The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-06-25
Give our RaiIFoads a Chance.


\ special to the Washington Post from
Norfolk. Va. calls attention 10 the re-
markable increase in the shipments OF
grain from that port. The same special
says that both the Pennsylvania and the
Louisville and Nashville railroads are try
Eng TO get terminal facilities AZ Norfolk.
We notice this special for three reasons
First. Savannah should have a share OF
the grain shipments as well as Norfolk.
Second. the city OF Norfolk and the state
Of Virginia appear TO be doing all in their
power TO encourage the railroads that have
or are seeking outlets at Norfolk, and
third. Savannah and the state of Georgia
seem disposed to nag. annoy and throw diff
fculties in the way Of railroads which
have their terminals at this port.
As to the first point. Many times we have
urged that an effort be made to secure
markets by way Of Savannah. Such ship
ments might not pay the railroads big
profit but they would pay them as well
as grain freights pay the railroads that
have their terminals at Norfolk. Grain
shipments would help Savannah. They
would AFFORD work for her laboring people
and would bring ships mere. Every ship
that comes leaves considerable money.
Grain shipments might also encourage
other kinds Of business, and help to give
a liveller appearance to our wharves.
As to the second point. Norfolk, as far
as we are able to learn. is extremely liber-
al ia her dealings with railroads. She re-
duees the burdens upon them whenever
she can consistently do so. and encourages
them in every possible way. The state of
Virginia does not seek to Cypress and
worry them. but recognizes them as the
great agencies in developing her resources.
Her policy therefore in dealing with them
lis a broad and liberal one.
As to the third point. This city has a
quarantine that tends to drive shipping
away from the port. Hence if we were to
have grain shipments through this port
it would be difficult to get ships to carry
the grain. The city itself, in some recent
instances. has shown a disposition to wor-
ry the railroads about small matters. thus
making them indisposed to do their utmost
for the promotion Of the city's prosperity.
The railroads are having a pretty hard
time of it these hard times. but the city
seems inclined to be as eXacting as if they
were in the most prosperous condition.
And the state, through the railroad COM
mission. is hagging them pretty much all
the time. The commission insists upon
finding out who owns the Central with the
view of reducing freight charges. and for
the purpose. apparently. of showing that
the ownership is in violation of the con-
stitut.on. The Central appears to be man
aged as an Independent system and is as
aggressive in getting business as any 9TH
er road in the country. As long as the
people have no ground for complaint
against it why not let it alone? 1t seems
to be run as much in the interest of Geor-
gia and Savannah as when its stock was
owned in this state.
While we do not believe in granting to
railroads anything they ought not to have
we doubt if It is wise policy to treat them
as if they were public enemies. If we want
to hold and increase our business we must
have some consideration for the agencies
that bring US business.