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R. C. Wright : If this gentleman will call at Broad Street Station we 

 will discuss the matter with him. 



Mr. Miller: I think we will agree there is a difference in the rates. 

 I think it is up to you farmers to send in carload lots wherever you can. 

 Why not get together on it? 



Delegate: I think it is better for you to get into your cities what 

 they are trying to get in the town of Boston where you have a freight 

 delivery from house to house. 



Mrs. Smith: We have some representatives here from railroads. 

 How about Mr. Wright? 



Mr. Wright: I was just going to ask this gentleman to talk on this 

 subject if he will talk statistics. Carload lots and less than carload lots 

 are two different phases of the question, and you get nearer the truth 

 when you take it on that basis. I hand the gentleman my card and hope 

 he will come over to see me. 



Delegate: I am not a railroad man now, but was for a number of 

 years. I am connected with the Chamber of Commerce in Baltimore. 

 Our friend who has spoken here doesn't look with approval on the dif- 

 ference between rates in carload lots and less than carload lots. I was 

 very sorry to hear at this conference one word of criticism on railroads, 

 about the question of freight rates, but it all came merely through Mrs. 

 Smith alluding to the fact that it took a long time to make some rates. 

 And it does. The railroad traffic is a very delicately adjusted affair, and 

 anything that looks to the better serving of its patrons and better revenue 

 would be done tomorrow, and adversely, such criticism cannot but help 

 having a most deleterious effect on the community, besides. Railroads 

 have their limitations and they must at all times act with care and cau- 

 tion as to what will be for the best interests of the railroads themselves 

 and the people whom they serve. 



There are unfortunately, usually one or two kickers, and a disposi- 

 tioji to criticise the railroads for what they do, but they have not a clear 

 understanding of the hmitations and reasons of the railroads. But we 

 are now getting closer and closer to the proper relation between the 

 carriers and their freight patrons, and the producer and consumer. I 

 wish I had time to give you many specific illustrations of the many, many 

 improvements in service the great railroad carriers have added towards 

 the communities they serve. They are anxious to have them prosper. 

 As an illustration I would ask you to see the magnificent exhibit the 

 Pennsylvania Railroad has, of its efforts along this line here in the eastern 

 cities. They have industrial agents. They are doing everything they 

 can to build up the country, and why shouldn't they if they are to benefit 

 by it and it is the wisest course to follow? I know in my long railroad 

 service criticism is bound to follow no matter what you do. If you do 

 a thing one way you are blamed for it and if you do it the other way you 



