The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-22
RAILROAD WORLD.

1t is probable that since the colonists
and homeseekers rates were put into ef-
feet by the railroads several month ago
hundreds of people have left Alabama for
the west Texas and the territories. Twice
a month special rates are offered and
the travel has become so heavy that spe-
cial trains have to be used to handle the
business.
immigration agents of the railroads hav-
ing lines In Texas and Oklahoma declare
that during the last few months there
has been a large movement from southern
states into the west and southwest. II
is stated that fully 1000 Georglans have
settled In Texas and Oklahoma and that
more are onfthe way.
Railroad men in the city are becoming
very much interested in the frequent ru-
mors that tickets are to be sold from the
various passenger offices up town. This
matter has been up before the Commercial
club and the Board of Trade in the
past but no action ever resulted. How
ever the matter is beginning to become
interesting in railroad circles and rumor
has it that tickets are to be sold from
at least one Of the city passenger offices,
and probably from others.
If such a decision is reached by one
of the railroads the others will have to
do likewise. The travelling public is very
strongly in favor of tickets being sold
up town, for 1t would be a great conve-
nience. People who have to purchase
tickets state that now they have to crowd
around the ticket office at the station,
rub elbows with negroes and all kinds Of
people and possibly have some delay In
finally getting the tickets.
At city passenger office the questions
of travellers can be answered, they can
be supplied with folders and every con-
venience can be afforded them, whereas
at the station the ticket sellers are so
busy that they are unable to answer ques-
tions, furnish information or to accom-
modate travellers in any way. In fact
they are not supposed to do so.
The change would be welcome by the
passenger men of more than one of the
roads, and the matter has been discussed
among the railroad men and taken up
with the higher officials OF the road.
When the Seaboard has line of tickets
in the union ticket office 1t will mean
just that much more of a crowd there
and will make the need of tickets at
the city office more imperative.
The Seaboard Is in the market for $50
steel under frame gondolas TO be used
largely in the Birmingham district for
the coal and ore shipments.
The Southern is asking bids on large
amount OF equipment, including 100 steel
under frame hopper cars for coal and ore,
500 plain and 500 ventilated box cars. Some
of these are to come to the Birmingham
district.
The Southern has also given the Amer
lean Car and Foundry company an or
der for 200 baggage cars to take the place
of those growing old and to supply the In
creasing travel and demand for baggage
J. e. BIackwood, division counsel of the
Queen and Crescent route, with offices In
Gadsden. was in Blrminham yesterday on
some matters of business in connection
with the legal end of the roads inter-
ests.
J. C.. Magness, travelling freight agent
Of the Great Central route, was in Biz
mingham yesterday. His headquarters are