Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-12-14
Norfolk's Expectations.


A gentleman largely interested In Nor
folk stated one day late last week that
Norfolk was TO be made the termin al
point OF the Central railway system and
Savannah was to be given the cold shout
der. There is no doubt that this statement
was made, and there is excellent reason
for asserting that the few at Norfolk who
are given an inside view of the affairs OF
thatvast combination made up OF the Rich
mond and West Point terminal, the Rich
mond and Danville and East Tennessee
railroad systems are satisfied that that
combination is making earnest efforts to
get control of the Central.
The control of the Central is absolutely
necessary to the success of the schemes
of the combination. The Central has cut
into the Richmond and Danville's terri
tory in south Carolina, and threatens to
absolutely ruin the East Tennessee's
Southern and Western business by its
extension to Birmingham. 1t can be
readily seen, therefore, how necessary it
is to the combined corporations referred
TO that the Central shall be deprived of
the power to do them harm.
But how can they deprive 1t of that
power! Clearly in only one way, and
that is to get the management of it into
their own hands. II reports are correct
they have been omplaining for year or
two OF the CentraPs Independent attitude,
and have fretted over their impotency 10
make such arrangements with it as would
leave them free to carry out their schemes
for their aggrandizementin their own way.
The Central, feeling itself strong, and
being unembarrassed by conf bin atoms or
alliances Of envy sort, has pursued an ag-
gressive policy. having for its objects the
strengthening of its own system and the
increasing Of the value OF its own
property. This policy, its management
has all along firmly believed, would be
sustained by its stockholders for various
reasons. First, because in the near
future it would vastly increase the CON-
pauy's dividend-paying power. Second,
because if weak and negative policy
were pursued other railroad systems
would gradually rob it of its territory
and eventually deprive it of all power to
pay dividends; and third, because the
aggressive policy is in the interest of the
State of Georgia and the city of Savannah.
II 1t be true that the three companies
in question are seeking to get control Of
the Central what will be the result if
they succeed? They are certainly not
aiming to benefit either the Central,
Georgia or Savannah. They could do
that better by keeping their hands off the
Central. All their interests lie in
other directions, to wit, their own proper
ties aud the city OF Norfolk. With the
way to the sea at Savannah blocked they
would have a clean sweep of country
from the West to the sea at Norfolk.
Assuming that the above outline of
their purpose is correct who will be the
sufferers? The question Is easily an
swered. Georgia will be a sufferer, be-
cause her great railroad system. instead
of being free and independent to promote
her interests, Will become a mere feeder
of other systems whose Interests arc else
where. Savannah will be a sufferer, be-
cause the commerce which rightfully be-
longs to her. and which promises to grow
to immense proportions when the Central
gets it's Birmingham and western connec-
ton, will be drawn away to a rival sea-
port city further north. Those OF CeutraPs
stockholders who are not interested in the
controlling systems will be sufferers, be-
cause shorn OF its power and deprived of
much of It's present, and all of its pros
pective, business the CentraPs earnings
and the earnings Of it's steamships will
necessarily fall off.
1t has been said that If the Central
passes into the hands of those seeking its
control it will be run in the interest of the
stockholders. How can 1t be run In the
interest of those of them who are not in
terested in the East Tennessee, Rich
mond and Danville and the
Richmond and West Point Ter
minal If those roads control it?
Are not those roads seeking the control
OF the Central in order to limit its terri
tory and business and enlarge their own
Would it not be folly for them, after they
get control OF the Central, to let il go on
absorbing the Richmond and Danville's
business in CaIolina and the East Tenn.
essee's business in Alabama and the
West? No, if the Central passes into the
hands of the above named combination
its days of power and glory Will be over.
1t will play the part or side show TO a
circus, and Savennah's prosperity Will
receive serious check.