'm general, the railroad rates to the seaboari are on
better to dump their freight into New York. both for eX-
port and domestic consumption. than to permit the New
England lines to participate in the through rates.
New England $ railroad system must therefore for
ever fight in the railroad world for its existence and the
existence of industrial New England.
"This contest can be best carried ON, in my judgment.
by a united New England and a united transportation sys-
TEN east of the Hudson river. In union there is strength,
and when New Engands railroad system is allowed to
fight. both on land and sea. with the concentrated traffic OF
New England behind it. the situation is very much better
for all New England than if her forces arc divided am seat
tered. No greater fallacy can exist tina" that n IAN
prosper at the expense or neglect of the other. We should
be unified, conserved, and strengthened for Defence
President Mellen says that when tn. Grand Trunk pro,
posed to enter Providence and occupy the New Haven rails and
terminals he would have been unfaithful to his trust If he had
not protested. He continues:
n~eighbors with whom hope to live in peace and do bust
ness; but am not responsible for either the beginning or
the end of the Grand Trunk attempt to reach Providence:
will make this statement as positive as any one could
wish, and do not know at this moment that the plan OF
its going to that city is abandoned.
'Thc newspaper people knew the decision of the Grand
Trunk managers to suspend their construction INTO froy-
sonaly or officially to cause or promot" on hasten that de-
cIon.
II believe the press generally has been sincere and has
been working for what it believed the best interests OF the
people in this matter. but has been miscd."
Mr.. Melen then takes up at length thc dispute between tn"
New Haven and the State of Massachusetts. III which the people
of Vermont are not specially concerned. and defends the action
OF New Haven III purchasing tcdlnbot IhN ma cldl"lS '"'
he was always ready to extend the water transportation facll-
ties of Boston. but the Massachusetts Legislature has always re
fused to give his road the necessary legislative sanction.
He denies that he has advanced passenger rates and he has
actually lowered the average rate on the New Haven.
We believe that while the railroads are themselves to blame
for much of the popular prejudice against them on account of
the way in which they have lisregarded the rights and interests
of the public in the past, the time has come when both sides
must recognize the fact that the interests of the people and
of the public service corporations are mutual, looked al from
the broad point of view.
If Mr.. Mellen can carry out the policies he has enunciatcd
in his statement, he will deserve the hearty cooperation of the
,oo,lo Tho Samo tIunp is trup of President (hanhprlju. The
DEVELOPMENTS of the past few weeks have demonstrated that the
railroads cannot afford to adopt other than a straight forward
course with the people, AMI the public. must bear in mind, on
the other hand. that private capital will not seek investment in
public service corporations that promote the development of a
State unless the same is assured fair play.