Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-01
sEABOARp is READY
FOR ANOTHER FIGHT.
President WiIliams's Statement on
Coast Line-L. IS n. Merger IS
Endorsed.
Baltimore American.)

The statement of President John Skel-
ton Williams. of the Seahoard Air-L'',=.
railway, published in Sundays Ameri-
can, in regard to the pending deal be-
tween the Atlantic-Coast Line and those
in control of the Louisville and Nash
vile railway, was source OF mucn m
terest, especially on the part OF holders
Of Seaboard securities, of which there
are a large number in this city. For some
time past the impression has prevailed
in financial and railroad circles that the
Seaboard would be in the deal for the
absorption of the Louisville and Nash
clearly indicate that 1t is not in it. Mr..
Williams's warning that any attempt
to interfere with the interchange of
traffic would result in the building of
another line into the territory of the
Louisville and Nashville would show
that the energetic president of the Sea-
board is ready for another fight, If ne
cessary, with even Morgan and his assoc
ciates. 1t is the belief. however, that
there will be no fight, and that long be-
the Seaboard is ready to begin contest
in earnest those in control Of the Allan
tic-Coast Line-Louisville and Nashville
combination will see to it that the Sea-
The OBJECT of Morgan and other con-
trollers of railroad properties has been
to bring about a reign of peace and in
creased profits among competing trunk
INES, anu II Is TIE OSItel OF observers
that this will be the policy of those who
have influence In the management of the
Southern railway.
us it true that the Seahoard Is out in
the cold?" was asked yesterday OF gen.
tleman OF Influence in the Atlantic Coast
Line.
II think not" was his reply
The terms of the pending deal do not
seem to be entirely pleasing to the
minority holders of the Louisville and
a nd f. ctr
so far as the number of shares held Is
concerned. Louisville and Nashville
stock declined sharply yesterday. but nc
one was In position to offer an ex-
plana on as to whether the decline was
merely an outcome Of the general slump
in New York. the report that there was
hitch in the deal, or dissatisfaction of
the minority.
Mr.. J. William Mittendorf. vice-presi
dent of the Seaboard AIRLINE railway.
was at his office yesterday for the first
time in six weeks. having Just returned
from Europe. When asked In regard to
the status OF the Seaboard and the Louis
vile, and Nashville deal. and the likeli-
tive competition with that road Mr.
AIittendorf said that. owing to his
long absence. he was not qualified te
speak on the subject at this time
A special dispatch to the American
from New York last night says: at was
semi officially stated this afternoon thai
the transfer of the Louisville and Nash
Vile to the Atlantie-Coas Line. on what
will amount to an interchange of securi-
ties, was contaminated after l o'clock
Saturday. It Is expected that a state.
rnent to this effect will be made In few
days by J. p. Morgan & Co.. who now
have s06. 600 shares OF the Louisville stock
depnsited in their Office,
THE Morgan interests It Is believed
have taken a large block Of Atlantic
Coast Line stock. The latter sold to-
day around $50. or fifysen points higher
than ten days ago. II the Morgan In.
fnence IS to prevail In the Atlantic
railway. 1t will have practical authority
OF all ofzthe southern territory svceptina
that covered by the ssahnard Airline