The morning call., 1895-02-03
SP RECkEIS ON THE VALLEY ROAD.

In response to your request that give, in
general way, my views on the proposition to
construct road into the San Joaquin valley,
would say that it would seem that my ideas
nave been pretty thoroughly made pubic IN
the past lew days, and l know of little OF I'M
portance to be added to what has already been
said
may state that the project is now far be-
!ond an experimental stage and that L can
ioresee no human probability Of its failure. The
alacr1ty with which men of means have re-
sponoed to the call for subscriptions shows that
public interest is thoroughly aroused, and
Wnen this is accomplished the most difficult
portion OF the work has been done.
The business men of San Francisco are not
unlike the same class in other cities, and they
very naturally view this proposition in bust
ness light The first and most i'm portant question
asked is, "Will the road pay?" I have given
THIS matter considerable attention myself and
my conclusion is that it will unquestionably.
When business man is assured that proposed
investment VIII be paying one, the most I'M
portant step in securing his confidence has been
taken.
While propositions of this character are usu-
ally Invested of sentiment by business men,
there appears to be an element of that charac-
ter IN the present project which has claim
upon our consideration. 1t is said, very truly,
that even if the road should not prove profita-
bic at once it will certainly be so in the future,
and that the older residents of the city should
be wiling to give some attention to the claims
OF posterlty. Personally, 1 believe that the re-
ward which will come to the city and county
through the construction of this road will
make Itself manifest in substantial manner
the day the Incorporation papers are filed and
work actually begins.
may, hope, be permitted in this connec-
ton to say word regarding my association
with the road.
There are indications in certain quarter of
disposition TO question the motives which
actuated me in becoming an active advocate
OF the ROAD, and am even accused of having
placed $ooO,oOO In the enterprise, simply TO
"get even" with an imaginary enemy.
have for some time been giving this propo-
sition of new road that consideration to which
it is entitled as business matter, and my in
Vest1gations assure me that its benefits will not
only be OF pecuniary nature to those who in
vest in 1t, but will be of lasting value to the
commercial prosperity of the whole city and
State.
Ny most inveterate enemy has never before
accused me of being so foolish as to throw
away half million of dollars merely to graf
ify personal spite. If I did not believe the
road to be paying one in many ways my
money "ouIo never nave gone into IL. am
not posing as a'great public benefactor. I do
not proclaim that am utilizing my material
possessions in order that the community may
be the benefciaries of my act. The prominence
given my name in connection with the under
TAXI ng is not OF my seeking, and I can well
Withstand the contemplate filings of my
enemies, possessing as / do the knowledge that
my associates in the project at least are not
disposed to look upon my position in the mat
ter as that OF man who is seeking notoriety or
who has some Interior object in view.
believe my actions in this matter will stand
the test of time and that public opinion will
acquit me of any selfish motives in connection
Herewith.