The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-04-29
RAIL AND CROSSTIE.

The Altman automatic coupler will be
given a trial at Macon this week In the Gen.
trail yards.
1t was hoped that the Savannah and
Western extension Of the Central would
connect with the Savannah, Americas and
Montgomery in time for Merchants week,
but the roads have only met at the Ohoopee
river. 1t is expected that train will cross
the bridge to-day, but travel cannot be
opened over the line for week or ten DAYS
The Norfolk and Western annual state
ment just issued records most prosperous
year for that company, and indicates great
and growing future. The gross earnings
increased IA per cent. TO SIS, 597, 124, and the
net earnings increased IL per cent to So
257, 9l9, sum which was sufficient to pay
the obligatory charges, the dividends on the
preferred stock, and leaves a surplus of
$105,046. The gross earnings per mile in
1889 were S9,470 against s., 500 in 1885, and
the net earnings per mile were So. 576
against S., $50 in 1885. The increase in the
coal and coke tonnage was heavy, and over
half of it was delivered at tide water. The
amount of pig iron carried was 161 ,2l5
tons, an increase of SO per cent. During
this year there will be eleven furnaces in
operation against four last year. The ship
ments of iron ore increased % per cent. to
249.374 tons.
The Rome Tribune says that matters
seem to be somewhat mixed in regard to the
purchase Of tie Rome and Decatur road by
the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia
Officials of the Rome and Decatur have said
very little in regard to the reports of the
purchase, but men who claimed to be we'll
posted in railroad affairs have openly and
positively asserted that the purchase had
been made, and that the Rome and Decatur
was under the management of the East
Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. Several
gentlemen have given the exact figures said
to have been paid for it. So positively
nave the statements been that
there was little, if any, doubt in the
minds of the public about the genuine
ness of the report Capt R. T. Armstrong
Is posted generally in all railroad matters
and never allows a rumor to pass him with
out being closely inspected. As soon as he
heard of the reported purchase of the Rome
ana Decatur he began an investigation and
at once wrote to friend in New York to
SILT the matter to the very bottom. This
gentleman at once visited Gen. Samuel
thomas, president Of the East Tennessee
system, in order to ascertain the true state
VI affairs. In answer to the question, HAS
Inc Rome and Decatur been purchased by
tne East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia"
Gen. Thomas said: ut has not,
ana all reports in that connec-
uoh are without any foundation what
ever" us there any proposition pending
Ieadlng to its purchaser" "There is not
now any such proposition, or has there been
any Tho East Tennessee, Virginia and
GeJrgla system has made no offer for it and
uoes lot intend doing SO; in fact, has no de-
sire TO control the Richmond and Danville,
anu would not entertain proposition were
one made" Capt. Armstrong; friend at
once wrote here full particulars of his inter-
, view with Gen. Thomas, and stated in his
ieVter that there could be no possible truth
matter assume an entirely different shape,
as inc East Tennessee, Virginia and Geor-
sia management say they hpve other plans
tor tne perfection of their system that will
ne known at an early date.