The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-01-04
Richmond and Baltimore Syndicate
May Control Seaboard Air Line.
INDEPENDENT SOUTHERN LINE,
Connections viii BE Made with the
PENNSYLVANIA. and Georgia and
Alabama-Mr. Williams, Presi-
dent of the Latter, Declines
10 Talk But Does Not De-
ny the Deal

There IS a mammoth railroad deal on
foot, with every probability that Rich
mond Will be made headquarters for
big trunk line from Washington to Jack
sonville, Fla.
IL leaked out yesterday In Baltimore,
despite the careful efforts OF those in
terested to keep the matter secret that
big syndicate. consisting principally of
Richmond and Baltimore capitalists, has
been organized with the purpose in view
Of purchasing a controlling interest In the
Soaboard Airline railway and through
this means and the Pennsylvania to es-
tablish a connecting link with the Ge0r-
gia and Alabama railway, 20 cOml etc
the through line.
It was stated I'm Baltimore yesterday that
the deal had been practically closed and
that only some Of the details remained
to be- decided upon. IL was further
stated In the Monumental city that the
weil-known banking house OF John j.
williams x Sons Of this city, was either
interested In the scheme or organizers
OF the syandicate. and that a number OF
the strongest capitalists I'm this city
would put large sums OF money I'm the
scheme.
WOULD NOT TALK.
Mr. John l.. Williams. of the firm or
John j. Williams & Sons. was asked
about the matter last night. Mr.. VIII
lams appeared to bo very much sur
prised that the reports Of the deal had
leaked out. He declined TO discuss the
subject and stated that he had nothing
10 say as 10 whether or not The deal had
been made lie wOull not deny that me-
eotiations are on foot looking 10 the es-
tabIishment OF the trunk line as above
stated.
When asked n the deal was consum-
mated. he said that it had not been.
Further than this Mr.. Williams po-
Htelv declined 10 give out any informa-
ton.
Mr.. John Skelton Williams. president OF
The Georgia and Alabama railway which
II IS understood viii be part Of the
through line. was IN Baltimore last
night
President Hoffman. OF the Seaboard
Air Line was approached on the subject
OF the new route. but said he could not
tell anything for publication and referred
to Mr.. John Skelton Williams
Il IS a we'll known fact that the great
est care was exercised 10 keep the whole
matter a secret. and that those VINO are
h. much disappointed when they learned
that certain newspapers had obtained IN
formation
This information got out by some un-
guared statements on the part Df one OF
he members OF the syndicate who Is
financially interested.
THE PLAT, INVOLVED.
il IS understood that the plan involved
IS 10 establish direct connection with the
PENNSYLVANIA railroad whereby washing
ton can be reached from Quantico. From
Ouantico 10 Acca Station the Richmond.
Fredericksburg and Potomac tracks will
be- used connecting az or near Acca with
the Richmond. Petersburg and Carolina
railroad now under construction south
Of Petersburg
It will be remembered that some TWEEN
ty or twenty-five miles Of this road has
already been built. and a splendid bridge
built across stony Creek As heretofore
published I'm The Times. options on prop
erty here I'm Richmond for depot purposes
and the right OF way through certain
streets have been obtained and the roate
from here 10 Petersburg surveyed
Through the Richmond Petersburg and
Carolina railroad the Seaboard Air Line
will he reached at Rldgeway y. c., about
one hundred miles south 0f Richmond.
and the Southern connection made with
the Georgia and Alabama railway to get
into Jacksonville.
A BIG SCHEME.
This route viii be altogether practical
for both freight and passenger through
traffic. and IL Is believed the scheme will
prove 10 be a great public benefit for
Richmond. where the headquarters of tho
line Will be established Such a scheme
would give this city another through line
from North 10 South. and make Richmond
the gateway between the two great sec
tlons. II the line Is brought here II will
omen ND a large new territory FOR through
shipment. and will bring large amount
OF capltal here, besides giving employ
ment TO many.