In two suits recently brought against the Texas & Pacific road, a New Orleans judge has rendered a decision that is of very general interest. The decision in brief is that a railroad is bound by the admissions contained in the bill of lading just as the shipper is bound by the terms. Several weeks ago two suits, exactly the same except for the amounts involved and the complainants’ identity, were filed against the Texas & Pacific road. In both damages was asked for cotton received in a damaged condition, which the bill of lading sets forth had been received by the road in good condition. In both cases the plaintiffs introduced the bills of lading in evidence. They showed by the signature of the authorized agents of the road that the cotton had been received by the road for shipment in good condition. The road in its defense attempted to prove that the cotton was received in the same condition as when delivered, and that it had not been damaged in transportation. The plaintiffs both proved that upon the receipt of the bills of lading, specifying that the cotton had been received by the road in good condition, they had paid for it by sight drafts in favor of the shippers. In his decisions, both of which were the same, the judge held that evidence to disapprove the statements contained in the road’s bill of lading was inadmissible, and that the bill of lading placed the responsibility for the condition of the cotton with the road. For these reasons judgment in both cases was for the plaintiff. The conclusion of the court was that when the consignee pays by sight draft upon the averment of the bill of lading evidence that the goods were not received in good condition is not admissible. * * * * * It is stated that in furtherance of a plan to shorten the distance between St. Louis and points in Western Texas and Mexico, a syndicate has been formed to complete the Red River & Southwestern road, which is projected from a point on the Rock Island road in the Indian Territory through Western Texas to San Angelo, to connect with the Southern Pacific at Spotswood Junction. It is estimated that the new route would shorten the distance between Mexico and St. Louis fully 600 miles, while points in Southwestern Texas will be 200 miles nearer the latter city. * * * * * C. W. Cheers, formerly assistant general freight agent in Birmingham of the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham, but who resigned on January 1, has been appointed general freight and passenger agent of the Savannah, Americus & Montgomery, with headquarters at Americus. * * * * *