The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1888-12-13
INMAN AND HIS RAILROADS.
Ains-Doesn't Want to Push in Where
He is not Wanted.
T Atlanta Constitution, Dec. i. !


New York via Chattanooga.
A representative Of the Constitution
called on Mr.. Inman yesterday after
noon before he left and asked him if he
had determined upon any line Of action
in regard to railroad matters since his
visit South.
Nothing" said Mr.. Inman, "but to
let matters remain as they are. We
had made arrangements to raise large
sum Of money to perfect the Equipment
of the various lines, build new depots
and put on new steamers for the At
lantic ports conaecting with our sys-
TENS. We had the promise of a large
volume of business from the Kansas
ines, the Missouri Pacific, and the
Texas Pacific, the business of which
has heretofore been going to roads north
OF the Ohio and Galveston. One of the
objects Of my visit here WAS to establish
bureau Of information and develop
ment here in Atlanta for the purpose
of facilitating the construction of short
local roads as feeders to our main lines.
For instance We have been urged to
construct road from Gainesville to
Dalonega, also road from Newman to
connect with the narrow gauge from
Columbus. | talked with Mr. w. 3.
Berry, of Newman, fully about this be-
fore L left New York.
"We had succeeded in selling the
londs, and were just closing a trade to
build road lS0 miles long, from Eden
to Americus, and had commenced
woln, but the threatening aspect of
things caused the bankers to withdraw
their offer, and the work Will necessa-
rily have to be stopped. These and
similar enterprises will be carried out
as soon as we see our way clear to it.
But all this requires careful investiga-
ton. We frequently have applications
from parties who have Invested in
either coal or iron lands. We must,
before we do anything in these enter
prises, have definite information not
only about the cost, but as to what they
will pay and my purpose was to estab-
lish Oh this trip department to under
take just such work, to be put in charge
Of competent men,"
"Have you taken any steps to perfect
such departIent"'
"No, I have not. I have decided to
wait, and have cancelled the contract
for steamers and for the loan. I have
not invested very heavily in the stock
Of these roads, but 1 hold bonds of the
various lines as investments, which I
Shall keep. My purpose in helping to
bring about the consolidation was to
make money by improving the coun-
try, and by increasing the volume of
business. Of course l have some pride
in making it a success, but have in
vestinents i'll other property that will
engage my time and attention. One
thing [ have determined on, | shall not
push myself where I am not wanted,
and I believe such has been my repu-
tation all my life. I can sell all the
stock I own in Georgia roads at hand
some profit. I am in no hurry to ad-
wise men who have money to invest in
Southern securities if there is a proba-
bility that there is trouble over it. No
body is hurt as far as we have gone,
and if the people of Georgia do not want
this consolidation, am willing to let
it alone. If cannot come as friend,
[ would prefer not to come at all"
"Do you propose to have any talk
with the Legislature
"I do not. / think it would be i'm
proper for me to do so. | have not hes
itated to tax to those who came to me
on the subject, for the question in
volved is one which the Legislature
must decide. If we find that we are
not wanted, We shall not press the mat
ter. No mans forttne is tied up in
these roads. The stock belongs to a
large number of people, rich and poor,
and as president Of the company, it is
my duty to improve it all / can for
their benefit, and for the development
of the country through which these
lines run. 1t requires larger sums of
money to put these railroads in proper
condition, and it is the duty of myself
as president to negotiate these loans at
the lowest rate Of interest"
"Mr. Inman, will the consolidation
of the various railroad systems be in
furious ?"
II am at loss to know how it will
be otherwise than beneficial. The
State Railroad commission fixes your
rates. The Interstate commission
fixes rates on through business. Now
LonS lAC SlclA0 u uLh 1lllCS lCduluS OQG
of New York to the West. They are
composed of quite a number Of small
roads that were consolidated. Take
for instance the Pennsylvania Central.
Who along that line would want to
dismember this road, and resolve it
into the various lines originally built?
These long lines can be operated much
cheaper, and hence can do business
cheaper. If they want to raise money,
they can do it cheaper. If there is
pressure of business OH one part of the
line, it can be relieved FROM other parts.
The complaint is that the consolida-
ton defeats competition within the
State. TO save my life l cannot see
how it does when we have no power
whatever to say what our rates for
freight or passenger fare shall be.
These are fixed by the railroad COM