Arizona republican., 1920-04-24
RAILROADS DENY
 COUNTY LOWER
 RATE ON CEMENT |
There Will Be No Cement to Haul at the Present Rate," Replies Chairman Hackett of County High way Commission

ment that the Maricopa County High way commission had received a low bid for the construction of all-concrete highways inthe county road program a bid which was based upon a, s4 per ested carriers informed the commission yesterday that the reduced rate could not be obtained. The present rate on cement is s6.40 per ton.
 Fred P. Cruice, general agent of the Santa Fe railroad and Press Bancroft, local representative of the Arizona Eastern and Southern Pacific system called at the offices of the highway commission yesterday afternoon and communicated the railroads verdict as to the freight rate. This was contained in telegram to Mr. Bancroft from C.. W. Luce, one of the high officials of the Southern Pacific at San Francisco.
 Following is Mir LIce'S message.
 Tucson, 11:55 a. m., April 23, 1920. Press Bancroft. Phoenix,
 Following from MT. Luce:
 Please advice Bancroft get in touch with MT. Cruice of Santa Fe, join in call on Mir. Hackett, chairman Mari copa County highway commission rela- tive his joint letter, March 30th Advise him we have given matter careful thought and due weight to all consid-
 
 meet his views that roads should be built of cement and also difference in tonnage given carriers for transports. tion if cement used instead of asphalt, but have reached conclusion that pres- ent rates were as low as we felt could defend considering other long distance cement rates generally and consider ing also fact that investigation in other sections of country. showed many sin1i- lar conditions in other states and that no concessions had been granted else where It is felt that such action in. this case might establish precedent demand ing similar reduction and considering great necessity every effort be made conserve carriers revenue. Have con- cluded cannot grant request. Barnwell sending similar instructions to MT. Cruice. Arrange to call on Mr. Haclxett with MT. Cruice and explain situation. advising results,
 F. J. FENCHURCH.
 A similar wire was received by Mir. Cruice from MT. Barnwell and it's con- tents also was communicated to the members of the highway commission.
 "No Cement To HauP-
 "You may wire in reply that there will be no cement to haul at the pres ent freight rate.' MT. Hacl1ett declared to the two railroad representatives, adding And that's final"
 In connection with past correspond ence with railroad officials. Mir. Hack cit made public the following message from c. w. Luce, in which that off cial asked that the highway commits sion enroll the combined influence of the various civic bodies to back up the commissions request for a s4.00 freight rate on cement This is the message: 3S-41 Tn. San Francisco, March 29, 20.
 Make telegram and deliver to E. Hackett, highway commission. reading:
 Your letter, March 27. would be z lzo -.xr izations approve or concur in your ap- plication on memorandum, which I will attach as rider to third page, your let ter, reading about as follows:
 "The above application by F. Hack ett. chairman Maricopa county highway commission. dated Phoenix, March 27, has our full endorsement and concur renee, as it is2highly necessary to the proper development of this country" If you will do this and send copy to me and to MT. Barnwelr it will be attached as indicated. In meantime will give it our very best attention and advise you G. w. LUCE.
 "The Santa F'e railroad, which ad- vocated a, reduction in the freight rate on cement, is now not only in favor of maintaining the present exorbitant rate, but even want to raise the rate, MT. Hackett declared yesterday nj dis cussing the situatioS- He indicated that the commission might await the converting of the legis- | lature to seek legislation empowering | the counties to manufacture their own road building materials
 Points to Slight Difference
 Warren McArthur, member of the | Arizona Good Roads association and member of the chamber of commerce | committee on good roads. pointed out 1 last night that the various civic or ganizations and taxpayers interested in permanent highways had busted them | selves yesterday in an effort to obtain a f lower freight rate on cement.
 ..However,'' he said, .tthe bid of the | Twohy Brothers company for concrete roads is cents yard lower than that | of the Warren Brothers company for | bitulithic. according to my figures We have figured that, even at the present freight rate, the cost of build ing the roads of cement on the basis of the Twohy Brothers bid, would merely cost the county $500 more than the bitulithic road. In cther words, it r would cost the county but s70.c00 more | to have concrete than bitulithic- And certainly we are willing to make sac rifices to have the best possible high ways.