The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-08-10
WILMINGTON. N C.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1906.
AN ABSURD RUMOR.

There has been some discussion in
Congressman Patterson was defeated
for denomination through the in
fuence Of the Atlantic Coast Line
Company. The truth Of the matter
is that the Atlantic COas Line is less
mixed up in politics than any rail-
road company in the south. We doubt
if the officials of that rOad ever knew
the date and place of the convention,
which resulted in Mr.. Patterson's re-
tirement, or knowing it, took note Of
it, Against the charge of interference
in local political matters. The Chron-
icle believes that the Atlantic Coast
Line can defend itself even to the con-
fusion Of demagOgues.-Charlotte
Chronicle.
We had seen publication Of this ru-
NOR before it was mentioned in The
Chronicle, but considered it too alb
surd to mention for the purpose of de-
nying. That there is not a word Of
truth in the charge it is hardly neces-
saTy for us to say.
The Chronicle is correct in saying
that the Atlantic Coast Line is less
mixed up in politics than any railroad
in the south. The officials Of that
company attend strictly to their own
business. which is the conducting of the
affairs of the railroad, and by so doing
they have made it one of the best pay
ing properties in the whole country.
They know that it does not do to mix
ra~ilroading and politics and as they
are employed and paid to do the form
er they let the other alone.
1t is we'll known by all persons at all
acquainted with the management of.
this company hat it is the cleanest
conducted railway system in the Unit
ed States. To this fact is due the
marvellous success of the
Every mar connected with the COM
pany from President Emerson down to
the oilers in the round houses takes
pride in the road and feels that he is a
part Of this great system. The men
do not work simply for the wages they
are paid for their labor, but for the
good Of the road and to help maintain
its Well-merited reputation. This feel
ing of community of interest in the
welfare Of the road and pride in its
enviable reputation among its men all
down the line is another reason for the
great prosperity and remarkable sue
cess financially and in the mechanical
departments with which it has been
blessed.
The a%bsurdity Of this company OPP
posing Mr.. PattersOn's denomination
because ne advocated deepening the
channel Of the Cape Fear between Will
mington and Fayetteville is apparent
On the face Of the statemert. 1t would
benefit the Coast Line to have the river
made ~navigable for steamer the year
round by developing a wide scope of
territory. Industries of all kinds
would b g multiplied in the territory
served by that system. Farming lands
would increase in value; more farm
and factory products would be seeking
outside markets TO be reached only
Over the lines of this company. The
contiguous country would be wonder
fully developed and industrial and ag-
ricultural conditions greatly improved
to the continually increasing benefit of
the railroad company. Just as the
Erie canal was the making of the New
York Central railroad, so would a deep
river channel in the p Cape Fear
add to the annual profits of the At
lantic Coast Line.
The MAYOR of Salisbury knows now