The leader., 1905-08-05
MISSISSIPPI CENTRAL.
NATCHEz WANTS THE ROAD.
Business Men and Officials Meet at
Prentiss Club and Discuss
Extension.

lopened its hospiatble doors to the
citizens of Natchez for the pur-
pose Of entertaining representa-
tiVes of the Mississippi Central
Railroad. It was unfortunate
that the attendance of several
prominent citizens could not be
bad, owing to their presence be-
ing required at sanitary and quar-
antine meetings; however, about a
hundred business men testified by
their presence to their interest in
the matter which called them to-
gether.
Judge Thos. Reber was request
ed to act as chairman, and in call
ing the meeting to order made a
few remarks pertinent to the oc-
casion. He introduced Mr.. Ed.
Fl. Ratcliff, who was followed by
State Senator Jas. A. Clinton, A.
q. Campbell, Rev. S. Ct. Bottig-
heimer and Mr.. Menry Frank.
Each and every one of them bid a
hearty welcome to the guests of
the occasion, consisting of Capt.
JAS. Archibald, chief engineer Of
the Mississippi Central and
Messrs. Wentworth and Cassidy,
of Brookhaven.
Capt. Archibald was connected
as engineer for thirty seven years
with the Delaware, Lackawanna
and Western r. r., where prob
lens of railroad construction re-
quired the highest order of talent
and executive ability, and he was
selected by the Mississippi Cen
tral as being the most capable and
efficient railroad constructor in
the country.
When the Captain was called
on for a speech, he expressed
pleasure in the manner of his re-
ception and with the possibilities
of business that would be secured
by railroad from the east into
Natchez.
He said that in his early school
ing he had been taught to hear
what was said, study things in a
deep and thorough manner and to
keep his mouth shut.
| Further than this he. would not
commit himself.
He was followed by Mr.. Casse-
ldy, who stated that his visit was
due to his interest in the enter
Iprise and in securing . direct out
let from Brookhayen to the Mis-
Isissippi river.
Mr.. Wentworth, who is mer-
chant at Brookhaven, stated that
he had been doing business with
Natchez for the last 90 years, that
the business men of his town de-
sired more railroad connections in
order to secure freight rates that
would enable them to extend their
business on more profitable ba-
sis. He said that he had never
made but one speech before in his
life and that was when he asked
his wife to marry him, and it took
him half day to get her con-
sent then.
The remarks of all the gentle
men were interesting, and the
meeting was very enthusiastic.
Light refreshments were served
by the club and the visiting gen
tlemen were apparently pleased
with the beauty of the building,
its furnishings and the many con-
veniences.
These gentlemen who had driv-
en- from Brookhayen to Natchez
Thursday spent a strenuous half
day in the city yesterday. They
we're guests of Maj. Brownell,
vice president Of the Natchez and
Southren Railroad, from early
morning till - o'clock going over
| the railroad terminals and yards
here.
They saw the mighty river and
1.-THE great earthern cuts and en-
bankments the railroad. had con-
Istructed to get to it. They could
see the distant West with its food
of golden grain flowing to the
lgulf and cars of lumber, cotton
and sugar as returning freight.
They saw profit for money invest
ed to open this line and left in The
afternoon we'll pleased with their
visit. Natchez Democrat. July 29.