The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-04-14
THE SEMI-WEEKLY MESSENGER: FRIDAY, APRIL IA. 1899.

determinations in rates on business
originating in the west and destined
to the Atlantic seaboard Is TO Be found
the primary cause or our troubles
With these determinations removed re-
adjustments of interstate rates would
follow almost OF themselves With VIII
mington no greater distance on an av-
erage han Norfolk from the Ohio river
points. on which all western business
is based. there Is no natural nor legal
reason why Wilmington should not en-
JOY the same rates as Norfolk; and the
arbitrary adjustment that gives to
Norfolk a l. cent rate on grain, while
Wilmington is made TO pay a 20 cent
rate, and on other articles of COM
merce a like ratio. is a condition so
enormous in its consequences that we
do not for a moment believe IL car
Withstand adjudication before the in
ter-state railroad commission. To this
commission we have appealed. and a
hearing in Wilmington has been set
for the Goth inst. 1t is indeed an honor
TO have the commission sit here, and
must have h effect to emphasize the
commercial Importance OF this city.
That eminent lawyer, Judge Day, OF
Washington. has been retained as
counsel. and after several months close
stud OF the case is prepared TO intelli-
gently represent our interests.
To make up a case before the inter
state commission requires months OF
preparation, and TO nave 1t heard in
wolves many delays and postponements.
general manager was prepared to
in the early part OF last fall. and the
complaint which we are promised Will
be heard this Month was filed last Oc-
tober.
With these western rates, discrimina-
ton removed Wilmington will be
abreast OF her Atlantic seaboard COM
petitors, and the splendid trade posi-
bilities which her geographical posi-
ton entities her to command, but
which are now enjoyed exclusively by
her rivals, will fall to her lot, and the
limit of ner successes will be the meas
ure of the energy and business ability
Of her merchants.
The first years existence Of the as
ISOLATION has been a period OF prepa-
ration, and is no less important be-
cause wanting in more tangible re-
suits. 1t is a trite adage that goods
bought right are half sold. and no less
true is ii that a case we'll prepared is
half won. One year ago We knew lat
Wilmington suffered from an almost
unbearable discrimination. now we
know why the discrimination n
whence the relief. To win we have
only to ~persevere. Where there is no
sacrifice there is no value-victory
comes to him h waits.
To fail to continue the fight, now
that victory is in sight, woul be to
discredit our intelligence, to proclaim
our impotence. Surrender would bring
ridicule of our business sagacity and
increased burdens as the deserts of
ignorance. We cannot stand sill.
progress must either be upward or
downward. The forces around us are
pushing the wide-aWake to the front
and regulating the aoShful TO the rear.
Expansion or con6h c0on-which shall
we choose? Wilmington, the progress
sive city, or Wilmington, the circum-
vented town-which shall it be? To
talk Wilmington is commendable; to
put Wilmington OIL a par Of advantage
with competitors is sensible. There
can be no progress, no abiding growth,
which is not predicated on like COM
mercial advantage with competitors.
The case has been diagnosed, the mall
ady determined and the treatment pre-
scribed; it is for the business men Of
Wilmington to apply the remedy.
Respectfully submitted,
J.. ALLEN. TAYLOR,