The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-06-25
FREDERICKSBURG AND NORFOLK
IN THE RIVER COUNTIES.

The Norfolk Landmark reproduces
an editorial from the Star calling on
the local Business Mems Association
TO watch with restless vision our iu-
terests along the Rappahannoek,
and says:
In other words, our Fredericksburg
contemporary calls upon the business.
men OF its own city to grid up their loir $
and prevent, II possible, the establish.
mentiof steamer::line between this port
and the territory tributary to the hap
pahannock River.
Precisely how the campaign 10 to pro-
coed we do not know, but the alarm
manifested by the fredericksburg Stsr
Ia the best OF testimony as to the great
value OF the Rappshannock trade. IL IL
not TO the credit OF Norfolk and Ports
mouth that this rich field has been neg
lected, when IL 10 within such easy reach
OF q little enterprise and outlay.
The observations OF the r. edericksburg
Star are render ed all the more Interesting
when we reflect that the Rappahanuock
district has regular steamboat cornec-
lions with Baltimore. Our contempt
rsry occupies the attitude OF opposing
an attempt on the part ola Virginia port
10 get share OF the Rappshapnock River
now going to q Maryland port. II the
Star speaks for Fredericksburg in this
matter. we are sure that 1t does no speak
for other Rappshsunock River ports,
which would be delighted to get another
outlet. We do not believe that these
smaller. but prosperous towns, oil the
Northern Neck will give any aid or com
fort TO prevent the establishment oil a
line of steamers connecting them with
Norfolk and Portsmouth. What have
their weekly newspapers to say on the
subject?
The Landmark has in a measure
misunderstood the idea OF the Rap
pahapnock trade as it exists in this
city. fredericksburg has no earthly
objection to Norfolk IS adventinto the
rich field lying along the river, and We
say with all frankness that this city
would infinitely prefer to see Norfolk
enriched than Baltimore, but we have
no idea of wishing enrichment Tor
either one OF them at our own ex-
pense. This may be q selfish posi-
ton, butt it possesses the merit ofloy'
atty to our city. In warning the Bust
ness Mems Association it was done
with no other purpose in view than
TO put that body on guard to NEE,
anv action adverse to the interests
| of this city and not with any pur-
pose Of opposing, even il such a
thing were possible, Noriolk's debut
| in the river counties. II our words
convened such meaning, then We
take this opportunity to explain
Fredericksburg is willing, nay anx'
ious, to compete with Norfolk and
with Baltimore and with Richmond
for that matter, and furthermore We
are confident OF our ability to com
pete successfully, as demonstrated in
the past six or eight months, during
which time this city has met Balti'
more at every turn, but in order for
any one Of these cities to compete
with the other each must have steam
boat facilities, and We shall always
oppose any movement which might
result in taking some OF these same
facilities away iromFredericksburg as
would our esteemed contemporary,
the Landmark, were Norfolk con-
cerned. In conclusion we have only
to reiterate that Fredericksburg
wants the river trade and We want il
badly enough not to fear competi-
ton with any city, provided always
we can maintain our transportation
facilities. The fredericksburg Daily
Star.