The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-11
sUsrIcE To ALL INTEREsrs.


 We do not believe any State excels Ala bama in natural resources. Its farming lands, its forests and it's mineral wealth oar safely challenge comparison with all competitors. Since the Civil War the de- veiopmsnt of these resources has been most gratifying and proves that the .peo- pie of Alabama are equal to their un- r.valled opportunities Certainly no Southern State has made swifter strides ia any kind of substantial progress Georgia. with which Alabama is most frequently compared, had many years the start because it was settled much earlier. In 1s4s Georgia had over 600 miles of railroad as against only 90 miles in Ala hama. In 1881 Georgia's railroad mile age was 100 per cent greater than that of Alabama; now 1t is but little if any over 10 per cent greater, comparison of the actual figures from authentic sources will show that Alabama has, fci ged ahead and may now proudly con- template it's truly remarkable achieve n.ents. It can and should proclaim to all it's successes and resources. There is no room for claims or complaints that 1t is behind in the race for supremacy and such statements are in the face of history and detrimental to the State.
 But Alabama is yet on the threshold Of her prosperity. Great as has been the development of her resources, it is al- me st infintestimal compared with the possibilities of the future. The Panama Canal is destined to increase marvellous Iy the trade of the Gulf ports of the United States and therefore the business os the States most favorabiy situated to those ports. Looking at both natural re- sources and favorable location to the Gulf, Alabama undoubtedly excels all others end hence the benefits of this great world we rk should accrue to 1t in the highest degree.
 To reap the richest returns from these gratifying conditions Alabama should continue in that policy of conservatism which makes possible the harmonious CO., operation of all the forces needed for ma terial progress. Let the laws be en- | forced-let person and property be sacred 
 before the law, and let justice be done t, all. No country can succeed without the investment of capital and capital in- | vests most readily where justice is best l insured. There was never a time less propitious than the present for Alabama to advertise itself as an enemy to any form of capital or to any class of in- dustries.
 Of all the forms of industry railroads are obviously the greatest instrumental ity for material improvement. Much that has been accomplished is due 70 them and much in the future depends upon them.
 | The State deals with the raili oadz through it's courts and through It's Rail- | read Commission. The courts decide cer- tain controversies; the Commission de- ciGes others. Both should hold the raIi- reads to the strictest observance of tle law and the Railroad Commission espc- cially should see that the railroads ac- cord fair treatment to the shipping pub lie. But it Is neither right Nnor Co the interest of the public that the Comm;s. sion. any more than the courts, should be so constituted as to deal unjustly w!Ih the railroad. Indeed the people should in their own interest, maze it their buNi' ness to see that no man is placed on the RA l. oad Commissim who will not accord far treatment to the railroads. To eleci a me to that posi aM whose self inter est or prejudice puts him in a position of avowed antagonism to the -railr Iad: would be not merely an 7ct of grave in justice; it would be a backward step ir the States progress, an attack upon tht g;t atest Investments of capital in tho stete which would have its effect upor all other capital seeking investments and it would mean bitterness and strift with the railroads at time winch har mony and good feeling are peculiarl. necessary to the best interests of tht State,