Los Angeles herald., 1891-04-09
THE RAILROAD KINGS.
THEY ARE DINED AND wINED AND
WELCOMED.
Last Evenings, Banquet-The Toasts and
The Responses-rhe Visitors Have
Only Good Words for Los Angeles.

OF Los Angeles gaJnered laSt evening In
the rooms Of the California club, the oc-
casion being banquet rendered by the
Los Angeles chamber OF commerce to
r. G.. Kerens, George w. Parker, Jeffer-
son Chandler, Charles Green, A. H.
Handlan, Jr., and G. A. Baker, with
their associates, as the projectors OF the
Los Angeles Terminal railway. A short
time was spent in making the
guests of the evening acquainted
with those present, and about o
o'clock Hon. w. H. Workman, as
master Of ceremonies, summoned those
present to the banquet hall. The walls
and tables were tastefuIly decorated with
floral pieces. An excellent menu was
presented, and with the arrival Of the
champagne ex-Mayor Workman arose
and delivered himself of the Introductory
address, as follows:
GENTLEMEN: We have met this even
ing for the purpose of showing our ap-
of eastern gentlemen who have in
terested themselves in matter of vast
magnitude and Importance to the city
and county of Los Angeles, namely: the
construction Of the Terminal railway
and the creation of terminal facilities in
our midst.
These gentlemen were invited to come
to our city by number of prominent
citizens, to look over the situation, and
after due consideration, have concluded
to invest several millions OF dollars in
railway construction in this city and
county. Too great importance cannot
attach to so great an enterprise, es-
pecially coming as it does from capi-
tai other than our own.
These capitalists have come among us,
have seen our immense resources, have
confidence in our future, and are will
ing to invest their surplus and become
identified with us. Ought we not to
extend to them in some way our hearty
godspeed and welcome in their efforts
to build us up? Ought we not to ex-
tend to any enterprise of this or similar
kind, our hearty congratulations and
wishes that they may succeed in their
undertaking?
These investors do not come here to
antagonize any interest, or, l may say,
any other railroad, but merely to assist
in building up here in Los Angeles
great and wealthy city. They do not
come here to antagonize the great South.
ern Pacific railroad, or the great Santa
Fe system; but acting as coadjutors and
friends in developing this glorious
county Of Los Angeles.
The coming of the Southern Pacific
was a great event in the history of this
county; the coming OF the Santa Fe sys-
tenn was only greater from the fact that
it moro than doubled the business of the
Southern Pacific; then why would not
the coming of the Terminal assist mate
rally in still further developing the re-
sources Of this county and city, and en-
able the Southern Pacific and SANTA Fe
to again more than double their present
business? Such will surely be the re-
suit of this enterprise. Therefore, why
should there be any but the most
friendly feeling between these different
lines?
We all know that railroads build up
communities and cities, and sincerely
believe it is the duty of every citizen to
encourage their coming with all the
means at, his command.
The formal address OF welcome was
delivered by Hon. HI. T. Hazard, who
spoke to the following effect:
Mr.. CHAIRMAN AND INVITED GUESTS,
AND GENTLEMEN: Los Angeles has been
favored on many occasions with distin-
guished visitors, but there is something
peculiarly interesting in the advent OF
these men-men who can show that in
the battle Of life they are heroes. These
men come to Southern California
with their capital and interest,
and nothing speaks so much for
the future prosperity and success of
Southern California as the presence OF
men Of brains, genius, ability and en-
terprise. 1t is such men who have built
up the great west, and when such men
come to cur land, it gives US confidence
in our own future. 1t is for these rea-
sons, among others, that / extend a
hearty welcome to you all.
Colonel r. G. Kerens was called
upon, by request. for few re-
marks, and responded with q
brilliant address, devoted to eulogizing
Southern California and to giving the
reasons why he and his associates were
not only willing but anxious to invest
capital in this section. He said that he
should visit this country frequently,
and should think himself at home only
while here.
Hon. Jefferson Chandler continued in
the same line to the following effect:
1t is bewildering to stand in the midst
Of the prospects that hang over this
great and prosperous complun ity.
This country is 80 bountiful in vitality
that it has banished the weakness and
decrepitude OF disease. And inasmuch
as all prosperity is due to untrammeled
human effort, here you have greater op-
portunities than other places, and the
very land itself seems to be ambitious to
distinguish itself. The fruit and flow
ers seem to vie with humanity in CIV
ing this land an enviable reputation.
This people is tonight standing. only in
the vestibule of great prosperity, and
people do not transgress the Truth in
representing this country as the most
desirable on the face of the earth. st.
Louis itself, favored in many ways, is
not particularly favored in the way OF
climate. I might stand here until
morning, and then would only have
commenced a poetical eulogy of the
community and climate of Southern
California.
We have invested our money, and we
propose to invest something more in
this country. No greater proof Of conf
dence can be given than the
investment of money. We wager
to begin with the sum of $4,000, 900 that
we believe that $S,0OO,0OO will be well
invested. 81. q
This investment is due largely to Mr..