The morning call., 1890-07-07
THAT COAST LINE.
The Opinion of a Southern Pacific
Official.
He Thinks That Huntington Will Not Agree
to the Plans Formulated by the
Railway Convention.

VIII Huntington and the other Directors
of the Southern Pacific Company agree to
the plans formulated by the railway con-
vention which met at San Jose regarding
the construction of railroad from Santa
Maj garta to Ellwood, and submitted for
their consideration with favorable recon-
mendation from Colonel Croker, is ques-
ton that is being pretty generally discussed
in railroad and commercial circles at pres
ent.
Whoever, from an intimate knowledge of
the plans and policy of the Southern Pa
cific Company, is qualified to answer this
question may be expected to answer an0th-
er, which, however, will require something
besides a knowledge of Southern Pacific
policy. If Huntington and his associates
should readily assent to the plans as SUBJ
mitted, can the other side fulfill their part
of the agreement? In other words, can
Cooper deliver the goods?
There is a general feeling among railroad
men, and others acquainted with the situa-
ton, that the scheme of the San Jose con.
vention will not ma[erialze. Many reasons
are given for the final collapse of this pro-
ject, one being the inability or unwilling
ness Of the people of Santa Barbara and
San Luis Obispo Counties to present the
Southern Pacific Company with the sum
proposed, and granting the conditions i'm
posed by the terms of Coopers contract.
Another, and 1t would seem more sub
stantial reason, is the question of Huntin-
toms veto.
Among well-informed officials at Four tn
and Townsend streets, a belief III Hunting
toms refusal to build this road is weii-nigh
universal. A high official of the Southern
Pacific Company said yesterday in answer
In a alton pOnpaPniun rho pIOainu pf this
gap, why of course the road will be built.
That was decided by Mr.. Huntington some
time age. 1t is on the books. and if the
corporation known as the Southern Pacific
Company shall continue to build and operate
railroads, there can be no doubt Of its con-
struction."
"Will the matter be expedited or in any
way influenced by the action of tue conyen-
ton which recently met at San JOSEF"
'Ah, that is different question, and in
answer l will say that l do not believe the
action of this meeting or any other meeting
which may be held in the future for SINH
lar purpose will have the effect of hurrylng
the construction of the road in question.
When Mr.. Hunting on is convinced that
the venture VIII be Il success financially
then, and not until then will this road be
built"
IF the conditions of Cooper's contract
are carried out would not the financial sue
cess Of the scheme be an assured factP In
other words, would not the Southern Pa
cific Company be amply secured and in
sured against loss?'
"No, sir. Let us look at facts. The
sum of S315000 has been offered the COM
pany together with depot facilities and
rights Of way. This seems to person on
the outside as a very large sum of money
a magnificent glft-but how does it compare
with the cost of construction which is esti-
mated at $1,000. COOP
"Though the amount was twice that
offered l do not believe Mr.. Huntington
would accept 1t. He has often expressed
himself as opposed to accepting subsidies.
That is not rairOading, aud is sure TO en-
tangle the company receiving the subsidy
in endless controversy and difficulty. If
the people contribute one dollar toward the
construction of a road they think they own
it, and are always interfering in its opera
ton"