Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-01-13
DISQUIETlAG RUM0Rs.
viii Seaboard Air Line Headquar-
tiers and Shops Be Removed7
a Question Tint Business Mon OF tho
cities by Tho son would l.,ho 20
Have settied-Kcports Tint Have
Emannted from Richmond.

The plans for the consolidation of
various railroads, to be known as the
Scaboard Air Line system, have for
several weeks past been the leading
topic Of discussion in business circles
OF this port and Richmond. OF course,
this discussion is not confined to the
two sections named, for Raleigh, At
lanta and other points are intimately
concerned in the proposed changes, but.
not to the extent OF Norfolk Ports
mouth and Richmond. And it is not
strange that the business mon of the
latter cities should manifest a keener
interest in the litigation now i'll pro-
gross between Mr. John Shelton Will
ilams and Mr.. Thomas l.. Ryan, the
chief promoter and opponent, rcspec-
lively, OF consolidation. MIR. Williams
is a native and resident of Richmond,
and the papers of that city have per-
SiStenely claimed that one of the re-
suits Of the contamination of his plans
would be the removal of the headquar-
ters of the Seaboard Air Line system
and the general repair shops, which
are now located in Portsmouth. to his
home city, and that considerable traf-
fic which now goes from this port
Southwark Will be diverted TO Rich
mond, which will be the beginning of
the system after completion of the
Ridgeway link from Richmond to
Ridgeway, n. c., where Il connection
viii be made witlrthe MAIN line.
These surface indications of what
may be, aye, probably will be, the re-
suit of consolidation are just now, net
strangely, to some extent disturbing
factors in business circles of this port,
and it would not be strange If some
concerted action is taken soon. say by
trade and other organized bodies. to
have some definite announcement
management of this great transporta-
ton line.
The Richmond papers have as has
been stated, claimed with great per-
sistency ever since Mr.. Williams and
| others bought the Scaboard Air Line.
that the shops and general Offices
would be removed from Portsmouth to
Richmond, which would be made per-
manent headquarters of the system.
1t is claimed that whenever Mr.. Will
lioms and others officially connected
| with the road we're applied to for Il
confirmation or denial OF these reports
they have answered only that "the
matter has hot been officially consid-
cred yet"
lishcd that IL tract of land had been
| purchased i'm that city for Mr.. VIII
liams, and that while nothing authori-
| tativc had been given out, it was prac-
tically certain that the shops of the S.
~. l.. system would be located on this
land. This report has been lterated
and reiterated without calling forth
word from those in authority to settle
| its truth or falsity
lie nf l,i l;vl,a
| from the home city OF the president of
the S. ~. l.. and lines sought to be con-
| solidlted in one system and under one
management. that have created a feel
| ing of uneasiness about the future OF
| this port, in so far as its veal or WOO
| is involved in the plans for consolida-
| ton. The business men would not
| throw a straw in the way if they were
assured that these plans involved their
material good, and We're intended to
| promote the future prosperity of the
! cities by the sea. but 1T is the uncer
| tainty and consequent growth of doubt
| that is stirring the business community
| from centre to circumference.
Tt IS recalled thar wtIttc the ruITTUvat
| of the Southern Railways deep water
| terminus from West Point to Norfolk
greatly enhanced the value and pros
poets of this port, West Point suffered
in consequence, and that while the
purchase of the y. 6: d. by the South
ern and the removal to our city of the
large force of clerks and laborers pre-
| viously employed at West Norfolk
helped us, It, injured West Norfolk to n
corresponding degree. And it is argued
that the removal OF the shops and
headquarters of the S. a. l.. from Ports
! mouth to Richmond, while 1t will help
vastly the Capital city, will inurc to
the injury of this port in the same RAJ
ito, and will make that city the head of
| the great line CT transportation to be
known as the S. a. L.. and relcgat c
! Portsmouth and Norfolk TO position
| OF comparative insignicance, as far as
it is concerned.
| 1t is admitted that there may be
very little in this view of the situa ton,
and claimed that there may be much
in it. The air of uncertainty about it
Is both aggravating and hurtful, said
n prominent citizen yesterday, and we
ought to lose no time in seeing to it
that some official and positive assur-
ance is given us on the subject without
further delay.