The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1905-10-11
rHE FREIGHT CONGESTION.
General Superintendent Anderson and
Division superintendent Porter
Here to Straighten Mat
tiers Out.

Here to Straighten Mat
tiers Out.
From the Daily Item October, S.
AS an illustration of the prompt
manner in which the, Atlantic Coast
Railroad company's officers at
wilmington respond to requests for
better services at this point, or for
ANYTHING else asked for within reason,
we print the following telegram re-
4ceiyed last evening by Secretary Rear
don of the Chamber of Commerce, in
reply to a letter mailed to General
Manager W. y. Royal yesterday
morning, about the delay in shipping
cotton from Sumter and delay in de-
nvering freight, owing to the alleged
lack Of cars and force at the Sumter
depot:
Wilmington, n. c., Oct 5, 1905.
Mr.. z. l. Reardon, Sumter, S. c.:
Your communication Of the 4th has
Just reached me. Mr.. Anderson, our
general superintendent, leaves here
tonight for Sumter and will spend to-
morrow there and give the matter
about which you write his personal
attention, and I feel sure he will put
everything in proper shape. I thank
you for bringing this matter to my at
tention.
W n. Royas General Manager.
General superintendent A. w. An
derson arrived this morning, and
with Division Superintendent c. L
Porter, of Florence, who arrived yes
terday with an extra force of hands
to help catch up with the business
congestion at the freight depot, and
Commercial Agent C. G. Rowland,
began TO look into the situation at
once, with the result that the situa-
ton has already been relieved and
everything will be done to facilitate
rapid shipment Of cotton, and prompt
handing of all freight at Sumter. Mr..
Anderson said that all of the officials
of his company highly value the bus
mess, and the great friendship Of the
people Of Sumter for the Atlantic
Coast Line, and that they jealousy
guard the valuable patronage and
good viii of Sumter, and that he will
be glad to visit Sumter at any time
the Chamber of Commerce thinks his
presence necessary. Division Super
intendent c. I. Porter expressed the
same views. TIL two superintendents
explained that there were several un-
avoidable reasons for the delays in
shipping out cotton. One reason be-
ing that about 500 cars are loaded
along the lines which have. not been
emptied on account Of the lack Of yes
sells at sea ports. Another is that at
Sumter owing to the railroads being
anxious to accommodate the business
men, the railroad cotton platforms
have been and are still crowded with
cotton which has not been prepared
for shipment. The consequence; is
that the cotton prepared for shipment
cannot be gotten to the loading plat
forms to be put into the cars, .and
new cotton coming in every day there
is a mix up Of old and new cotton.
Sumter undoubtedly needs more cot
ton platforms Of her, own. Mr.. An
derson said he did not claim that the
Atlantic Coast Line is not somewhat
to blame for the delay, on account OF
the hold-up Of their cars as stated
above, and they were trying to do ev-
erything possible to relieve the sltua'
ton. But even to an outsider it is ap-
parent that the Atlantic Coast Line is
not altogether to blame. Division SUI
/, perintendent Porter will remain here
and do everything possible to ge'
freight conditions back to norma
conditions and he requested the secre-
tarye of the Chamber of Commere
to promptly let him know what was
needed here at any time Mr.. Ander-
son went to Columbia this morning, il
being apparent that Mr.. Porter and
the local oficials~with extra help, car