The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-04-19
Wednesday, April 10, 1899.
Railroad Magnates.


Mr.. j. L. Tribble and Mr.. McCulley OF
Anderson, accompanied by Mr.. kirkoy o
Kentucky, came to Abbeville last Thursday
in the interest Of the Black Diamond KALI
road, Quite number Of our citizens called
to see them at the hotel, and the visit
ing railroad promoters expressed them
selves as much gratified at the reception
which they had met Mr.. L. W. Perrin was
chairman Of the meeting, and after the Visit
ing gentlemen had made known the object OF
their coming, Mr.. Aug. w. Smith moved
that the required sum be raised. Mr.. Z. +.
Hammond seconded the motion. Mr.. McDill,
Mr.. DeBruhl. Capt. l.. w. White, Mr.. u.
A. Visanska and others favored the motion.
The sense Of the meeting was taken by ris-
ing vote, and every one present came TO his
feet. At this point it was proposed to prepare
a written obligation pledging handsome
sum to the enterprise, which all present
should sign at once. But 1t was proposed to
defer action until the public meeting, when
many others would be present.
The meeting then adjourned until eight
o'clock at night. and every citizen OF the
town was invited to be present. At the ap-
pointed hour a most enthusiastic meeting
Wab uelQs duo tuo u od1cop hoi ohoaJ Va SSAeN
mept prevailed. MIR. L. w. Perrin was again
called to the chair, and Mr.. j. F. Miller was
requested to act as Secretary. Hon. F. 3.
Gary, Ex-Mayor Aug. w. Smith. Treasurer j.
r. Blake, Hon. w. 81. Parker, Hon. W. n.
Graydon, Judge R. E. bill, ]. Allen Smith,
Il. w. Cannon, L. w. White, and others were
enthusiastic railroad men.
The result OF the meeting was that COM
mittee '. an appointed TO call upon our citizens
next day 20 secure subscriptions. The sue
cess was phenominal and was brought about
In this way. After the adjournment OF the
meeting the committee met and canvassed
the town, making a record Of the public spir-
tied citizens who were expected to subscribe,
and placed their estimates opposite the names
OF the different citizens. In nearly every In
stance the individuals came up fully and
squarely to the expectations OF the commit
tee. There were none who were not favora.
BILE to the enterprise, and there were almost
none who did not subscribe.
A very few had already assumed heavy OBJ
legations, and while their hearts we're as loyal
and as true to the town as others, yet while
being true to themselves, they felt unable to
be generous TO the enterprise. The COM
mittee recognized the situation In such cases,
and felt no unkindnese to those who were un-
able to help in this most important move
ment.
On occasions when nerve and liberality are
needed, the citizens Of Abbeville come up to
the requirements with as much cheerfulness
and with as patriotic spirit as can be found
anywhere.
Our citizens voted bonds TO the Cumberland
Gan Thary fto fNr hn
board Air Line. But in neither instance was
the bonds called for.
Later. when the Railaoad shops were to be
located, our people, with not single dissent
ing voice, voted $500 to get the shops. The
railroad did not want the shop bonds, and
just at that time they could not be sold
Eighteen citizens made joint note, raised
the money, and secured tho shops. When
the note became due and the bonds were still
unsold, these same citizens, although they
were not in financial condition to buy the
bonds, yet they, as individuals, bought them,
and thus raised the money with which TO pay
their joint note in bank. The way they set
tied the matter was creditable to all the
parties.
Again; Some four years ago, the town be-
came interested in the building of the fac
tory. Almost without exception every cit
izen In town subscribed to the capital stock
as much as he thought he was able. A few,
however, then as now, did not think their
business warranted an outlay In that drec-
tion. Without sufficient money subscribed,
the work Of building the mill was com.
menced. 1t was necessary to increase the
subscription. Friends of the enterprise then
70 TIC thol Love
amouDti in excess OF their previous calcula-
tion.:
And so 1t was, the Cotton Mill has been
built and 1t will remain with US to benefit the
town forever. AS rule no corporation ever
had stockholders who we're more faithful.
Success came, and the public pleasure at
the result has done much to unite and cement
our people together in further and greater eff.
forts In behoH of the town. They feel almost
as one man in any enterprise which has for Its
purpose the upbuilding OF the place.. While
our people are not rich. yet all are ready to
contribute Of their individual mite.
No one assumes to know II the Black Dia-
mond will ever be built, but there Is no d.
vision Of sentiment about the desirability OF
securing its location through thIs city, II 1t is
ever built.
And the money which our public spirited
citizens have subscribed, If called for. is ex.
pected to bring about the desired result.
The road is to run from Port Royal. 1t will
cross the Blue Ridge mountains. going to
the great coal mines and reaching with Its
mighty arms 10 the most important business
centres Of the West. The building of the
Nicaragua canal and the acquisition of add.
tional territory promise to in augurate new
line Of ocean business to the Southern ports.
and to bring to US the blessings incident to
being on the great lines Of trade and business.
With the South receiving the benefits of the
Nicarauga canal ana the immense trade
which will pass this way it to China, the Phil.
ippines and other countries, is 1t not strange
that our Democratic politicians should stand
az solid wall against what seems to be the
best Interest Of their section of the country I?