Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-06-04

MACON GA, June 2-For several years past
there has been great hue and cry against the
Georgia Central Railroad for alleged discrimi-
nations to the detriment of certain localities
and the aggrandizement OF others Hence the
crusade inaugurated in opposition to what
was termed the great monopoly" which cul-
minated in the last Legislature by the passage
Of the railroad bill and the appointment of
three commissioners, whose power over the
railway property of the Slate is almost unlim-
tied.
That oppressive Determinations had been
made in some instances cannot be denied.
These it was declared, however, were the re-
suit of the fierce competition which existed at
terminal points (Eufaula, for instancel be-
tween the Central and its rivals The mana
gers of that road have always disclaimed the
desire or intention to exhibit partiality. for
either persons or communities in their deal
ings with the public The grievances COM
planned of were the outcome OF stern
necessity only. To their credit therefore be
it spoken, that after the purchase OF the
Montgomery and Eufaula Railroad had been
effected. ali Of the determinations that had
operated iDJuriouslY to AmericuS, Cuthbert,
and other points were speedily abated, if not
wholly removed. And this, it should be borne
In mind, was done anterior to any legislation
on the subject. But the antipathy to monopo-
lies has aiken fast hold upon the people and
there is powerful party in the present Leg1s-
lature opposed to Mr. adley and the central
Railroad
The recent combinations, ;" however, ought
most effectually to estop all apprehenslons as
to any future railroad monopoly In Georgia.
There are three in number
1St. The Wadley- Phinizy Alexander alliance,
which uniteS under one management the GeOr
Ria. South Carolina, Central and Louisville
and Nashville Roads. with all their branches
and appendages.
This coalition covers an immense territory
and wieds vast influence.
I'd. We have the PLANT Syndicate" which
absorbs the Savannah, Florida and Western
Railroad, together With the Waycross branch,
just completed and LAID with steel rails. This
cutoff to Jacksonville. receiving as it will
all the ocean steamship travel from the East
and a very large portion of the multitudes
from every section of the Union who are con-
stantly seeking health or profitable invest
ments in the land of De Soto, is des-
business. When the projected exten-
sion to Mobile also is finished, New
Orleans viii realize in this route a powerful
competitor for the carrying trade of the At
lantic coast. 1t will practically put an end to
the long and dangerous circumnavlgatlon or
the capes of Florida. This extension will un-
doubtedly be made in the near future.
ID. The Cole combination next challenges
attention.
The master spirit of this enterprise which has
sprung llhedged into the arena is the ire
pressible Colonel E. w. Cole, who was so
shamefuly slaughtered in the house OF his
friends but one year ago.
For the time overshadowed, and, as 1t were,
pumped" out of the railroad ring, the Col,
spectator of passing events. Quietly
abiding his opportunity, however, he
now appears once more upon the tapis at once
de6ut1nte and conqueror. Completely hedged
in on all sides from his enemies by the abSo-
Lutte financial control of the fourteen hundred
miles Of railroad included in his system" this
young and vigorous railway gladiator seems
resolved to make his mark in the coming
struggle for supremacy between the three
great syndicates which are contending for the
lions share of the Southern trade. That he
will hold his own when the projected links in
his system" have been com pleted, is beyond
question.
When the adjourned session of the Legisla-
ture meets In July, there will be q decided
toning down of the opposition to Mr. Wadley
and the Central Railroad growing out of the
events which have transpired within a few
brief months. With three distinct and inde-
pendent routes from the interior to the sea,
each self-sustalnlng, efncient and strong, there
can be no monopoly hereafter in Georgia.
Hence our legislative Solons should "dry up"
on the subject and modify very materially the
act creating the Railway Commission. A
healthy competition or liberal pool
ing arrangements will most assuredly
accomplish all that the public can reasonably
demand. With great propriety, therefore,
the extraordinary and injudicious powers with
WHICH Du6 nave D6cus IuV6SLeQ
should be signally abated.
Let their duties be confined to arbitrating
and regulating differences between the various
corporations and their dealings with individu-
ais who may have cause for complaint.
The power also to prevent local discrimina-
tions on any road ought still to be accorded to
them. Beyond this the Railway Commission
should not be allowed to go. Its danger
Gus prerogatives ought to be withdrawn forth
with.
The late big dividend has sent thrill OF joy
through the heart of every fortunate holder Of
Central and Southwestern Railroad stocks
The only disgruntled parties are they who,
disgusted at the non-payment of dividends
for several years, were induced to sell their
shares at ruinously low prices. 1t is said that
some of these will bring suits for the sums
which late disclosures show might have been
divided out to them. What will be the out
come of these suits of course the writer is not
prepared to say, though not much Importance
seems to attach to them,
This whole region has been blessed with CO.
pious and most refreshing rains The crop
prospect is favorable. H. H. j.