Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-12-07
FEDERAL ATTITUDE
(continued from Page One)

Just as much as he cIlid set.
wrote 10 Hays that we could only
treat with him on the same basis as
our arrang ement with the Canadian
Pacific"
Demonstrations
And after that he made these DEM
onstrations asked Mr., Choate. re-
ferring to the proposed extension of
the Grand Trunk line from Palmer
Mass. to Providence ard from White
River junction. Vt. to Boston,"
He did replied the witness
The Palmer-P Providence extension.
Mr.. MelIen characterized as a venture
the Grand Trunk and which sSr.cd m
stra tegical advantage. II wen. hrouSl:
territory already adequately jared for
by the New Haven and its roposed
Providence connection with Ne. York
by steamboat. gave il no connection
superior to the one it already en- joyed
from New London. the terminus " its
New London Northern road.
Wanted Them Punished
Mr. Mellen denied that he had ever
suggested TO the Grand Trunk that
the line be abandoned. On the other
hand, he said, Il wanted them 20 build
it. ] wanted to see them punished for
al the trouble there had been between
us. | knew they'd lose money and a
lot of IL"
Ire real reason il was given up. ne
said. was the inability OF the Grand
trunk TO finance it. He had seen an
official cableeram from London to that
effect he swore
After the death of Itavs Mellen said,
he made virtually the same offer 10 Ed
son II. Chamberiin. Hays successor. and
inns eliminated in the memoranda of
NOV. -. 49,. which was the basis OF a
proposed agreement whereby the Grand
Trunk not only got our tributary but
Tried to ENJOY its existing lines
The agreement was 50 advantageous
70 The Grand Trunk. ne said. that il
would have required modification OF
the New Iiaven's arrangement with the
Canadian Pacific on lower basis 1t
would have been reached. he added, had
ii not been for "untoward evepts''-the
grand July investigation. AS illustra :
ing the New Havens alleged innocent
Intentions Mr.. Choate brought out thai
the agreement contemplate that IN case
OF dispute between the two roads the
chairman OF the Interstate Commerce
Commission was to appoint one of the
arpiters to settle il.
And Commissioner Prouty was tie
chairman Of the commission at this
time"
.'Wcll. if he was said Mr.. Mellcn with
2 smile. that vas mark of liberality
that I didn't contemplate" Had the
agreement been contaminated. he said,
not only would the people of New Eng
land have enjoyed lower rates. but
through an arrangement TO handle the
Grand Trunks export ire flc the port OF
Boston would have secured increased
shipping business and facilities.
And that j, what TIC people Of Bos-
ton have always been struggling for
isn't it,"
Eoston Always Struggling
THE people Of Boston always have
been struggling. bat | don't know wha,
for. replied The witness, without JOHNS
the laughter that followed
New England Switching Yard"
New Encl LAND. said Mr.. Melen in de
scrib!ne its transportation situat zion Is
related to tie rest OF the country. wae
nothing but switching yard for trunk
line roads For this reason no rates
England without the consent of The trunt
.f n,
car vas only % miles IN distance com
pared with hundreds Of miles on III,
trunk lire roads mat brought raw ma
tclial from other parts of the country K
the manufacturers Of New England. III
New Eavcr. It the meetings in New Yorl
e ne Trunk Lire Association-the rate
li.on.n2 hod>-couid 'vociferate an.
mats AM he said
Sew England manLf~rturers works,
Win Il handicap over manufactures Q
similar products in other parts Of n,
country. he said. because OF the long hau
for raw material. and of late many O
them were building branch factories neal
Tie sources Of supply in distant local.
ties
A. preparatory! to showing that III;
bringing together or the numerous indie
PENDENT roads IL New England under tn,
wing of the New Haven was of bench
to THAT territory. Mr.. Choat asked tn.
witness To race on illuminated maps tn
two score or more Of short lines That eA
is.cd % Years ago.
If live was hundred miles long i
those days it was a whale" said Mr.
Melen.