Evening star., 1896-11-27
MAY HAVE A NEW RAILROAD
Prospects of the Norfolk and Westerns Com
ing to Washington.
What May Result From Recent Rail-
road Deals-The Seaboard and
Southern Fight.

The outlook for demoralizing war Of
rates. which. as was generally believed,
seemed until now to be impending between
the Seaboard and the Southern railway
companies, has during the last twenty-four
hours assumed a less threatening phase.
1t Is now more than probable that the truce
which has existed for several weeks be-
tween the contending parties may be ex-
tended for an indefinite period. The preser-
walton Of peace will. it is believed. be of ad-
vantage to the city Of Washington, as 1t
will render certain the building by the Nor
folk and Western line of It's own into
Washington. This could be done by the
laying of fifty miles of track between Front
Royal. Va. and the District line.
1t is pretty well understood that some
one will sue out an injunction If the Sea-
beard starts In to cut rates, and this Its
general manager has practically said would
be the case unless the Southern comedies
its demand, If made, for the withdrawal CT
its steamer line between Norfolk and Bal
timore.
1t is understood. however, that negotia-
tions have been begun between the Sea-
board Air Line people and some rich cap
italists, by means of which the autonomy
and independence of the Seaboard will be
preserved and concessions granted to 1t IN
various parts Of the south and elsewhere
by which 1t will receive an increased traf-
fic, far more than sufficient to counter
balance any loss of revenue on account Of
the existence Of the Southern'S line on
Chesapeake bay.
New York. Vice President and General
Manager St. John of the Seaboard has dur
ing the last few months demonstrated to
the great railway managers of the country
his ability to make the Seaboard Air Line
a powerful competitor to many other lines,
whether 1t be during a time of peace or
the existence of war, and has also proven
to their entire satisfaction that his COM
moi 10, dos hi oil
The same authority states that the first
actual step in promotion Of the new order
of things was taken Tuesday last, at Win
ston, N. c., when the Roanoke and South
ern railroad was purchased at public sale
by syndicate of capitalists, who are. 1T is
understood, interested in the Norfolk and
Western road. 1t will be remembered that
the latter road was purchased short
time ago at foreclosure sale by a member
OF the house of ]. P. Morgan & Co., and
the fact that the Roanoke and Southern
has been bought by the parties referred to
gives color to a report that there is to be
consolidation of the Norfolk and Western
and Roanoke and Southern companies.
Referring to the matter Of the building
by the Norfolk and Western of the long
talked-of short line between Front Royal.
stated as coming from the highest authori-
ty that necessity will compel the building
of this line, In order that the great and
constantly increasing business of the Nor
ioih anu w eSteTn may De most enC1ently
transacted. 1t is true that the Norfolk and
Western can now get north from Hagers-
town, Md. Its northern terminus. by way
of the Western Maryland. This, If it was
not for the many heavy grades on the road
of the latter, would doubtless be a very
acceptable outlet for the Norfolk and
Western freight business from the south,
but there are few people indeed. compare
lively speaking. who ever go north from
points on the Norfolk and Western line via
Washington, unless business compels them
to do SO. If, however, the Norfolk and
Western could get it's own trains into
Washington, which would be the case if
the Front Royal-W ashington road is built,
the road would, it is believed by those who
have looked into the subject, secure great
north-bound passenger traffic, from which
1t Is now entirely shut out.
1t is believed that Receiver Murray of
the Baltimore and Ohio would do all in his
power to aid the. Norfolk and Western in
getting to the north via Washington, as
the latter would undoubtedly, If the con-
nections and extensions talked Of are made.
receive great addition to its revenues, as
the result of the hauling Of business for
the Norfolk and Western. Mr.. Murray is
always on the alert for business.