The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-08-27

20 everywhere and to meet everybody
possible who might In any way be brought
Into any advantageous relation to the
functions OF the railway Such work Ia
intensely interesting to man OF such
temperament and capacities. When II
becomes a mans business to be widely
interested In the fortunes Of many people
and to promote their prosperity, he must
inevitably make many genuine friends.
These. although so numerous as to be
almost innumerable, are nevertheless most
genuine and heartfelt.
Tho problems attending the work Of such
a department In the South are quite differ
ent from those In the West, where tho land
departments Of the great land grant rail-
ways-from the days OF the Illinois Central,
half century ago. to the various trans
Missouri and transcontinental lines-were
tho prototypes Of this remarkable insti-
tuition. In tho far West the problem was
to populate a. rapidly as possible the vast
ton OF which profited the railway COM
panies directly, since tho receipts from
the sales wont into their TREASURES
The interests that were to be aroused among
prospective settlers were IN q few staple
products. The task was therefore .
relatively simple one. In the South. how
ever. it proved enormously complex, in
volving new methods, new forms OF organi-
zation. new machinery. The full history
Of suoh work would therefore make one.
OF the greatest, most Important and most
fascinating chapters In the history OF Ameri-
can railway development.
The South. being an old section has
population already existing and distributed
throughout the entire area, with old estab-
lished customs, demands, wants, preju-
dioee and idiosynorasies all OF which have
to be carefully considered and regarded
While there is almost unlimited room for
new growth. there are hundreds and hun
dreds Of old established communities, most
OF which servo as nuclei for the hourishing
centers Of the new South
In the work Of studying and keeping
run OF the resources and industrial posi-
bilitiee OF the South there have to be vari-
GUS district agents In the several leading
sections, each with his own particular
territory to look after. On the part Of these
district agents there has to be a close and
constant observation Of everything OF in
terest that is going on, keeping run of new
developments in industrial lines, In land
transactions. In lands offered for sale and
other properties that are going upon the
market, whether mercantile, forest or manu-
featuring. Watch is also kept upon munich
pal improvements, like waterworks. sewer
age, new streets. paving, electric lighting,
new public buildings and Of all bond issues
for these various things. Run Is kept Of all
the new Industries proposed or already
also Of the possibilities for
the same, and studies are made OF the in
dustries wanted in certain places or most
appropriate for such locations.
All this information is recorded and
made the subject Of concise monthly re-
ports from each agency to the central
headquarters at Washington. There all
this material Is systematically filed and in
dexed ready for immediate reference.
In the district agencies close watch is
kept Of every particular new industry.
II there Is new industrial process
at work anywhere run Ia kept Of 1t in all
its stages OF experimentation and devel-
opment. Information Of every kind relating
flles by each agency.
In Washington a monthly newspaper,
illustrated, called the Southern
Field, IL published by the department.
It Is devoted to all sorts Of information con-
corning the tributary territory Of the rail-
way system. This newspaper has become
= valuable property-large offers have been
made for 1t by parties who would like to
carry 1t on as private enterprise. For
The department, however, its value to
great extent consists In its freedom from
, directly commercial character. 1t con-
tains no advertising hence it secures the
friendly regard Of the entire press 1t is
therefore freely quoted, being full Of most
interesting information Of all kinds relating
10 Its special field.
Another feature Of this industrial work
Is that all favoritism, either to individuals
Or communities is carefully avoided. There
are many lines OF work for the improve
nent Of communities concerned that might
% undertaken we're it possible to give them
III show at the same time practically
Without preference or priority. But with
'uch an extensive territory to be covered
his is not possible. So only such work is
Undertaken as can be carried on with fair
how and square deal for all communities
n individuals concerned"
The department has Its representatives
throughout this country. in the North as
veil as In the South and also in Europe
Therefore, IL any demand arises anywhere,
neither industrial. agricultural or in rela-
ion to immigration, the parties making
t are referred to the point where 1t can
vest be met in the opinion Of those who are
,est informed upon such matters.
For instance. . representative Of the
department happens to make the acquaint-
nee. say. In a New England city, OF some
,erson who Is occupied by certain line
4 woodworking industry. This fact is
to the central department,
nd the matter is placed on fle Suppose
/ to be the making Of bobbins for use in
Mills. Perhaps the next year the depart
nent becomes informed Of piece Of wood
and that has come upon the market some
7here where the growth Is specially adapted
o the making Of bobbins. All possible
Information concerning this property and
be opportunities for manufacture and
marketing In profitable way are COM
,unicated to the man in New England.
he res nit Is that he sees a good opportunity,
axes advantage Of it, and tho South &C.
uires another new industrial establish