The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-10-25
The Wilson Railroad for Manning.

Our readers viii remember in our
last issue. we suggested that efforts
be made to induce President Wilson
of the North Western Railroad to
bring that road to Manning Mayor
Bradham and others agreed with the
suggestion and they knowing that
The Times editor and Captain Wilson
are personal friends of long standing,
requested him to interview, Captain
Wilson on the subject. Captain Will
son spent the past week in Manning.
engaged in attending court, and in
trying to defend his railroad interests
from damage suits, and under ordiuary
condition this would have been an ex-
cellent opportunity to bring him and
the business interests of Manning to
gether, for we know from an intimate
acquaintance with Captain Wilson
that he has always entertained
kind feeling for this town and county
and naturally so. because he is one of
the largest taxpayer in the county and
was formerly a resident of it, but Cap.
tain Wilson is like most all men who,
when they feel 5hey have not been
justly dealt with, are rot going to
run pell nell over themselves to do
favor for men or communities that
manifest an antagonistic Esprit, and
he feels that such spirit was mani
tested towards him in the railroad
cases, more especially the case where
his agent at Davis Station resented an
insult from negro.
We approached Captain Wilson on
bo hioct IF brin itc SBboro
and. unfortunately. we found him in
no humor to give any encouragement
to our argument for his considera-
ton, the man was indignant at what
he regarded unjust treatment he re-
ceived in our court, and die not
hesitate to express his opinion of what
he calls "the pull, aud wire pulling
system" in this county. 1t did not
take Us long to learn that this was
no time to impress eu argument for a
railroad to Manning on Captain Viii
son, nevertheless, we endeavored to
lay before him the advantages Man
ming had to offer his road, and that
in our opinion. it was to the mutual
interests Of his road and this town for
the road to come here, and that be-
cause of the acts of a few be should
not punish himself and the town.
Captain Wilson's reply was, 81 real
ize all that you say is true, and 1 ad-
mire your zeal in behalf of your town.
I like to see men stand by their towns:
it is such spirit that is fast making
the town of Summerton business
centre for this county, and it is such
a spirit which has made, and con-
tinues to add growth to the city Of
Sumter. Manning, l would like to
see prosper. have some good friends
there, it was there my older childen
went to school, aid I want to feel
kindly to that town; at one time I
needed but little encouragement from
the business interests of Manning to
carry my road there. but conditions
are nearer to Summertop. and besides,
| am adverse to turning the one cheek
when l. am smitten on the other.
without fanlt on my part. However.
if the business interests of Manning
really want my road to come there,
and have any sound business PROPOSE
tion to offer, let them make it known
to me, and I will give it considera-
ton. Railroads cannot be changed or
built with hot air, there must be
something substantial on which to run
trains. Ii I was IN the balloon busi
ness it might be different, but in rail-
roading it takes rights of way, and
money to build tracks and operate
railroad. so you see ..tne necessity of
having submitted some substantial
proposition if my railroad is needed
to help the business interests of Man
ming. Several times you have sought
TO interest me on this subject. and
each time / have showed disposition
to meet your people in proper husi
ness spirit, as l am always ready to
do with all the people along my line
of roads, all that I ask is fair and
just treatment in my property rights.
and sound business propositions Will
have my earnest MISUNDERSTANDING
Times.