The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-10-11
Savannah, s Railroad Mileage.

Before the end of the approaching
winter there will have been added over
900 miles of new road to Savannah's rail-
road systems. The additions have been
made through the completion of the Flor
ida Northern Railroad, from Harris Road,
Fla, to this city, giving US 776 miles of
new road, and the building of the South
Bound and its consolidation with the sys-
TEN of the Florida Central and Peninsular.
This extension of railways means cor
responding extension of the territory from
which Savannah will draw products and
supply articles of trade-an extension
that will have marked effect upon the
city's business.
Probably no railroads were ever built
with so little parade and blowing of tin
horns as were the new road to Florida
and the South Bound, the latter of which
was built with Savannah capital and
capital controlled by Savannah influences.
The purpose of the projectors and
builders of the South Bound was not
solely to make money. They had the
good of the city in view, and purposed to
open up to Savannah the trade of a large
area of productive country that had no
railroad facilities. That purpose has
been accomplished in gratifying manner
But the effect of the building of the
South Bound did not end with the open
ing of the territory contiguous to itself
Indeed, it was the cause of the building
of the extension from Florida to this city
1t may be doubted that the investors in
the South Bound enterprise will come out
without slight losses. But, having gone
into the scheme with the end in view OF
benefting the city, even at cost to them
selves, they will have the satisfaction OF
knowing that they have contributed in no
small degree to the progress and pros
perity of Savannah.
The consummation of the South Bound
project was a remarkable piece of work
No enterprise ever inaugurated in behalf
of Savannah has been a greater success.
From the turning of the first shovel OF
earth to the completion of the road to
Columbia and the institution of a regular
train service, there was not moments
halt in or an instant of uncertainty con-
corning the work. 1t was conceived in
earnestness and carried out upon a sys-
tematic, business-like plan.
This splendid addition to her railroad
mileage is marker in the march of prog
ress that will, within another decade,
give Savannah 100000 inhabitants.
It appears that somebody in charge of
the streets of this city is careless of the
public health. Yesterday morning the
roadway at the intersection of Broughton
and Whitaker streets was torn up, the
belgian blocks piled along the railway
tracks and laborers with shovels and
pixies turned and prodded the earth
They were, it is believed, leveling the car
track at that point. Why this particular
season of the year should have been chos-
en- for the work and why the authorities
permitted the disturbing of the roadbed
at this time, are mysteries. 1t is con
coded that this is the worst time of the
year to invite fevers, and it is also pref
ty well established fact that the turning
up of earth in the streets during the ear
ly fall is not conducive to the public
health. The street cars had for months
been running over that particular cross
ing, and they could have continued to do
so until frost without danger or inconven-
fence. This particular instance of dig
ging up the streets may not cause any
cases of sickness. But why surround the
city with Gordon of health officers, and
then permit done within the city limits
those things that we know to be likely to
cause fevers2