The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1897-12-01
The Black Diamond Railroad.

EDITORS INTELLIGENCER: In last
weeks issue of the Advocate published
letter received from Gen. J. c. ]. Will
liams, refuting rumor circulating that
was calculated to keep our people from
taking hold of the Black Diamond Rail-
way enterprise. Ipresume many ofyour
readers saw that letter, and therefore it is
not necessary to publish it again in this
connection.
Since publishing that letter l have re-
ceived the following communication from
Knoxville, Tenn, which I take the lib
erty of publishing:
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Nov. "a, 1897.
J. L. TREBLE, ESQ, Anderson, s. c.
Dea~ Sir Our attention has just been
called TO a report circulated. in South
Carolina, the purport Of which is, that
the Railroad Bonds owned by Knoxville
and Knox County were sold for $4,000,
and that Col. Boone ''pocketed'' the
money.
A point blank denial of such an utterly
false charge would be sufficient; but,
since the denial has been provoked by
this malignant report, we will take ad-
vantage Of the opportunity, and show to
the fair. minded citizens Of South Carolina,
who may be uninforned on the matters,
the whole facts of the transfer and dispo-
sition of the r. r. Bonds by the City OF
Rockville and Knox County, for the
benefi. of the Black Diamond Railway.
The facts of this transaction, which may
be easily ascertained ana verified by any
one, commend the enterprise to the con-
idence and support of the sister State.
In the first place, it may be we'll to
show briefly the steps which led to the
sale of the bonds.
TO enable the municipality and County
to make this disposition of their r. Il.
Bonds, it was necessary to have the Ten
nessee Legislature pass an Act. directing
that an election be held In this City and
County for the purpose OF determining,
by popular vote. whether or not such
disposition of the Bonds should be made,
and designating when such an election
should be held.
This was, done, and ample time was
given for canvass of the town and
County on the question at issue. Alter
the. opposition had marshalled lts forces
and made its fight, and after the votes
were counted, II was discovered that out
of total vote of nearly 5000, only about
one per cent voted against the transfer
and sale of Bonds for Col. Boone's Rail-
way.
Upon the transfer of the Bonds, repre-
;sentatiyes of both the municipality and
County were elected members of the
Directory of the Railway Company: The
sale Of the Bonds was had, which was
made by the Directory. The proceeds
{S4O. .000} from the sale of the Bonds were
then paid into the Treasury. And the
money thus realized was expended in
securing valuable rights Of way, making
complete surveys in Tennessee, and for
such other matters as were incident
thereto, all of which could not be dupli-
Gated to-day for like sum of money;
and their acquisition Is, and will be, OF
great value and advantage.
The work was economically carried on,
the affairs honestly administered and the
funds jndiciously expended. The Dlrec
tory, without any assum ption of superior
ability, can take pride in the manage
ment of the affairs, and the results OBJ
tanned. The disbursement and disposl-
ton Of the funds were made in accord
apce with strict business methods. The
Treasurer 6isbursed no funds except up
on vouchers. Not dollar was paid out
that was not passed upon and approved,
by both the executive committee and the
Board of Directors, upon which were the
designated representatives of the City
and County, and some OF the best and
strongest business men Of Tennessee.
Col. Boone's salary was fiction; he re-
ceived one dollar per month and expen-
ses: ne received nothing else either di-
rectly or indirectly Not only that, but
Col Boone used his own private mesns.in
aiding and furtherlpg the work. his
purpose was, and is, to build a railway
tnpon completion Of which he expects to
make his money and not TO farm the
through which it passes.
The false reports noticed in the opening
of this statement are reflections not only
upon Col. Boone, but upon the Integrity
and business ability of the representa-"
tivesiof the city and County, and the
other members Of the Directory. How
ever, such reports can IN no way lnIure
anyone except those who inspire them.
Tho building ofthe Black Diamond sys-
tenn will not be delayed on that account;
its building and completion Isl assured,
Before closing this statement. 1t would
Se but fair to say something about Col.
Boone, although, indeed, such state
rnent is hardly necessary. To him, above
all others, is the credit due for the suc-
cess of this great undertaking.
The undersigned have been intimately
associated with Col. Boone for over two
years in tSe Directory Of the Black Dia-
mond Railway, and such intimate rela-
tionship has inspired all members with
the greatest confidence in his integrity
and fairness.
Col. Boone has brilliant abilities as
leader among men; he has also, what is
quite necessary, profound knowledge OF
railroad matters, ard OF all the latest ana
methods; he has had. long ex-
perience in work of this kind; he is un-
tiring in whatever he may have in hanG.
and does not know what rest is until the
results sought have been obtained. His
past successes in the promotion and con-
struction of railroads, through difficrl-
ties and opposition almost insurmounta-
bic, attest his great powers in that dlrec-
ton, and place him to-day where be be-
longs-master of his profession, the peer.
less railroad promoter and builder OF
America!
NJ. G. Ross, President.
J. B. HARRISON, Vlce Pfes.
S. B. Dow, I'd Vice Pres.
C. G. AsHEADEN, Sd Vic Pres.
JOHN BANE, Sec.
EDaAR ]. PRATT, Treas.
J.P. McMULLEN.
w. FL. Goss.
GEO. w. MURPHY.
G.. AEBLI.
A. ToDTENHAUsEN
PETER KEN.
n. w. SAxToS, JR.
j. M. KING.
Now, fellow-citizens. does this satisfy