The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-07-26
BUSINESS MEN UNITE.
Traffic Association and League of
Progress Join Hands.

The success Of the San Francisco, Stock
ton and San Joaquin Valley Railroad is
assured, and within eight or ten months
this formidable rival to the Southern Pa
cific will be in operation. In September
the incorporation papers will probably be
taken out, but this may be done earlier; in
fact many merchants would not be sur
prised to see the initiative taken within
fortnight. Under the laws of the State the
proof that $3.50. 900 had been paid into the
treasury would suffice for the Issuance OF
articles of incorporation for railroad $50
miles long. This much money is already
in sight. Active work in the matter Will
be commenced next week. The League of
Progress and the Traffic Association have
Joined hands and will work together. This
was accomplished at meeting held yes
terday afternoon at the Offices of the asso-
citation in the Meyer building. Many men,
bers of both organizations were present,
and the 'plan Of campaign" was arranged
in detail.
The city is to be divided into districts
and thoroughly canvassed for subscriptions.
Committees of business men, members OF
both organizations. will be appointed this
week and will work in sections assigned
them. Two men will be on each commit
tee, and it is proposed to impress as many
lawyers as possible into the service. By
this means it is expected that enough
money will be raised to build the entire
railroad without mourning any indebted
ness and have sufficient capital on hand to
be able to carry on fight should the South
ern Pacific desire one.
But members of the Traffic Association
do not expect a struggle. They were smil-
ing yesterday at the alleged circular of the
Southern Pacific the one praying bankers
to render no assistance to an opposition
road lest it invalidate certain securities,
and they say that corporation which ad-
mits such weakness cannot afford to carry
on rate war.
"And." said Traffic Manager ]. S. Leeds.
''they have two lines in the San Joaquin
Valley. If they cut rates it will have to
be on both. and then they will lose two
dollars to our one. But let them fight il
thew want to-fght as long and hard as
they may. After the fight is over our
rails will be still on top Of the ties. and
where rails are it will be easy to run cars. "
Every mail brings additional letters of
encouragement to the projectors Of the
new line, and Mr.. Leeds desk is covered
with friendly offers from owners of real
estate along the proposed route.
IF you come our way and wish to pass
through my farm you can have the right
of way for nothing" writes one man.
Three landowners whose property ad-
Joins unite in Offering fourteen miles of
uninterrupted roadway for the sum OF 81.
Indeed San Joaquin landowners are so
eager that it is now evident that miles
upon miles of territory can be secured for
the bare cost of drawing up the title-deeds.
In yesterdays issue of The CALL ap-
peared map showing the probable line
of the new railroad. The town of Visalia
does not appear upon the route. but it is
more than pr0ba BILE that it will be touched
at Indeed there is some talk now of q
loop line, a sort of branch from Fresno
that will take in Visalia even if the main
line does not.
Many persons ask whether an attempt
may not be made by the Southern Pacific
to buy up its rival as soon as it seems
dangerous. They have in mind the Nickel
plate and West Shore deals in the East
and the alleged competition with the Van
derbllt lines that was conceived only to