The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1910-06-16

HENDERSON. N. c., THURSDAY JUNE 1e, 1910

on prospects became brighter and
today the department is having as
much success in this branch of it's
work as it is having in locating the
industries.
Personal work Is the method en-
ployed. Through exhibits at fairs
in the North and West, through lib
eral advertising in the papers that
reach the class of settlers that the
South desires, now living in the North
and West and in northern Europe,
and through the wide distribution OF
literature descriptive of the South it's
agencies in the North and West and
in Europe from the London agency,
the department is sputting the advan-
tages of the South before the eyes OF
the world in a most attractive man.
ner
When an inquiry is received, result
| ing from information given out
through any OF these agencies, per-
sonal correspondence is at once taken
up with the prospective settler. His
resources and his needs are studied
by trained men and he is given advice
as to localities in the South where he
is likely to find the best field for the
particular branch of agriculture or
industry that he wishes to follow.
Often agents Of the department are
sent to present the advantages ofthe
South to settlers who appear desir-
able Those of them who wish to
visit the South to make inspections
for themselves are afforded full infor-
nation and every facility at the COM
mand OF the department. Every ef-
fort is made to locate desirable emf
migrants in the South at places where
| they will be able to win success and
help build up the country. The de-
partment does not stop with the To-
cation Of settlers but keeps in touch
with those that it has brought in un-
til they are firmly established and are
| winning their way.
Commercial bodies in every section
| of the South arc invited to supply
the department with literature and
information concerning the advan-
tages OF their particular territory.
The cooperation of boards of trade,
real estate agencies, and individual
land owners is earnestly asked and
has in hundreds of cases been given
with splendid results. The depart
ment is now working with a larger
force and better facilities than ever
in the past, is in closer touch with the
Southern territory than ever before,
and through the organization of
boards of trade and other commercial
bodies all over the South is being
given and is consequently enabled to
return, measure Incorporation that
only a few years ago seemed beyond
the realms of hope.
| History of the Department.
The history of this department will
doubtless be OF interest to all who are
giving thought and effort to the de-
velopment of the South. The Gre
alton was one of the first acts of the
late Samuel Spencer when he was
placed at the head of the newly Or
ganized Southern Railway Company
in 1894 To undertake the work he
enlisted the services OF M. V. Richards
whom he had placed at the head of a
similar department when he was
president of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. The policies which Mr..
Spencer outlined when he Inaugural
ted the department were followed up
to the day of his death and the work
has been carried on along exactly
the same lines under the administra-
ton of President Finley who gives to
it his closest study, most cordial sup
port and enthusiastic interest.
Richards, l want you to undertake
the work OF building up the territory
along the lines OF the Southern Rail
way, in the way of locating new in
dustries and bringing in new settlers.
| want to tell you now, that ten years
from now you will be getting started
It's life work for a big man. Will
you undertake it?" were the words oI
Mr.. Spencer in Offering this work to
Mr.. Richards and it was with this
view of it that the latter undertook
it.
The work was vastly different from
the work done by the land depart
ments of the Western railroads
These western roads had millions o.
acres of virgin land to sell most o
it given to these railroads by the
Government in the shape of land
grants. In attracting settlers they
were not only erecting business fol
the future but the sale of the lands
netted them a handsome return.
With the Southern Railway Co.,
the inauguration OF this department
meant the determination to spenC
large sums for the development o
the section served by it with no pros
pect of any direct return.
The departments books had only
: one side, that of expenditure, for there
!. was no revenue. However, the results
of the work undertaken by the de
. partment long ago proved the wis
dom OF it's Inauguration and tht
. hearty support givenit by Presidents
: Spencer and Finley The Southern
has protited indirectly from this worl
l l while the territory served has profit
ed directly.
With the increased facilities for the
conduct OF the work of this depart
ment, recently announced by Presi
: dent Finley, it is confidently expect
j ed that it will not only continue it
work for the upbuilding Of the Soutl
S and the bringing in OF desirable set
e tiers but that the benefits to thepeo
r pie of the South will be increa sed In
/ fashion which is sure to command
their attention and approval.
e Congressman Charles F. Barclay O
g Pennsylvania, Cannon Republican
l. L.