The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1900-12-21
DIRT ROADS AND RAILROADS.


The subject as the beading Of this
article indicates, is one OF the great
est Importance to all the people OF the
State. Our contemporary, the jack
son Evening News submitted an edi-
torial a few days since, which we,
with pleasure, transfer to our columns
OF this issue, and bespeak for it Il care
ful perusal by our readers,
Ii country roads cannot be pulled
out OF the old legislative ruts. We can
at least, extend encouragement to the
efficiency and success OF railroads, for
upon these every other business en-
terprise depends. One Important
truth is now universally realized, that
is, "A State without sufficient railroad
facilities Is liable TO be last out Of the
procession. The News says:
THE News has observed the general
desire expressed by its esteemed con-
temporarieS Of the State for good
country roads. as a movement that
deserves encouragement and c0nimen-
datiOn.
1t must be understood. however,
that IL is IA proposed improvement
that will require time, radical changes
Of existing laws, and indeed an entire
new scheme.
1t is difficult to repeal old statutes
with which the people are familiar,
and adopt new, especially IL the
change requires Il large outlay Of
money. We concur in the move, but
il VIII necessarily drag it's way slowly
for some time to come.
The News would urge earnest efforts
aud encouragement TO the building OF
the several lines of projected railroads,
ST. much needed in the counties
thrnuglI which they would run Some
IF these lines have been surveyed and
others will ne IN the near future. The
promoters Of the road from this city
to Columbus, have met and organized
and are hopeful OF success. The smart
and live little city of West Point that
always accOmplishes what it under
takes, proposes a line from that city
to Oxford, and perhaps a more distant
terminus.
The city Of Water Valley is solicit.
o,iS for the building OF a railroad from
there To Memphis or some other favor.
abb" point, The contemplated road
from the city Of Natchez through
Franklin and adjacent counties is re-
ceiving substantial encouragement
from the people along its line.
Tim ptnrnricin nitv nr Ni.k hmm
has Indicated that a road should and
must be built from that important
distributing point through Madison.
Lpakc, Winston and other counties to
Macon in NOXubce, or other suitable
terminus. So the outlook is for more
railways and additional facilities for
travel, transportation Of freight, etc.
For these objects we are at all times
ready to render any aid in our power, |
nut in soliciting this great outlay Of
capital, most of which must come
from elsewhere, public sentiment
should correct evils that have crept IN
To experimental litigation against
railroads that are being operated. In
suits, often without merit, juries are
sought to be influenced by arousing
their p%rejudices against corporations.
AS heretofore stated by the News
negroes, and not unfreQuently lazy
idlerS. who in all respects are non.prO-
ducers, appear as lltigants against
railroads, under "A contract with some
lawyer to divide what ever may be re-
covered. The people, property owners
and tax payers, which last includes
railroads, should shift and expose this
ness phase Of litigation.
Trial causes ~ court on the share
plan consumes time, pay of officers.
iuries, witnesses, etc, all Of which is
10 be paid by the tax payers.
These experimental share contracts
never provide for payment of costs il
plaintiff loses. This important pro.
lection to those who bear the burdens
of government, is supplied 10y the oath
OF the Irresponsible plaintiff, that he
is without means to pay costs or give
security tor its payment. 1t Is said
that tins character Of litigation has
grown to huge proportions in some
counties. 1t is also stated that such
experimental suits, often without
merits, where the liability is charged
w iId't OCCuTTeu III One county, is IN
stituted IN some other and distant
county. where it, is understood large
verdlctS are given.
Our information is that occasional
causes originating in the State Of
Louisiana against railroads, for per-
injuries, wrongs complained of,
are brought IN the courts Of MisSis. !
Sippi, This character of litigation
deserves to he resented by tax PAYERS. .
Undoubtedly IA litigant should be will.
ing to submit his case to the people OF
his 0wn State.
These references are made because
there is snme prosperity in the country
and as General Gordon said il his
at the Industrial Convention
in New Orleans. Georgia is in line"
We want Mississippi ''in line" and
believe that the people Of the State
want better dirt roads, railroads,
more factories, and other business en-
terprises and will see to it that CAPT.
tai can BE- safely invested and will re.
coivn fair trput mont in nur Ctoto1