The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-03-12

OF the properties in North Carolina
for betterments and equipment, ever
five million dollars, and Of the Un X
pended balance $3.50. 10000 is for ex-
penditure in this state. This, re-
member, is in addition TO the in
creased cost OF operation.
! ON July 1st, 1902. the road owned
1857 freight cars If all classes: on
March Isl, 1907. 20.77i. and contracts
have been made. for delivery this sca-
for 5.269, making a total of 2G.O43. or
practically 100 per cent ~increasa. L.
cOmotives owned on July LIST, 1902. 80
on March 1st. 1907. Coo. contracted
for delivery during this year So. To-
tai CSC an increase II nearly co per
cent in number Of engines. represent
ing an increase IN J~rGCt.ve power Of
over 100 per cent.
AS illustrating the Increase in COS.
or material etc. l would state that
o three Years z fiat cars Co-t
500 10 $500, now they cost from $50
10 $500; box cars cost from $500 II
$500, now cost 5000 TO $1,000: pas en-
ger coaches cost from $4,000 10 5000.
now cost $4,000; locomotives that cost
from $4,000 to 10000. now cost from
Sl3.5OO to S14 500. Every item we buy
has increased within the same period
from at least Is I 40 per cent. Our
pay rolls, representing wages paid
employees increased in December 1906
over December 1905. 1927. sol %. or
1912 per cent. Y
The agitation ana advers, legisla-
ton referred t. above has made it
impossible for a railroad company. no
matter how solvent TO secure on II
reasonable basis further money for
additions and Improvements, and I
note from the daily papers that many
roads in the west and northwest have
been compelled to stop all improve
ments and developments, except those
actually contracted for, and for which
the money had already beer prOvid- |
n 1t must appear to You gentle
men that other roads will be forced f,
into similar actiOn-nOt because they
10 not want to continue this great
work, but because they are unable
~ DuS IL anu ldDOI WITHOUT
money, and they are unable to pro-
money for this purpose.
L am glad to say that / have always !
'Ound this body earnest and active
n the interest Of fairness and justice;
)ut 1t is necessary that the cOnserva-
element of this country; an ele-
nent that is the real foundation of its
re OF c To ~, /, ~ = IL
is phases the present situation, and
o apply the proper remedy.
Mr. Taylor, in Introducing Hon. r. H.
editor OF The Manufacture
RS Record was very complimentary,
eferring to him as probably the best
posted man in the country on affairs
# the south, who had used his infu-
nee and his ability to promote the
'rogress and prosperity OF this section
f the country.
Mr.. EdmOnds was given an enthu-
iastic reception. He is Il speaker of
ttractive personality, whose speech
vas given close attention throughout.
began with pleasant reference to
Wilmington.
THE old south as an inspiration of
present south was the subject of
n inspiring and instructive address
y Hon. r. H. EdmOns, of Baltimore, 4
he distinguished editor Of the Manu-
acturer's Record. In clear and COM {
rehensive and eloquent terms he pic
the life of the old south, de- l
ylng with vigor the truth of the I
plnion held in many sections and in {
south also, to a large extent, that
lie old south was lacking in broad
men and that the activity of {