The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., February 5, 1914, page 1
RAILWAYS MUST SEVER RIVER LINES
The Panama Canal Act will make it necessary for railways
in the United States to discontinue operations of their competing steamboat
lines. This fact was recently brought out by J.N. Teal in the following report
to the Portland Chamber of Commerce:
"The time is fast approaching when the railroads must
show good cause for continuing their operation or dispose of their competing
steamboat lines on the waterways of the United States. Ever since the passage
of the Panama Canal Act opportunity has been had to make disposition of them,
but I have yet to hear of any effect being made in this direction. Unless
it is extended by the Interstate Commerce Commission the time limit expires
July 1, 1914. No doubt efforts will be made by the railroads to secure the
help of such bodies as this or their tacit consent to the continuance of
existing conditions. I sincerely hope that this organization at least will
not allow itself to be deluded or beguiled into taking any such course of
action. It is through no feeling of hostility to the railroads I say this,
but because the needs of commerce require that the waterways of this country
must be freed of a condition that has been used to prevent water competition,
yes water transportation. It is no part of a railways business to operate
competing lines of steamboats and we can never have our waterways serve their
true purpose until the grip which has throttled their use is broken. It is
not a matter of sentiment, or of good fellowship, it is a matter of
self-preservation and of immediate and direct concern to us all. So I again
say, as we are amongst the leaders in securing the enactment of the law,
let us be amongst the leaders in seeing that it is enforced."
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer