Fitzgerald enterprise. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1895-1912, 1907-12-14

We are interested, not more for the influence
that line has exerted in the past than for what
it promises in the future.
The completion of the line to Atlanta, is the
basis for the following editorial reference in the At
lanta Constitution to the genius that directs and
controls the affairs of the A. B. & A. railway com
pany.
''The final extension into Atlanta, Birmingham
and Atlantic railroad, focuses attention upon FL. M.
Atkinson, president of that system and executive
head Of it's may allied activities
"NIr. Atkinson is, unquestionably today one OF
the truest representatives in the south of that type
of constructive genius classified as the scaptan OF
industry" 1t is true that he has had the indls-
pensable support of millions Of northern capital in
the realization of his comprehensive commercial
projects. But without his keen business foresight
his clear perception of industrial possibilities hid
den beneath the surface and his talent for stable
promotion and organization he would have been
unable to marshal these millions to the MATERIAL
zation of his plans. So it is after ALL the person
al equation that counts.
''The Atlanta Birmingham and Atlantic rail
road which has just entered Atanta's city limits,
WILL when completed, act as distributing and col
lecting medium for the widely diversified products
of one of the most opulent sections of the south
The road will extend from Brunswick to Atlanta
and to Birmingham. 1t will squarely cleaye the
richest cotton belt in Georgia 1t will touch the
iron and coal industries of Alabama barely in the
infancy of their development 1t will give the ex-
panding manufactures of Atlanta another feeder
and another outlet.
''The marble quaTies of Alabama, the turpen
intar of
will be afforded transportation by direct routes to
the sea and to inland points. The thriving export
industries of the middle west, far out to Kansas
City, will have the benefit ofanother route to the
ATLANTIC as direct and better equipped than the
glutted channels which are all insufficient to throw
the multiplying products of the country into the
congested part of New York.
'"The other important link in the Atkinson
project is Brunswick and the Bee steamship line,
controlled by the Atkinson interests. Millions of
dollars have been spent upon steamships, docks,
wharves and terminals at the Georgia port, and
when the pending harbor improvements are COM
pleted the metropolis of Gynn will offer the com
merce of the south and the world one of the most
spacious and safest anchorages ON the Atlantic
cost.
This symmetrical and daring scheme for south
ern development first took shape in the mind of r.
M. Atkinson. It's gradual working out and it's
stimulation of southern industries is to be credit
ed to his unfaing courage, energy and tenacity of
purpose
The south needs more Atkinsons'
''The Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic has
reached Atlanta, and the people of that enterpris
ing community regard it as history making event.
eff the road is worth as much in proportion, to
Atlanta as it has been to Fitzgerald, then the peo
pie of Atlanta have good reasons for congratulations
E'The road is under the direct supervision of Fl.
M. Atkinson, of Atlanta who is president and
general manager. Mr. Atkinson planned tbs con-
struction of the system, and is in large part, due
the credit for the rapidity and excellence with
which his plans have been carried out.
''The system taps the very heart of the most
productive sections of Georgia and Alabama Aside
from the many manufacturing industries located
along the road; it will draw from the coal fields
and iron mines of the Birmingham district from
the marble quarries of Taladega; from the enor-
nous cotton belt of Alabama and Georgia; from the
turpentine and lumber districts, and the many
varied industries in which the people of late years
have engaged.
''It is the plan of the officials to operate the
the road with close connection between the Biz
mingham Coal and Iron Company, and the Bruins
wick Steamship Company. The coal and iron
mines will supply the road, the steamship compa-
giving them first consideration, after which the
rest of che product will be marketed to the best
advantage