The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-11-22
WANT TO PROTECT
STATES INTEREST
II Further Conference Is Not Eff
fective the Legislature Will
Probably Be Called To-
gether-Interviews
With Members of
Both Branches.

Interest is widespread IN the Richmond.
Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad
presidency situation. and without excep-
u'u tn- people seem % be- "backsfand-
Ing Governor Swanson in his night Tor
the interests or the State.
II the Governor shall fail 70 accom-
plish the protection OF the states inter
ests through the plans De now has on
foot. n is evident that public sentiment
Will fully sustain the convening OF the
Legislature IN extra session. t. take
whatever steps may seem necessary in
the matter. a number of prominent mem
bers OF the General Assembly were inter
viewed last night, and without "a single
exception they approved the Governor 8
course
They went further. and declared they
would favor an extra session II one
should b. found desirable in order 20 def
initeiy assert and protect the rights Of
the State.
Some OF them used strong language. and
Old not mince words 81 crfucising the ac-
tion of the Pennsylvania officials in con
necuon with the subject
OF course u all depends upon what IS
the final outcome OF the efforts of Gov
ernor Swanson and the other State on
cials IN the conference which Is fixed
for December 10Th. IN this city; but II
the railroad people shall insist upon run
ming things their own way. there Is not
. reason hie doubt that the Legislature
take the matter up. u the members
are called together for this purpose. they
Will act with speed and harmony, FOR
they seem practically OF one mind with
reference 70 the subject.
Colonel Massie Talks.
when called upon at his home last
night Colonel Eugene c. Massie. who. in
part represents Richmond city in the
House. made the following statement:
-
II have the value OF her holdings in the
Richmond. Fredericksburg and Potomac
Railroad Company impaired The firm
stand taken By the Governor has met
with the approval Of all classes of cit
liens. The Legislature has always dealt
conservatively and literally with railroad
interests. but viii not tolerate any malign
interference with the established policy
and fair management Of the Richmond
Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad
Company. II IL he suspected that any
men. or set OF men. or corporations. are
inclined 10 inauRurate a system OF
spoliatiou in reference 10 the object OF
tnc Commonwealth. the public will be
lashed 70 desperate action and the Iegis-
lature Will not be At a loss 20 find means
either 70 check the movement or 70 make
those who may be responsible for any
damage 10 the state pay dearly for their
plunder. ! cannot believe that the cor
poratons Interested Will show 50 little
business sagacity as 20 ignore the rights
Of the minority stockholders and deny
the reasonable requests OF the State
proxies. But II they should do so. and
II the Governor should. wifN all the facts
before him. deem II wise TO call an extra
session OF the legislature. I am conf
dent the people VIII sustain him. and that
the Legislature VIII do whatever may
seem to be It's duty promptly, feariessly
and thoroughly"
Mr.. Sadler's Position.
Senator Joseph P. Sadier Of Powhatan
when asked for an expression. dictated
the following:
IT necessary there should be an extra
session Of the Legislature convened ta
enact some laws to prevent this combine
ton. which would actually deprive Viz
ginia of her revenue from this source
7 believe the Governor would be justified
in convening the Legislature in extra
session TO protect these securities Of the
State in the Richmond fredericksburg
and Potomac road I am satisfied in my
own mind unless something OF this sort
Is done. the interest of the State in this
railroad will be sacrificed
1T looks to me as II IL were a deep
laid scheme 10 do indirectly what they