Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1902-08-06
QUE ~ RAIlRoAp ouTLu.

EAAAAA Va N4G W&I@ 80
enough to stand up and do the
right thing, its opportunities for
a future are assured. II it sulks
in its tent and defies the fates, its
doom may be sealed with a single
act.
For over thirty years Chickasaw
county has been without railroad
connection save on its eastern Dor
der, with almost every year some
effort being made to bring the de-
sired relief. The west side OF the
county has been forced to pay con-
slant tribute to the east side.
Every one has recognized this IN
fortunate situation, yet there seem
ed to be no way out oft.
Railroad talk has been plentiful,
but until today there has been lit
tie hope of any building. The
day has finally come when the
iron horse must find his way to
the rich valleys and timbered hills
of the western part OF the county,
and the people Of OkOlona, if they
have had any selfshness in the
premises, will lay them aside and
Join for the advancement Of the
the entire county. +,
So far as the object to be OBJ
tanned is concerned, it matters not
whether this position is taken be-
cause of the force OF conditions or
choice, if the advancement is made,
and perhaps it is just as well to
be frank and acknowledge that
this city is not unlike other cities,
naturally a little bit selfish, and
only moves when its own preser'
walton is at stake.
During the visit Of Col. Ed.
Russell, general counsel OF the
Mobile and Ohio railroad, to this
city Tuesday, negotiations were
completed through which a con-
trolling interest of the stock is
sued for the old graded road be-
tween this city and Houston, was
transferred to the Mobile and Ohio
railroad company, and Mr.. Russell
left with the assurance that the
road would be built at once, If the
people OF this city would extend
assistance to the sun of $4,000
for terminal facilities and right O
way.
While some may doubt the al
vantages to be gained to OkOlont
by the building of a line west from
here, there is no possible question
for cavil on the question that sucl
a line is better than to have th'
same territory reached by SOM
other road from another direction
and hence this city can afford t.
rise above purely local feelings il
the matter and stand for tina
which promises the material ad
yancement OF the entire county.
The requisition made upon on
city is so modest that we have n
hesitency in saying that it will b
granted.
In many ways the building {
this line of road from here Yves
will, or at least can be made benz
fetal to OkOlOna. We have re
NAMED in one condition so Ion
that those who have grown frOI
bOyhOOd to gray headed me
under these conditions NATURAL
seem 10th to take any step whic
means a change. Yet no con
punity can hope for a better col
dition which adheres to a rutt
position. Nc part of this cOuntT
today Is situated exactly today 8
it was twenty-five or fifty yeal
ago, if it ID such a section as con
mends itself to live men and al
gressive industrial pursuits. A
the old ways have been laid ava
and new plans have been adOpte'
The South is making most G
gantic strides to take its merite
place alongside the other section
of this grand country Tor develop
ment, and only those cOmmuniti'
which refuse to change their pa
and follow the examples of Il
new order Of things will fall b
hind.
The claim may be made tn
some of the wagon trade which hi
come to Okolona for fifty yea.
from the territory lying to ii
west, viii be lost if this road
extended through that territOl
from which it has come. Nc OF
can deny or dispute this CLAIM
But the question naturally suI
gests itself: is this wagon trac
sufficient to warrant this city
standing still for another hit
years, or to die absolutely fro
the growth Of ether points near
which have the sagacity to rea'
out for greater trade and Oppo