The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-31
The Black Diamond.

Mr.. Tribble and his oo-partner Mr.. MoCul'
Tough of Anderson, in the promotion OF q
scheme to build a great railroad from the
west to Port Royal by way Of Abbeville came
TO town last Sunday night. and after confer.
ence with some Of our citizens. a meeting OF
half dozen citizens In somebody's back office
was arranged for Monday morning. That
meeting, we are told, was held. Preliminary
steps were taken looking to the voting OF
Sl9, 900 additional taxes by the citizens OF Alb
beville In aid Of the enterprise, and some
kind Of paper is being presented to our peo-
pie for signature
AS far as we are informed only some hall
dozen citizens are admitted into the plans
which lead up to the petition for an election,
or pledge Of money for the road which has,
for fifteen years, under different names, held
out such glittering promises.
or the "double-track," which did duty in
former years, We have heard nothing on this
occasion.
But It Is said that the Southern Railway, as
In aforetimes when alarms OF new roads were
rife. is surveying in the mountains. When
ever tho Black Diamond breaks out, the
Southern is on the ground, rehearsing the old
oSOty Va a0o3o 6oASAS oSA0oo saO
tains.
But 1t is said that work will commence at
Port Royal about september ], on railroad.
costing perhaps $40 OoOO 900, or as soon as 1t can
be ascertsined that Abbeville will give bonds
TO the amount Of $4,000. AS far as we are in
formed Edgefeld and other towns are ex-
pected to give nothing. and these towns will
probably not dissppoint anybody.
We are informed that Mr.. Tribble did not
desire publicity as to this matter. BE only
wanted the bonds OF the town, and he there
fore strictly charged those In his confidence
against allowing any of his valuable secrets
to be divulged to the newspapers. They have
kept the faith. and this newspaper knows
nothing to report. But we are in formed that
Mr.. Tribble, like his predecessors, is very en-
thusiastic in the belief that the road will be
built. We wish any proper effort to build the
road may have full fruition. But we know
nothing Of the scheme, and we know Of no
good reason why the promoters of a good
scheme should not take the newspapers and
the public into their confidence. As rule.
commendable acts or enterprises are not hid
den, and generally the broadest and the
sharpest lights Of fact and reason are thrown
on worthy enterprises.
II Mr.. Tribble. or any other gentleman,
should be able to give Us q railroad the Press
and Banner would favor giving almost any
amount, but we fear enterprises which carry
with them conditions Of secrecy. Instead Of
secrecy, instead Of o secret conference with
half dozen men In somebody's back Office, 1t
occurs to us that our people would have been
glad to have had public meeting. TO which
all the citizens might come to know the sit.
uation. and learn Of the splendid prospects
which are, or may be in sight.
We are told that one Of Mr.. Tribble's rea-
sons for deairing no publicity in the matter,
was the fact that other roads had been built
in the sir. and blown away by the passing
zepher He wants TO build q road on the
earth, just vary the chapters in former
history.
II Mr.. Tribble had good thing to offer. ev-
cry man in Abbeville would have been glad
TO accept 1t, and there would be no dissenting
voice.
This is a Democratic country, and we think
Mr.. Tribble had nothing to lose by going be-
fore the people with good gifts.
But OF one thing we feel quite sure: Our
people will give money to anything which
promises good results to Abbeville.
NoTE-Since writing the above we have
been shown the heading OF the petition, or
paper, which our people will be asked TO-
sign. With one or two slight alterations, 1t
would be unobjeotionable. A time limit
should be fixed for the obligation. A definite
time for the completion Of the road should be
set. The denomination OF the bonds, their
time to run and the rate of interest should
be settled. The date Of the election should be
fixed within, say. thirty days after the com.
pletion OF the road.