The news & observer., 1901-03-12
DOESN'T EVEN KNOW BELMONT
How the Report Sent Out from New
York Originated.
-cfPr. TURNER TALKS OF THE. .SFABoARO
Says BUSINESS cf the Road is Daily Increasing
and the Outlook for the Present Owners
Of The Property is Bright and
Ilatiering. I

President John SHELTON Williams. of the
Seaboard Air Line System, passed through
Raleigh Sunday His attention was called
to the New York Worlds statement that
the Scaboard had been purchased by
august Belmont in the interest. Of the
Lcuisyie and Nashville Railroad
Mr. Williams denied most positively
that there was any truth in the article
He added:
The Seaboard is still an independent
railroad-not sold, not for sale or to be
leased. | have never had an interview
with Mr. Belmont at this or any other
time, am not acquainted with him and in
fact never saw him but once and never
had any business transactions one way
or the other with him. hence the absurd-
ty CT the New York story.
MIR Williams said he had just called
in five millions of outstanding bonds and
the holdings of himself and of friends
in the Seaboard were greater than ever
before.
CaUf J. NJ Turner. superintendent OF
his division of the Seaboard, accompanied
President Williams over his division. He
sale Of the road.
PROPERTY IN FINE CONDITION.
President Williams was most emphatic
in his denial Of the runor. and you may
say that the Greater Seaboard Air Line
is rot fer sale but will, in the future
as d has in the past run as an indepen-
dcl = and separate transportation line
1t is now in most prosperous condition
building up its through and local busi~
ness. increasing its passenger and freight
traffic daily, strictly maintaining rates
and endeavcring to serve its patrons tc
the full extent of its abilities. From all
accounts and the general business outlook
the indications are that it's earnings will
run up to ten and half or eleven mil
lions by the time the fiscal year ends on
the first of July. This, you see with the
recent reductions in expenses and the
present economical management. makes
Tie outlook quite bright and flattering
for the present owners. particularly when
they have just called in FIVE millions OF
outstanding ehonds and the road is today
i'm every way in better physical and
financial condition than it has ever been
Hence President Williams can very well
say. Not sold not for sale or to be
leased.
There is no doubt in the least, con-
tinued Catain Turner, but that the Sea
board is getting its full share CT the
Florida business. 1t is nothing unusual
for one. two and three extra sleepers tC
be attached TO the regular trains ant
Mast Saturday morning it was neces-
sary to run two sections of the Metropolis
tan Flyer to haul the travel. These
trains are now making excellent timt
and the great advantage tourists have
going by this popular line is that the!
pass through most of the great winter
resorts on their main line, such as South
crn Pines, Pinchurst, Camden. Columbia
Savannah Jacksonville. St. Augustine
Tampa and reach iii Florida resorts
COMPETITION is WANTED.
The News and Observer is glad to know
that there Is no truth in the report o
Mr.. Bclmonts purchase and it may bt
possible that this rumor started from The
fact that Mr. Belmont. and likewise Mr.
Vanderbilt. passed over this line few
DAYS ago on their winter Florida trip ant
as Mr.. Vanderbilt has no direct raj
connection with the Seaboard Air Linz
and Mr. Belmont has hence the report
States that this independent line runs
through desire that they have this natura
legitimate and reasonable competition be-
tween the Southern Railway. Coast Line
ard the Greater Seaboard Air Line. There
is business enough for them all TO make
Il geod living Let live, pay fair interest,"
on their investments but keep them sep
arate, rs natural and honest competi'
tors.
NOT FOR SALE TO ANYBODY.
On his arrival at Richmond Presiden
Williams was interviewed by a correspon-
dent CT the Washington Pest in regard
to The reported purchase of his road by
August Pcmont and the RotEschilds HC
ridiculed the story. and said
The report that controlling inter
estsin the Seaboard Air Line system has