Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-08-08
RAILWAY BENEFITS

II IL gratifying to notice the railway
prospects OF Salt Lake City. The Moi
fat road, as the projected new linz
from Denver is called, is moving aheaa
and there is no doubt is designated to
connect with the Clark road between
this city and Los Angeles. terminating
at San Pedro. The Short Line road
is also pushing along on It's way to
the coast, In the same direction, and
salt Lake will thus assume posi-
tion Of importance within two or three
years which will add greatly 10 It's
population, wealth and commercial
status.
The country along the line OF these
railroads. will share in the advantages
to be gained by quick and easy con-
nection with important points. cheap
transportation and new markets for
products. The road from Denver Is to
pass through places hitherto remote
from such opportunities, and VIII tend
to their development. The same may
be said concerning the country TO be
traversed by the roads from this city
to the south and west. They Will form
the beginning Of a new era In their
growth and advancement, and the ben
efits will be both OF local and gem
eral character. That which builds
them up. enrlches the state, and that
which advances the state adds TO the
greatness Of the nation.
These reflections call 10 mind a con-
yersatlon which the writer had with a
lady, recently in one OF the fruit
raising districts OF southern Californ a.
She was lamenting the cost of railway
transportation for products and de-
claiming against the Southern Pa
cinc. using the familiar terms Of oc-
topus monopolist. greedy corporation
etc. which are common on many lips
as TO that company. The question
was asked. what would YOU folks do
With your fruit II there was no rail-
read through these partsg Also, how
would YOU reach market for your pro-
diirts2 And again has not the South
ern Pacific road actually been the
means OF opening up, settling and maxi
ing rich large regions which would
probably have lain idle but for It's adj
yent?
It IL very easy TO find fault with
railroads as It Is with individuals, An
have their faults. All perhaps are
greedy and looking out for Number One.
But that railroads are great ciyiIizers
and ate-builders. and are the means
OF clearing the way to comfort and AZ
nuence for millions OF tolling human
beings, cannot be fairly disputed II Is
not surprising that they should exact
large tolls for the transportation OF
freight and passengers, The cost Of
construction Is immense. The contin-
ual expense Is enormous The labor
provided for thousands upon thousands
Of employees IL something amazing, and
the bralnwork and experience neces-
sary in their management are beyond
value In figures.
We DO not uphold extortion or en-
dorse oupIdlty. They are among the
evils OF our social, commercial and in
dustrial system. But we think too
much censure IL thoughtlessly passed
on railroad corporations. and too little
credit is given for the boon they confer
on the people near to their lines, ana
on the great country TO which we All
contribute something OF benefit by 10.
Dor Of mind or body
California and the entire Pacific coast
has been advanced In all its material
interests by the $. r.. and yet Il is
often spoken OF as though all the
profits Of the opening up Of that re.
glon were being swallowed by a road.
without which the country would b.
slumbering In the stiffness OF past ages.
and It's comparatively few Inhabitants
would be In a primitive condition. in
stead Of sharing in the glorious adyan.
tages OF communion and association
with all that is great in this magnn-
cent country
Railroads should be welcomed every.
where. Ctah is blessed in the prospect
Of increased railway facilities. and Sail
Lake viii be the center OF splendid
system. which will place her in swift
communication with all the great cen
ters OF business and culture through
the world.