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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jun 14, 1906
Page
12
Post reporters found near unanimous hostility among farmers across Massachusetts sections to a bill allowing steam roads to buy street railways. The widespread opposition suggested the measure would be killed if farmers held votes in the Legislature.
A Fitchburg Post survey of farmers reveals broad opposition to a proposed merger bill described as a corporation measure. Quotes from Charles E. Proctor Edward Carter A F Goospeed Albert Anderson Frank Osborne Thomas Gleghorn James Lowden and James Burke condemn the plan to merge street railways and electric lines, warning of railroad control and heightened corporate power.
In Dedham on June 13 farmers voiced strong opposition to the proposed merger bill. They argued it would empower railroads and monopolies, raise fares, and harm the general public, urging legislators to vote against it.
Shop invites walk in customers to browse and buy Morse-made blue serges with quick fitting and checkout in minutes. Prices range from twelve to twenty five dollars.
In Methuen Andover and North Andover farmers argue that allowing railroads to gain controlling interests in electric lines would raise fares and curb trolley travel. Local farmers say the merger could push riders to trains or end electric routes, harming rural service.
Worcester county agrarian interests oppose merging trolley lines with steam railroads. Farmers Alonzo B Davidson Fred L Alden Henry R King and Arthur Sagendorph warn consolidation could reduce competition bring higher rates and harm electric rail service and local growth.
Natick reports show farmers voicing opposition to the merger bill. Frank C. Cummings argues competition keeps prices fair and improves service, warning that steam road control could raise travel costs. J B Goulding and John Foley question benefits to workers, fearing reduced competition if rail and street railways merge.
The New England Shoe and Leather Association executive committee opposes a bill permitting railroad corporations to absorb street railway companies. They warn of reduced competition and foreign control harming public interests, citing over capitalization and misaligned laws. George F. Daniels, President.
William D. Rudd of Orrocco Farm denounces the merger bill warning it will end competition between steam and electric roads. He likens such consolidation to Standard Oil and argues for free enterprise in farming and business.
In Waltham June 13 the Postman surveys farmers and residents against a merger of steam railroads and streetcar lines. Listed opinions from Ss B Castner Thomas W Griggs Cyrus W Hardy Edward E Cutler Charles L Wiles G D Wellington Seth Morey B T Clancy and Rep William E Weeks show strong opposition to giving steam railways control over electric lines.
Swansea residents voiced strong opposition to a railroad merger bill on June 13, praising the Boston Post. L A Davis warned monopolies would return without independent lines while E F Ward urged support for railways free from New York and New Haven control. Henry Harvey doubted loss of electric car service, and Mrs Douglas P Lawton noted trolley cars aid three mile travels amid potential Consolidated control.
Gardner residents and other locals urge opposition to a proposed rail and trolley merger. Opinions warn higher freight and passenger rates, fear monopolies, and stress harm to small shippers and farmers across the state.
Milford residents In And About Milford Alton Metcalf report farmers Chester L Clark A P Clarridge and B Henderson oppose a merger bill claiming it harms competition between steam and electric railroads and would raise rates and reduce service.
Mr Hayes argued the Boston and Maine should be allowed to merge to grow domestic interests while foreign stock buyouts are restricted. Mr Ferber urged blocking foreign control of transportation, criticizing the committee. Mr Dean proposed a general referendum at the next state election. adjournment followed without a vote.
Louis D Brandeis argues in a letter to the editor that Senate 403 cedes future control of street railways to the railroad commission but fails to address existing New Haven holdings. He warns the measure would not curb foreign or dominant firms and could leave New Haven free from Massachusetts oversight. Boston, June 18.
Swampscott speaker Allen 5S Rowe argues farmers should have a say in the merger. He contends no single company should own both railroads and streetcar lines, and asserts local farmers are well informed on issues affecting their interests.
John W. Parker, manager of the Forestry farm in Saugus, argues on June 13 that railroads should not extract more, praising electric car lines for good service and contending combined ownership by one company would lower service quality and raise prices.
In Newburyport and surrounding towns farmers unite against a proposed railroad merger. They fear reduced competition and higher fares, urging the Legislature to reject the bill. James K. Adams of Newbury voices the sentiment that keeping these matters divided benefits the people.
North Attleboro June 13 Representative Albert Totten says he is greatly opposed to the merger bill and will rally House members to block it. He reports six Representatives have already consented to fight the measure, arguing single control by one company would raise fares, remove competition, and reduce incentives to build railroads.
Malden June 13 James B. Doyle says he opposes the merger bill. He argues one or two railroads should not obtain a monopoly over trolley lines. He notes current fierce competition and fears railroads could dictate to the public if they gain control.
Stoneham June 13 John Flynn a farmer said he is strongly against the merger bill and desires its defeat in the House. He states railroad affairs are bad enough without making them worse.
Mayor Fitzgerald cites a commission letter upholding grade separations at Neponset and Harrison Square with Walnut street closing to rail traffic replaced by a pedestrian subway. He warns of railroad merger risks, urging Boston residents to oppose New York–controlled line dominance of regional transport and utilities.
Rep William B Weeks of Everett comments on the speaker’s ruling that his substitute bill cannot replace the merger measure. He urges the Rules Committee to report favorably to thwart a perceived traction trust in the state. The bill would give street railway stockholders one year to dispose of holdings. if not, the Supreme Court may declare the charter forfeited upon attorney general petition. It counters Boston & Maine’s claim for domestic corporation rights mirrored by New York New Haven & Hartford’s actions.
A Boston reader argues against the merger of the Mergertex and Electric Railroads, warning the bill would raise adverting to choke competition and create a monopoly. The letter urges protecting public interest and standing by competition.
In Westfield on June 18 the public largely opposes the merger bill. Edward J. Tierney, local attorney, argues from the farmers’ view that corporate control of travel would harm the people and traffic.
Republican representatives Webster Fever Luce and Weeks join Mellen Dean calling the merger bill doomed in the House. They warn the traction trust will be defeated when a vote is held, noting the House's independence and intent to curb street railway holdings.
At yesterday's directors meeting of the Boston Merchants' Association the merger bill was voted inexpedient to pass at this session of the Legislature.
Michael Garvain a 42 year old Brighton resident was fatally mangled at Standard Cordage Works when his right hand became entangled in a fast moving picking machine while he fed raw hemp. Workmates shut off power after he was dragged, his body then extricated.
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