Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-02-22
8. C. & GA. EX. CONSOLIDATION.

In his letter Of Monday to The News
and Courier, August Kohn gives the
following report Of the debate Of the
Three Cs consolidation bill when that
measure was up in the house for its
second reading:
The bill relative to the consolidation
Of the South Carolina and Georgia Ex-
tension road, Carolina Midland and
Spartanburg and Asheville came up
Mr.. Fraser wanted to know IL the
South Carolina and Georgia Extension
company could be bought.
Mr.. Hardin and Mr.. Sanders explain
ed the bill.
Mr.. Coggeshall said the roads seemed
to him to be competitive at Gaffney
Rock Hill and other points. If they
were not competitive roads he could
not see why the Southern wanted the
lease Of the property. Rock Hill was
opposed to the consolidation.
Mr.. Butler, from Gaffney, gave what
he termed a statement Of facts show
ing how the South Carolina and Geor-
ney and what was promised, and he
that would deprive Gaffney Of that
competition. It has enjoyed competi-
ton, which it has never enjoyed be-
fore, and If the bill is not killed he
wished to amend the bill. He said his
people were opposed to the consolida.
ton. The road Is now In q wrecked
condition. If the Southern can i'm
prove that property he was glad Of It,
If 1t would preserve all Gaffney's
rights. What he wanted was a pro-
vision in the bill that the Southern
keep and maintain side tracks.
Mr.. Prince, of Anderson, as chair
man Of the committee, stated the facts
Of the case as presented to the commit
tee. The old Three C.'s road Is in q
deplorable condition and the people
along the line seemed to want the con-
solidation, and wanted 1t badly. The
business men Of Yorkville strongly
urged the passage Of the bill. It is
almost now difficult to consolidate
The Southern Is willing to take the
chances of the consolidation and they
will spend their money to upbuild the
property. He did not think the bill
unconstitutional. He did not hear OF
much opposition to the proposition.
Mr.. Butter said freight rates to Gaff-
ney were reduced Is per cent when the
open line was built.
Mr.. Prince explained that the bill
provided for demonstrating all the
roads involved.
Mr.. Beamguard, of Yorkville, SAID
the bill affected York county more than
any other county. Rock Hill and his
county favor the bill. They all recog-
nize the fact that railroad competition
is a thing of the past. His people
wanted the consolidation and wanted
it badly.
NJ. Wy rol~,o. tho,nb+ tba hill
contrary to the constitution, as it pro-
vided for the consolidation Of competi-
tive lines. He had protests against the
bill and it was unquestionably intend
ed to stifle competition. The Southern,
he said, was an outlaw road and was
law unto itself.
Mr.. DeBruhl thought the committee
report ought to be given due consider
alton. The house ought to rely upon
the committee and look into the mat
ter of the roads being competing roads.
He took the view Of the committee and
the road took it's chances. AS was
said the railroad takes all the chances
and puts up all Of its good money, and
would favor the bill.
Mr.. Croft said it was a grave and
serious question and there was no use
to be in a hurry. He explained that II
the bill were only to merge the roads
1t would be all right. The danger was
in allowing the Southern to lease this
network Of roads. Whether compet-
ing, parallel or not, the right to lease
is given in this act. 1t Is too late to
check 1t after this act Is passed, he
felt. Another thing that worried him
was the abandonment of the graded
and unused section of the South Caro-
lima and Georgia Extension company
from Newberry to Augusta. He moved
that the debate be adjourned.
The house refused to adjourn the de-
bate as moved by Mr.. Croft.
Mr. Robinson, of Oconee, saw no OBJ
lection to the bill. The only objection
came from Gaffney. and that came
from one place, and it can be remedied
by amendment. The bill adds at least