Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-10
THAT BEAUTIFUL CONFIDENCE.

AT nature abhors vacuum, SO does
the beautiful simplicity and purity of
childlike faith. When that faith is
placed in one whose power and strength
might be feared the bristling, doubling
business world, used to indemnity and
bonds. almost falls down in sickly fear
and apprehension.
An instance of it, that should be an
example to this skeptical world, was
evidenced in the statement of Chairman
r. A. Dobie in u speech be-
fore the Hon. Harbor Commits
! sioners. Mr.. Dobie properly an
| nounced that the Norfolk and Western
would not go further into the channel
than the Port Warden's line (the Sec
rotary of War having jurisdiction be-
yond the Port Wardeps line), because
| 1t had promised to be real good and
submit such an application to the Har-
Dor Board. In other words, while the
Board has no authority after the rail-
road once reaches the Port Warden's
line. still the Board would trust to this
great railroad company's going out of
It's way to consult with the Harbor
Board before applying to the Secretary
Of War. the Board, of course, having
relinqulshed all it's rights.
Such perfect confidence, while as
founding to the ordinary. hardened
skeptical and cynical business man. is
n beautiful lesson to them in faith
Why should bond be required of the
! rail I,
est railroad systems in the country,
with the great Pennsylvania behind it?
Does the Norfolk and Western or the
Pennsylvania ever have TO give bonds :?
Besides. the matter of giving bonds is
childish and useless! An era of good
will and peace exists, and there is no
longer use for written indemnity. Rail
roads. who change officers and oftimes
names, always keep their obligations.
Let it be known to the world that the
great cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth,
Berkeley and Norfolk County have more
faith in humanity than the rest of the
world. Let the glad tidings be sent
abroad that the Board of Harbor Com
missioners, though they be pioneers in
such step, have faith and are willing
to show their faith by their public
works for the city. or course. n cynical
world will smile at such childlike con-
fdence and even call it simplicity! But
why should they? Because every bust
ness man requires a bond to indemnify
n promise. and every bank requires col
lateral TO secure a promissory obliga-
| ton. is no reason why this enterprising
railway should be so bound.
1t is indeed happy day. One can but
hail with delight the dawn of such an
era! The morning light is breaking:
we turn our faces towards the rising
sun of gentle faith and Confidence"
May the world behold. look on and fol-
low the grand example! No more Sc
from hanks: no more employees bonds
will be needed; no indemnIfying bonds
will be required; for. one has but to
promisc-and is not that enough?
| 1t is true that much is at stake; II
is true that the very door of the har-
Dor. of which we are so proud. and
which is so valuable, is being gradually
closed ii is true that we cannot get
another harbor! but what of that?
What is all this in comparison to the
value of the lesson we are about to
give to the world of exquisite. bcauti-
full. chldlike faith and confidence in
the Norfolk and Western Railway? 1t
almost bids the joyous tears unleash
and flow!