The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-12
RAILROAD WORLD.

Nashville special says: The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Nash vile. Chattanooga and St. Louis rail- road was held this morning and the old board of directors was reelected, with the exception of W. W. Berry of Nash vile. who succeeds E. B. Wesley of New York, resigned, and W. B. Earthman of Murfreesboro, who succeeds J. D. Aydlott, deceased. The report of President Thomas shows the road to be in the best physical and financial condition In its history Four years ago the company had floating debt of $1,567S3 This has been w1ped out by stopping the payment of dividends, and a surplus of 8, S,579,9O4 has been creat- ed. The gross earnings for 1908 were $9.- 6O6.S7o, and all expenses $6,995,60S, leaving a net earning of over $2,5o0,OOO. This is an increase in net earnings of over $240,- coo over 1902. At the meeting of the direc- tors the reelection of President Thomas and all the old officers was effected, and the appointments of President Thomas in the traffic and operating departments were confirmed
 This is from the New York Commer- cial: The Richmond and Washington which controls the Richmond, Fredericks- burg and Potomac, the only line between Richmond and Washington, has voted an issue of $11,OO000O bonds to complete second track between Richmond and Washington.
 The company is controlled by the Att lantic Coast Line, the Baltimore and Ohio, he vania, the Seaboard Air Line, and the Southern. all of which use the Richmond Washington line between the two cities.
 Of the s11,OOO,G0O bonds authorized, s6- 100000 have been issued and taken up, it is understood, by insurance and other financial interests in this city. The bonds hear per cent interest and are guaran- teed by the six railroads controlling the Washington and Richmond company.
 The following is from the St. Louis Globe-Democfat:
 The general passenger agents of the St. Louis lines will meet next Tuesday to take up subjects of importance relative to the Worlds fair business. The chief officials of the St. Louis terminal lines do not all reside here. and special call was made, for a full attendance is desired next Tuesday in order that action may be taken on several matters. The special committee to whom was referred the question of establishing joint ticket of flee and bureau of information at the Worlds fair grounds for the accommoda- ton of the public during the whole sea- son will submit a report .embodying all the details of the plan The office will be located in the transportation building and it will be a great convenience to the visitors. The special committee is com posed of c. l.. Hilleary of the Big Four, John M. Chesbrough of the Vandalia and C. S. Crane of the Wabash. George W. Ristine, director of transportation of the Worlds fair is heartily in favor of the joint ticket office.
 Another subject of importance for the general passenger agents to act upon is the appointment of a joint validating agent with an office at the union sta tion The joint agent win validate the re- turn portions of special tickets or tickets sold at reduced rates, and the regular ticket offices will be relieved of this work. The establishment of a joint validating agency at the union station will be a protective measure against the manipuia tions of scalpers, and the matter has been under consideration for some time.
 The general passenger agents will in- formally discuss the question of rates for the Worlds fair season. but no definite action In that regard may be taken until next year. The outcome of the litigation against the brokers must first be deter mined. The St Louis terminal lines are directly concerned in the anti-scalping movement, and upon the recommendation of the terminal lines will largely depend the action taken by all the traffic asso- citations throughout the country in re- gard to special or reduced rates for the Worlds fair.