The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-05-13

PLANS LAID FOR BIG DEVELOP
MENT COMPANY.
The Public Spirited and Progressive
Business Men Are at Work on the
Organization OF a Comprehensive
= Company to Develop an Extensive
Suburban Property.

For the past ten years Sumter has
grown and prospered in a material
way most remarkably and the past
five years have been more notable
for growth. progress and prosperity
than the first half Of the decade.
notwithstanding the Wall Street
panic and its paralyzing effect upon
the financial circles of the country
has been DO stagnation In the building
trades. and houses have continued to
be built. Dispite the panic Sumter
has held her own. for the county is
prosperous and Wall Street panic,
while II crippled business by tying
up money. could not and did not de-
stroy the substantial prosperity that
the South Is enjoying. The panic
did. however. create feeling of ap-
prehension and stayed for a time the
development Of many promising en-
terprises. No man could forecast
the ultimate erect Of the panic and
men OF means who had not irrevoca-
bly, committed their money to the
promotion OF large undertakings that
In the very nature Of the case would
require years to complete and put on
proper paying basis. took counsel
Of prudence and played waiting
game. They held fast to their
money and let the most promising
enterprises wait for more settled
times In the financial world. This
condition has been the rule throughout
the country and Sumter has not es-
capped. While there has been growth
and progress along ordinary lines,
there has been lethargic condition
In respect to extraordinary and larger
enterprise. and some Of the largest
and most important undertakings for
the benefit Of Sumter that have ever
been promoted by Sumter business
men. have been practically abandon
ed for the past several months, al
though prior to the panic the plans
had assumed definite shape. Now
that the panic is thing Of the past
and the vast reserve stock Of capital
which, was hid away in strong boxes
and old stockings IL again seeking in
vestmepts. In all the money markets
OF the country. the apprehension of
local capitalists have likewise vanish
ed like the unsubstantial fabric of a
dream. and number Of public spirit
Cd eitieens, are taking up again the
temporAriiy Abandoned enterprises
that mean 20 much for the future
growth Of the town.
The Importance Of having some
substantial organisation in which ali.
or q large majority. Of the progress
sive and public spirited citizens shall
be interested IL recognized by all; for
II 10 admitted that unless there is
some bond of unity among the pub
lie spirited citizens the larger devel-
opment Of the town In accord with
q comprehensive plan is impossible
There Is NOT now. and never has been.
such an organization which is in itself
the ncleus Of broader enterprises:
and there Is we'll defined purpose
10 perfect such an organization that
Will unite the business men of tin
community In broad. compreheii-
siye undertaking that will give scope
for their enterprise and an instru-
ment with which they can do the
work they desire to do for the town.
and at the same time repay themselves
In dollars and cents for the money in
vested and the time and labor that
they expend.
The undertaking around which
these plans center 10 the development
and utilization of the body of land
containing more than 400 acres in
and adjacent to the western suburbs
OF the city. This land consisting of
several tracts was 4 acquired about
eighteen months ago by several gen.
tiemen whose purpose II was to de-
veiop 1t along the lines suggested
above. Their plans were interfer-
ed with for time by the panic. but
they are now In position to consum-
mate these plans and to do so are as
sociating with themselves a large
number OF the business men Of the city
This land Is beautifully situated and
mas an average elevation of 1s feet
above the city. 1t has a diversity of
landscape features not to be found
In any similar area any where with
IN the vicinity OF the city. and Is par
ticuiarly well adopted to the develop
ment Of suburban homes and those