The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-01-18
THE NEW RAILROAD.

Il HNN-~S -
tSeaboard Air Line, is assured. One Of
I the gentlemen who has been most ac-
tive in the promotion OF the enter
ipdise made this statement today and
as he has HERETOFORE been most con-
serrative in his views respecting tho
immediate success OF the undertaking,
| the entire confidence he now expresses
| that the road will be built at an early
day, is most encouraging to those OF
US who have advocated seaboard
connection for many years. =
| The city council has treated the new
road literally and has by the display
of a progressive public spirit done
/ much to make the success Of the en-
sterprise, which has been promoted
largely by our own citizens, certainty.
i The council is to be commended for
the action taken last night and we are
confdent that 80 per cent. Of the
Ipeople of Sumter will say, well done.
The only obstacle that could nov
arise to prevent the early construction
| Of the road would be a short sighted
policy on the part Of land owners in
the country the road will traverse IN
respect to the right-of-way and the re-
fusal or failure Of the town Of Bish-
| opville to make liberal provision Jor
rights Of way and terminals. We have
but little fear on this score, however.
for we, have been assured by prom:-
nent citizens Of BishepyilIe that they
will not only welcome the Sumter and
Northern railroad, but will make all
reasonable concessions to assist and
promote the enterprise. Likewise the
property owners along the projected
line are most fayorably disposed to-
ward the new railroad, and, we are
informed, they will treat 1t with
| the utmost liberality in view OF the
great benefit it will be to the entire
lsection it traverses.
The success Of this enterprise is
peculiarly gratifying to this paper for
we have written and argued in advo-
jcacy OF the road for years. and have
| ~ndeavored to demonstrate the great
benefit It would be to the city and this
Isection OF the state. We cannot boast
ingiy make the claim that its success
| is the result. of our. efforts, bat we are.
glad that we have contributed in some
small measure to render it possible by
preparing the public to accept It at its
L true value.
Senator Manning.s bill to create a
state board Of assessors is along the
fright line. It is common sense and
business like suggestion that may prove
| to be the long-sought solution Of tbs
tax problem. It is worth a trial.
Mr.. Laban Morgan's bill to assess
property at its active value is evident
| ly good bill. It cannot help being a
good bill, if the title Is not misleading.
II John Mitchell spoke by the book
when he declared the Mine Workers
| union to be on the vasgeFof disruption
the Z. adherents and disinterested
friends Of unionism have reason
to regard the future with disYnay. Ac-
cording to common report that branch
| of organized labor over which John
Mitchell presides has been the most
wisely and conservatively managed Of
| miners unions, and has been Of ines
I eimable benefit to its members, both in
wringing measure Of justice from the
mine operators and in preventing use
less unsuccessful and disastrous
strikes. If it is now to be disrupted as
a result Of the disloyalty Of its MEM
| bers. one may we'll ask, what promise
of permanent success does the future
hold out to organized labor?
The Charleston News and Courier
is not enthusiastic over new railroads
for that city that never get beyond the
prospective stage. But. in a recent ed
itorial, inspired by the report that the
Southern railway contemplates the
completion of the old C's road from
Marion, n. c., to Johnson City, Tenn.
gives expression. in somewhat plain
tive strain, to a hope that, some day,
the great highway from Charleston to
the great Middle West will be opened.
We join in the hope sincerely, but
venture to suggest that it would be
more to the purpose, just at this time
| for the business men of Charleston to
study the map Of the state little and
try to see if there is not something to
the advantage Of Charleston in the