The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-05
SATURDAY, DECEMBER s, 1908.
An Appeal to the Railroads.

385g An Appear 70 tHe AaAll oou o'
The success Of the james own EXPOSE
ton fund now depends upon the con-
nrihution Of the railroad and steamship
companies. In order to make the state
appropriation available, bona fidc sub
arcriptions to the common and preferred
stock Of th, Jamestown Exposition COM
rany, aggregating one million dollars,
must be raised by January !, 1904. 1t is
"a big undertaking to raise million dol
lars, and we understand that It VIII De
necessary for the railroads OF Virginia to
subscribe at least s3ro,00o In order to
eon plete the fund within the tina limit.
II is not for us to advise the railroad
corporations Of Virginia what to do IN
n situation like this. Their managers
are shrewd men, and know their business
1t is for them to say whether or not
they will subscribe the amount needed.
But as a business proposition. 1t seems
to Us that it would be poor policy 70:
the transportation lines to let this great
enterprise fail for the lack OF few
hundred thousand dollars. Ii the eSposl-
ton Is held their traffic will be enor-
.norsty increased. They will begin to feel
the good effects as soon as 1t is definitely
announced that the necessary money has
been raised and the exposition assured.
THE exposition will be extensively adj
verrised, and people from various parts
5of the country will have their atten-.
ton attracted to the Hampton Roads
region 1t is more than probable that
many people who visit the ST. Louis Ex-
position will extend their visit TO James
town and the other historic points of In
5terest in that section, If they know
that there is to be a jamestown celebra-
ton three years later
when the exposition finally opens its
gates the railroads and steamboat lines
will have all they can do for many
months to haul the visitors. Eut this
is not all. The exposition will be Of
permanent benefit to the Tidcwater sec
ton, and will Sivo an impetus to trade
and industry throughout the entire State.
We do not see how the far-sighted rail
road men OF Virginia can take a view
different from this. and If We have not
over-stated the case, it will undoubtedly
bo a splendid investment for them. and
the money which they subscribe VIII
yield a splendid retuEli {.
"A They could well afford, It seems to us
to give this money outright for the bell-
Gifts they are to receive. But they
will not throw the money away. They
are not asked to make donation; thes
are asked to subscribe, as others have
subscribed, to tho company's capita
stock, and it is especially desired tina
they should subscribe to the common
gas well as the preferred stock, in ordt.
that they may have Il voice in the man
agement Of the enterprise. The officer!
of the Jamestown Exposition Compan!
and tn, stockholders are solicltous tina
& the railroads shall be represented in tn
management of the exposition, for the;
believe that the wisdom and bushes
tact of the railroad men. their genera
knowledge Of business methods, and tn
conduct OF corporate enterprises, will b
OF inca lcuable benefit in the direction
OF the work. If the transportation me
generally will come to the rescue. sui
scribe literally, Identify themselves wit
The enterprises, and assist in the generi
direction OF its affairs, the exposition
will undoubtedly be a great success frol
every point OF view.
At the meeting in Newport News o
Thursday evening. several distinguishe
members OF Congress spoke in behalf I
the celebration, and manifested tbs deel
est interest in its success or cours
they made no pledges, as It would ha'
n been Improper Tor them To do so, b
thsy gave The Newport News people
understand that they would favor an
preparation from the government, co
gresham Swanson went so lar as to 81
that IL The people Of Virginia raised
liberal amount Tor the exposition
Hout1 be national disgrace Tor the 80
eminent to ratuse 10 do US part, The
should be 10 fear on this score. Il
II United States government cannot atto
10 turn It's back upon lhis commemoI
ton. which Is 10 celebrate the blrtn
American liberty and Inc foundation
the American Republic The occasl
Is of profound Importance. and the as!
Citations around jamestown are SO sacl
that the sons and daughters OF l!pel
throughout the United States and VII
ever tho English language Is spok
and, indeed, throughout civilization, Y
unite cordially and sympethetically q
aftectionately in this holy commemo
ton.
TO return to the transportation m
several Of them held meeting in n
folk ono day this week. but as there ,