The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-03-07
THE CLOSING OF THE GAP.

II the publication of Mr. Huntington's recent
~ letter to Edward Ivson of Santa Barbara
- concerning the delay in closing the gap in the
railroad between Ewood and Surf The Call has sue
ceeded in drawing the attention OF Mrs Stanford
and Mr.. George Croker thereby bringing about an
understanding among the dignitares OF the Southern
Pacific and what promises TO be speedy undertaking
of the work.
Neither Mrs Stanford nor Alr Crockcr was
pleased with the insinuaton conveyed in the state
nent OF the Huntington letter: We have succeeded
in getting Mrs. Stanford and George Crocker TO
agree TO go on and close the gap. Each denies any
responsibility for the delay Mr. Crocker states that
both Mrs Stanford and himself, so lar from opposing
railroad construction have in the past personally
obligated themselves for large OF money Tor such
work and Mrs Stanford in interview with the
New York correspondent OF The Call said: kindly
say that I am obstructoniSt. On the con-
rary, in entire sympathy with the railroad in all
that it proposes to do for the future development OF
California"
When these statements repeated to Mr.. Hun
tngton that gentleman suavely replied: There has
been disagreement over this matter. We made the
promise years ago to close the gap, and certainly
should have redeemed that promise before While
have always favored the building OF this bit OF road
others have thought it best to defer construction"
The statement thus made was qualified by Mr. Hun
tington in closing the interview by the remark I'VE
have not disagreed over the closing of the gap
There has been only difference of business judg
ment"
Had the discussion brought out nothing more than
these declarations concerning the responsibility for
past delay the subject would be OF little importance,
notwithstanding its interest. 1t would have been
more than a contribution the history of the inner
councils of the Southern Pacific, and added nothing
to the public knowledge OF the intention of the
pany with respect the time OF beginning the work
on the long desired improvement.
Fortunately it did not end there. In his letter to
Mr. Ivison Mr. Huntington stated the railroad would
probably have the gap closed within year after the
construction was fairly started but he did even
hint at the time when the work would begin In his
interview with our correspondent in New York he
was more definite, and much more encouraging. He
is quoted as having said: Recently Mrs. Stanford
Mr. Croker, Mr.. Hubbard and myself met and con-
sidered the ACCESSIBILITY of closing the fifty five mile
gap between the two towns Mrs. Stanford and Mr.
Crocker gave their consent and at ordered the
construction to proceed. l have given Instructions
to push things vigorously, and am hopeful the work
will be completed within year"
In some respects this is the important item OF
news that has been given to Californians since the
year opened 1t is of the highest value to all the
coast counties between San Francisco and Los An
geles and indirectly the State at large. The amount
OF road TO be laid is small but the effect will be great
for it will open through line for the coast to the
south OF US and thus prepare the way for the de-
velopment of one of the favored sections OF the
State Mr.. Huntington has at last spoken words
that truly encouraging, and now let hope he
will live I'D to them.