The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-19
DAVIDSON TAKES
OPTIMISTIC VIEW
Frisco President Thinks Out
look is Not So Bad
DOES NOT OWN M. J. & K. C.
Reports of Frisco Ownership Came
THROUGH Mr.. Yoakum's Connection.
improvements In Birming-
ham District.

A. j. Davidson, president of the Frisco
system, yesterday discussed the railroad
outlook, stating that he saw the opti-
mistic side of the situation and did not
fear that it would be as bad as did some
others. He is in the city with Mr.. Nixon,
vice president ana general manager.
1--WE are here to go over the situation
in Birmingham and this district, visit the
shippers and to make a general inspec-
tion" said Mr.. Davidson at the Hillman
yesterday. I'VE spent yesterday going
over the Frisco lines and the Belt road.
and today we are visiting the shippers
and prominent men of the city.
What do 1 think of the railroad situa-
ton in regard to the matter of legisla-
ton and the effect that this legislation
will have? Well, 1 am optimistic, and
hope that the matter will work itself out
for the best interests of all concerned. l
do not see in it all the trouble that some
people see, and I believe that it will adj
just itself for the best interests of the
people and the railroads.
He Is Optimistic.
What I would like to see would be
the railroads and the people get together
in a perfect understanding that would
work to the interests and welfare of
both. The present agitation is not BEN
citing the people or the railroads. In
fact, it is injuring both.
IF the railroads have made mistakes,
and some mistakes have undoubtedly
been made, they should be corrected, and
the railroads should absolutely do what
is fair and right by the great body of
American people, who are the powers
that be. The railroads should also get
together and try to adjust everything to
the perfect Satisfaction of all concerned.
Wrong rates should be righted and there
should be no MISUNDERSTANDING.
con the other hand, the people as rep
resented by the legislatures should not
rusA into this matter of rate regulation
and other railroad regulation without a
careful study of the situation, and in
most cases there has not been a care
full study. If, after a deep and thorough
study. wrongs are found, they should
be corrected. But no snap judgment
should be taken on the railroads and
nothing precipitate or radical should be
done"
On Other Lines.
In regard to the Mobile, Jackson and
Kansas City, Mr.. Davidson said that it
was not Frisco property, nor was it
owned by the Frisco.
1--WE do not own the Mobile, Jackson
and Kansas CITY," Mr.. Davidson said,
when questioned in regard to the recent
accounts to that effect "rhese reports
grew cut of the fact that Mr.. Yoakum is
on a committee that has taken charge of
the Mobile road, but that does not mean
that it belongs to the Frisco.
1.-THE statement that it would be con-
nected with the Chicago and Eastern IL
linois, making the shortest route from
Chicago and St. Louis to Mobile and
New Orleans, is a matter of the future.
1t is certainly logical and railroad
probability. 1t would be by many miles
the most direct route, which is always
to be desired by a railroad. But it is a
mistake to say that the Frisco owns the
Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City.
improvements Needed Here.
1--WE recognize the fact that we need
some improvements in the Birmingham
district and that we must increase our
facilities a great deal and that is part
of the reason we are here. We need
Creater facilities o. all kinds in the Bir-
mingham district and we are going to
have them.
"When the Illinois Centaral commences
using our line into Birmingham we will
have to build more and longer passing
tracks and such facilities in order to
take care of them.
"In regard to the low grade line to
Jasper for the Frisco and Illinois Cen
trail, we have made surveys and consid-
cred the matter of taking some kinks and
grades out of our line west of here, but
find that it will take so much money to
rebuild the ten miles or so that would
have to be rebuilt that it would hardly
paw. We, however, intend to make great
many repairs on our line, reduce some
grades and do some other work. AS is well
known, we are already worllindg on the
iiao I,atuaan here and MemDhis and have