The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-04-16
THE NERGER DECISION
AS Great Blessing For
Independent Lines.
STATEMENT GY J. 6. WILLIAMS
Instead Of Disturbing Prosperity, De-
eision Will Seouoe,7nd Protect Com
mereiaI Sitvation-Attorncy General
Knox Congratulated.

ctsicn VIII Securct1nd Protect Com
meroial Situation-Attorncy General
Knox Congratulated.
Richmou0 Va. April l3.-The deci-
Hiou oi tne United States Circuit Court
u Appeals i'm the Northern Securities
ease. Mr. John Saoitou Williams. pres
idcat OF the Seaboard Air Line Rail-
way System. says he regards as one
of the greatest blessings and the
, brightest promises for railroad and
general business thas the country
could have. In an Interview with a
representative OF the Associated Press.
when asked his opinion of the deci-
sion. Mr.. Williams said:
Il am satisfied that when they come
20 study the matter carefully. railroad
men and blinking men OF all classes.
not only in The South. but in the coun-
try generally. except those whose am
bilious schemes are directly hinderci.
Will Doe united in the feeling that the
decision is sound law. good sense and
for the advantage OF all legitimate in
tcrcsts and FOR the country's welfare.
From LEGAL standpoint it accords
with the opinions of many of the
abicst lawyers of the country. and it
seems to Dee fortified with authorities
and reasoning too strong TO be shaken.
| have no fear that the Supreme Court
will reverse or seriously modify it.
Public policy. public sentiment and
established principles and presidents
OF law combine % sustain the Circuit
Court From a commercial and prac-
teal railroad standpoint. the sound
ness of thc<courts position is indis-
putable. n voices the Judgment Of
probably nine-tcnths of the most con
sentative business men Of the coun-
try. The larger systems are protect
cd against the building of parallel lines
built TO force them To buy 10 protect
themselves.
The decision seems TO make i'm
possible the success Of the projected
Southern Securities Company. IL will
be rocollectcd that the recent hearing
before the Interstate commerce com
mission in the Louisville and Nashville
case Mr.. Gates testified that il the
Northern Securities Company was up
held Mr.. Morgan proposed the organi-
zation OF a Southern Securities Com
pany 90 merge certain important roads
I'm tho South. plans having Sbeen dis
cussed or arranged 10 await the deci-
sion which Mr.. Morgan expected to
be favorable 90 his methods II could
not have been a healthy or safe situ-
alton if few men could have sat in
their Offices in New York and CON
trOllcd the railroad systems of this
entire country; not safe for the stock
holders Of the roads themselves. nor
for the public.
Speaking for the independent sys-
tens. | welcome. the promise of con-
tinued fair competition. There is
plenty of business to give good profits
10 all roads and systems properly es-
tablished and wisely managed and
there viii be demand for extension
and new lines to carry the steadily in
creaspg traffic and travel. AS for the
general public it is idle to talk of a
political republic with a financial tyr
amy; there is no more safety in hav-
ms commerce at the mercy of an alb
sOluto ruler than there would be in
having our government controlled by
q car who might be a benevolent or
n cruel despot n wise or a ruinous one.
according 90 his whim or abilities or
the circumstances.
Instead of disturbing our prosper
ity. this decision. if sustained. .as
believe it Will be. will establish. secure
and protect the commercial situation.
II will encourage and foster legitimate
extension. growth and expansion, and
stimulate enterprise and industry and
local effort by guaranteeing them
against oppression and forced absorb
ton"