The Railroad That Built the Town Now Charges It Tribute

The Board of Trade meets this evening to take up a matter that is of the most vital importance not only to the people of Spokane Falls but to every resident of Eastern Washington. They are forced into taking a position antagonistic to the Northern Pacific railroad by an action on the part of that oppressive monopoly that stands out unparalleled in the history of railroads, and puts to the blush even the corporate octopus that has for years been sucking the life blood of California.

Securing the sympathy, aid and encouragement of the people of Washington, the company displays its gratitude by a blow aimed at the growing towns of the northwest, which, if it does not permanently disable, at least places upon them a burden exceedingly galling to bear and one that will throw a shadow over the present prosperity. Like the Old Man of the Sea, the country without a glimmer of hope staggers under the load with the danger of being finally throttled.

We refer to the new schedule of freight rates emanating from John Muir, which puts Eastern Washington under tribute to Portland. According to the new mandate the towns along the road are charged rates from Chicago equal to the same rate to Portland with the addition of the local tariff between this place and that city. It increases the freight on every article imported from 50 to 150 per cent. It is the most damnable outrage ever perpetrated, and strikes directly at the consumer, a class that is always the sufferer through the machinations of great common carriers.

The object is not so much the gain to be secured by transferring goods from east to west, as it is to bolster up Portland. In fact, the chief instigator of the new freight rates, John Muir, stated in this city that the railroad had been instrumental in tearing down Portland, and was compelled to do something to aid in rejuvenating that city. The announcement of the new tariff was the last act of Muir's official career. It is preposterous to lay the sins of a gigantic corporation on the shoulders of one man, yet if he was instrumental in forcing this oppression upon the people his name should be held up to the derision and ignominy that such a proceeding merits.

While the combined action of the people may be fruitless, yet it may possibly, with the aid of eastern dealers and manufacturers deeply interested in the future trade of this section, have the effect of awakening some spirit of justice in the breasts of our national legislators, deaf as they have hitherto been to the appeals of the much abused public, and cause them to take a course that will bring upon this and other corporations wielding their powers to the great injury of the rank and file of the population a sudden and terrific vengeance. Let there be a full turn out and an expression of sentiment. It may be impotent in correcting the existing wrong, but it will show the officers of the road just where the people stand.