The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-03

stuDeudous undertaking which has Just
been brought to successful completion
Sthrolrph the efforts OF another wise and
hraye-spirited Virginian It is with pecui-
lar pleasure that can, from this spot,
around which cluster the memory of SO
many events con mecca WITH Tie politieal
life of our country, express the gratit1-
cation we all feel on an occasion like this,
which marks an era In the Industrial adj
va ncenent of our Commonwealth
While other states into which this line
#penetrates are correspondingly benefited
it must be admitted that Virginia mas
4spec;a. and peculiar interest in the orsani-
cation and complexion OF this system OF
railways, making nav line between the
North and the South. (Applause).
IMPORTANCE OF RAILWAYS.
We cannot oVer-estimate the benefit and
S importance of railroads in the develop
ment of a country, and right say in
their civiIizing and Christening influence
supon communities through which they
pass, and upon the men they employ.
They have, indeed, been of paramount
importance. But for them the growth of
our Commonwealth would have been
slow, and the busy hum of industry now
heard in SO many sections, giving employ
ment to thousands of willing hands,
would not be a living reality. We cannot
separate the history of railroad develop
mSnI IN CllS 4COunlts 1IOill
growth and prosperity. They are insepa-
rably interviewer with each other, and
our railroads are enduring tablets to the
brain and energy Of the American BUSH
ness man. What great work has been
done, what great city has been built
without some master mind behind and
directing the movement? It is the genius
of the individual, the indomitable pluck
and energy of the leading spirit: and he
-hn t,r,, confusion and
rears monuments of useful endeavor,
should be reversd and honored no less
than those who charm listening Senates
or bear warriors victorious banners. It
is with feelings Of pride that Virginia
points to her steady and ever-increasinS
railroad Development. and the opening Of
this line. embracing system of nearly
5000 miles in length, bringing into closer
business and social relg tons the people
in the different States traverSed by 1t,
is indeed cause for sincerest gratifica-
ton. This is but another link in the great
chain of southern growth and develop
ment and Virginia, standing, as it were,
at the gate of This important highway
between the North and the South, looks
forward with expectant joy at.the fruition
of the business hopes and commercial
outlook predicted in the completion and
operation of this gigantic railway system
(ApplauseO
WORK OF A MASTER MIND.
While the representatives from other
States and cities on the line Of the Sea-
board are here assembled. anticipating
that the future course and conduct of
the system will bring to their respective
localities a reminding and reSsVakeninS
OF commercial and manufacturing growth,
we are all mindful of the fact that such
an important enterprise was shaped and
fnancered by the master mind of q Nir-
-,.f-nn No, Il
by one undaunted by difficulty and undis-
mayed by opposition.
We have watched this undertaking with
increasing interest, and to-day We re-
joice in its successful completion. Viz
ginia has always held out an eager hand 70
invite the investment of capital within her
borders and her policy toward her corpo-
rations has been liberal and fair. She
asks and expects nothing more from them
than that they shall bear a just proportion
of the expenses of State Government I
think it was NIr. Huntington VINO sad
that virginia was the most liberal and
conservative of all the States in her treat
ment of railroads.. This is 4 distinction
of which we are proud for it shows that
we realize the necessity for harmonious
feeling between our people and our rail
roads-a feeling that will be heightened by
the building of railroads by our own citi-
Ze0S, SINCE tuey VIII nave ii uOubie Interest
in conducting their corporation for the
best interest of themselves and their
State. (Applause)
We welcome this new tie, which binds
us closer TO our sister Southern States and
brings our people in closer contact. 1t
furnishes US a new bond to hearts that
are naturally bound together.
unite with Mr.. Williams in welcoming
you to our State and city, and trust that
this occasion is but a harbinger OF
stronger and more lasting friendship be-
tween us and ttle people along his line.
MAYOR TAYLOR'S WELCOME
The Seaboard Air Line Band, of Ports
mouth, then rendered a selection, after
which Mayor Richard NJ. Taylor was pre-
sented to the audience and addressed them
in the following words:
My Fellow ountryT1feGl-To-day flch-
Tnond lifts high her gates, and her citizens
from her watcll-towers greet the iron mon
area as ne speeds his way within her portals
from our fair Southland. The golden spike
lust driven rivets our fellowship as 1t
binds the steel rails that connect our COM
mercial highways.
While we are citizens of common
country, we are fellow-citizens OF our
Southern country, and naturally bound to-
gether by the warnest ties. We therefore
meet to-day to celebrate an event when
connects us more closely.
Our personal pride is in our own citi-
zens who have contributed in every way
toward the contamination of the great
scheme. To-day they are laurel-crowned
and foremost aiming them stands John
Shelton Williams, Who by indcnitab!e viii
and characteristic energy and ability has
wrought this great work. His associates
will pardon the pride OF his home city
when his feHow-toHnsTnen award him the
,rerit of praise without depreciating the
great efficiency of his fellow-workers.
AS Mayor of this historic city l bring to
you her greetings. and bid you a hearty
and sincere welcome.
PRESIDENT WILLIAMS.
President John Shelton Williams was
then introduced. He received a great
ovation. Mr.. Williams, in his remarks,
stated that the successful completion of
the Seaboard Air Line was not the
triumph Of an individual. but of the South
ern people, who had secured their COM
mercial and financial Independence
"Our enemies said Mr.. Villains ''have
sought, through unparalleled efforts, and
of such character unknown TO us, to
break down our plans and our system and
ruin those interested in it. But they
have failed, and the South has come out
OF the bait victorious.
'.The victory is due to the hearty CO