Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-03-11
PASSENGER MEN TALK.
Argue Before Business Men Who Adopt
2I2 Cent Fare Resolution.

a resolution 10 Ak the maximum
railroad rate for passengers travelling
in Iowa at 21s cents per mile instead
Of cents per mile, presented by the
general passenger agents Of the three
railroads operating lines thru the city
Of Marshalltown, was unanimously
adopted by "the business interests pre-
sent" at meeting held at the Mar
shaIltown Club this morning. Owing to
the fact that not enough members of
the club were present, the club itself
did not .ndorse the resolution, but
rather the men present, representing
as they did the various business inter-
ests of the city. About sixty attended
the meeting.
c. A. Cairns, general passenger and
ticket agent Of the Chicago & North
western railroad, was the principal
speaker of the meeting, end advanced
numerous reasons and arguments TO:
the increase. Mr.. Cairns argued that
the reduction of rates to 2 cents per
mile had not Stimulated travel in the
last eight years, as the railroads had
expected, and that general economic
conditions at present were such that
the railroads could not operate with
the facilities the travelling public de-
randed when they carried passengers
at 2 cents per mile. He showed that
eastern states with denser populations
than Iowa, namely Massachusetts and
Pennsylvania. had the 2k cent rate,
and that the interstate commerce COM
mission had expressed the opinion that
there was need for additional passenger
revenue. Besides this he presented
statistics showing the increased cost
\ ~, rf<
block signals and sanitation. In clos
ing Mr.. Cairns showed that one eighth
Of the population of Iowa was depend
ent on the railways for their living.
Besides employees this included travel
ing men.
A. L. Craig, general passenger agent
Of the Chicago Great Western railway.
showed the general development OF
railways in this country. and especial
ly in the middle west, and argued that
as long as the public had control of
the railroads this same public ought SO
| to order things that the railroads might
grow in the best manner possible. This
is not feasible with the 2-cent rate,
MI Craig stated.
A. B. Cults, general passenger agent
of the NJ. & st. L., presented figures
showing that his road had lost s53 900
during the year 1914. aud that they
were unable to pay their fixed expenses
| of running, to say nothing OF satisfyin ing
their stockholders He characterized
| the condition of the railroads at the
present time as that Of a man who was
bound hand and foot, gagged and
| helpless. who could do nothing but
yell" He pointed out that ether lines
Of business can and do advance their
| rates without exciting any marked
comment from the public, but that the
railroads can do nothing Of the sort
without mighty uproar.
A general discussion followed the
talk of the three men, after which tho
resolution was put in form described
above, and adopted. Mr.. Craig left at
once for Cedar Falls, while Messrs.
Cairns and Cults will go to Tama this
afternoon, and on to Cedar Rapids this
evening, at which place they viii be
| joined by Mr.. Craig.
/ Other officials who were present at
the meeting this morning included J. J.
Livingston. general agent Of the North
western at Des Moines; and A. J.
Cheeseman, travelling agent for the
same road. OF Cedar Rapids. The Great
= Western officials who were present be-