Arizona republican., 1911-03-04
Visit of Railroad Magnate
 Bears Significant Aspect ROAD WILL ENTER TUCSON
The Construction of the Ell Paso and Southwestern From Benson to Tucson May Begin in a Very Short Time

Cleveland H. Dodge of Phelps. Dodge & Co. arrived in Phoenix last Thursday evening on the private car NacOzarL en route from the Grand Canyon to Tucson He stopped over until last evening. when he went south over the Southern Pacific. MT. Dodge was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Mrs Walter Douglas and Mir. Douglas, who represents the mining interests of Phelps, Dodge & Co. in Arizona. The visit of the prin- cipal stOckholder of the Fl Paso S Southwestern railroad to Arizona at view of the surveys which have been made for a continuation of that line into Tucson from Benson, or such a point south of Benson as would offer the most favorable starting point for the projected route northwest to Tucson. The grade of the Southern Pacific between Benson and Tucson IS exceedingly heavy and it is under stood that the promoters of the new road are inclined to favor some point south of Benson as the beginning of the proposed extension. which will en- aDie them to eliminate the heavy grades which have made the northern route impracticable for heavy trains. and will give them an easier haul into Tucson. The construction of this ex- tension would give the Fl Paso & Southwestern a through line between nd nd F.l the road to offer strong competition to the Southern Pacific for the trans portation of all freight westbound from Fl Paso, which is one of the most important terminal points of the west, the Rock Island. the Texas Pa cific. the Fl Paso & Northeastern. and various other important lines bringing freight to that point for shipment to the west. The Fl Paso & South western has been offered terminal facilities at Tucson and the owners of the road have been offered every inducement to continue their line into that city. IL is understood that Mir Dodge has come to the southwest for the purpose of completing all plans for the new road, looking over the route. and making definite in Tucson for the ter minus and entrance of the Fl Paso X Southwestern.
 It has been generally understood for several months that the continual tion of the Fl Paso & Southwestern to Tucson would be followed by an extension north to Phoenix. which would make Phoenix the terminus of the line, and a point from which it might later be continued to Yuma and from there to California, in which case the city would be an important division point on a great transconti- mental railroad. When interviewed this projected line last night, MT. Phelps was unwilling to give out any definite information con- corning it. but admitted that his firm had considered the advisability of such a road. The ad- vantages which would accrue to PhOe- . nix and to the Salt River Valley in case this road should be constructed would he incalculable. and there can be no doubt that after the Fl PasO & Southwestern has been put into Tucson. the owners of the road will be offered every inducement for con tinuing the line to this place.
 While in Phoenix, Mir. Dodge and his family went out in an auto to see the surrounding country. and he ex- pressed himself as highly pleased with the general aspect of the valley Concerning the future of this section. he said:
 If the people will only work along the line of least resistance, the fu- ture of the country is assured
 His trip will be continued over the border into Old Mexico. where the Op- ereration of some Of the branch lines of the Fl Paso & Southwestern has been greatly impeded by the insurrec- ton in that country. He expresses himself as fairly we'll convinced. how ever. that reports of the damage have been greatly exaggerated and that he will find things there in a better con ditiOn that he. has been given to un- derstand by newspaper reports.