The Savannah morning news., 1901-09-05
WITH THE RIVER STEAMBOATS,.
Activity and Competition Among
Them the Greatest for Years.

ACTIVITY ana AmOhS
Them the Greatest for Years.
Savannah's inland steamboat trans
portation has probably developed more
during the past year than ever before
in its history. The possibilities of the
inland service have been brought out
by keen competition, which has re-
suited in the building of new boats and
the adding of facilities to the old lines
which would not have come but for the
necessity of endeavoring to excel in
the inducements offered to shippers.
The close of the year finds two well
organized companies catering Tor the
up-river business between Savannah
and Augusta. The old company is the
Southern Transportation Company,
headed here by Capt. w. T. Gibson as
general manager Capt Gibson is the
veteran of steamboat operators In this
territory. The newcomer is the Savan-
nah River Steamboat Company or the
Haddon Line, as it is better known,
which is in active opposition to the
Southern, and has succeeded in build
ing up a satisfactory business. From
the time it has been in business 1t ap-
pears that its service has given satls-
faction, and that it will continue in
business, Notwithstanding that during
the past the opposition line has drop
ped out sooner or later.
Not only has the rivalry been of ben
eft to shippers in the way OF reduced
rates, but both companies have created
work by building new boats and repair
ing others in anticipation of long
drawn-out fight for supremacy. The
Southern built the beautiful steamboat
Louise, which is the most excellently
appointed Savannah boat built
since the old Katie was
hull was formerly owned by Lorillard,
the tobacco king, and was used by him
in Florida waters as houseboat. When
this was burned, the hull fell into the
hands of Jacksonville shipbuilders,
and was later bought by Capt. GID
son for his new boat. Besides building
the Louise the Southern has made ex-
tensive Improvements to It's other
boats, so that it is now ready to meet
all demands for freight room that may
be made upon il.
The Savannah River Company has
not been idle while its competitor was
preparing for increased business. 1t
has the steamer Murchison on its line
II is building the large boat Two states
at the foot of Bull street, and expects
TO have her in commission by sept To-
when she will be put regularly on the
line between Savannah and Augusta
The company is organized largely on
the cooperative basis, with most or
It's patrons its stockholders, which
guarantees it at least the freight which
they ship. While it has not yet made
much Roadway in obtaining business at
Augusta, its agents are there, and are
bidding for the transportation or all
freight that offers.
The Southern Transportation Com
pany is also organized on the cooper
alive basis, with many of its largest
Patrons as it's stockholders. The
Southern's stockholders are principally
among the Augusta merchants, how
ever, which explains why much of the
through freight from the North by
ocean liners is billed via this COM
pany's boats The patronage is there
lore divided, the Savannah River Com
pany having the country people. While
me Southern seems to be solid" with
the Augusta merchants. So far both
companies have to all appearances con-
Quoted legitimate and honorable COM
petition, and IL remains for the litter
VI the two, or possibly both, to survive.
capt. George u. Beach. owner OF the
Leaufort steamers. Clifton and Alpha.
nas had another successful year and
mas succeeded in pleasing the trade he
SerVes. lie has given his line the hem
eut OF about every facility IL needed. or
nus patrons could expect. He overhaul
"a both steamboats, during the year,
ana they are now models for beauty.