The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-18
PARK TALKS ABOUT
 ILLINOIS CENTRAL Vice President May Succeed President Harahan WAS HERE YESTERDAY Says Business Is Good on the Lines-Is Going to Jacksonville and Will
 Probably Be Here Again
 This Week
WAS HERE YESTERDAY

W. L. Park, vice president of the Illi- nois Central railroad, who is the most in- teresting man of that organization Just at this time by reason of his probable succession to the position to be made vacant by the retirement next month of President Harahan, was in Birmingham yesterday. He was accompanied by sev- eral officers, who were en route to Jack sonvllle, Fla, where a conference will be held today and probably tomorrow.
 MT. Park, it is believed, by reason of his close position to Judge Robert Lovett. is the guiding genius to the Hartman in- terest on the Illinois Central He was secured for his present post by Judge Lovett A great many think he is to be president of the Illinois Central. If such should be the final result his hand ling of the affairs of the Central of Geor- gia since the death of Maj. J. F. Hanson, that roads president, will be watched with interest not only here but in all rail- road centers. He is a man of great abil- ity and it is said can fill the bill required by Judge Lovett to nicety.
 MT Park was not inclined yesterday to discuss anything bearing on the Va cancies in either the Illinois Central or the Central of Georgia. He said he was not to be quoted as to the changes. He said he was trying his best to operate the Illinois Central with good results for the owners and for his patrons, and fur ther than this his interest was of no wide scope.
 MT. Park said there was nothing of significance attached to his trip down south at this time and that he would be back in Birmingham probably some time next week.
 "Business is very good with us,'' said MT. Park. "The people of Birmingham have been very kind to our line and we are not unappreciative. We are striving with all our vim to give Birmingham the best service we can and we hope to merit the commendation of all shippers. We are trying to run our business like any set of fair men, and are endeavoring to operate so no fault will be found which would embroil us in controversies. The tonnage handled from this district recently were very pleasing to us. but no one can gainsay the fact that iron busi- ness Is rather dull. Other products, how ever, seem to be lively.
 we are glad to see large shipments
 hat nd hroa d- ening of the scope of this district whicl will benefit you as we'll as our line. was very sorry to learn of the death of Mai. J. F. Hanson. I have known of him a great while and he always struck me as being a fine scholarly. gentleman and a fine railroad executive. His work for the south cannot be overestimated. The relations between his company and the Illinois Central were always cordial and he was highly regarded by all of our officers.
 'Our trip to Jacksonville at this time is simply to get line on traffic move ments from that territory. We are very much concerned about the traffic from Florida as we handle a great volume of it. Our tonnage from that state through Birmingham this season has been great CT than in the past, according to our rec ords. Our passenger business to that state has also been large and we are as you see interested. We hope to improve in many ways our operations down south and you may be sure Birmingham will receive her share in whatever is done This city is very highly esteemed by the Illinois Central railroad.'