The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-26

That the railroads operating or in
Ienolng TO operate into Pensa cola
WITHIN the next few months realize the
significance of the opening OF the Pan
anna canal and are contemplating that
the erect will be felt in this city is
SNi1y SlSarIy SHOWN by the letters reproduced
peloW, which were made public by Sec
retary Henderson, of the Pensacola
commercial Association, in a recent re-
port to the association.
The Introductory remarks of Mr..
Henderson also show that he firmly
beleyes that Pensacola VIII be greatly
benefited by the opening of the canal
provided the city will take advantage
of its opportunity.
The principal business for which
the railroads are preparing and that I'm
which they see the brightest prospects
is the coaling industry. II seems from
The information contained in their let
ters that IT will be an easy matter 70
make Pensacola the greatest coaling
port on the gulf coast.
THE REPORT,
The portion OF Mr.. Henderson's re-
port referring to the coaling business
and the correspondence on that subject
follow:
The opportunity to prepare for the
Panama trade will come but once:
when 1t is gone, il will be gone forever
change. The Commercial Association
advocates municipal dock, a belt
railway, and factory sites. Prepare
ton besides this is being made in Pen
sacola by the railroads. Let us see
what they are doing. To ascertain
their views on the matter, the follow
ing letter has been addressed to the 4.
&. n. r. R., the Gulf, Florida g. Ala
bama Railway Co, and to the Mobile.
Pensacola a. Perdido Railroad:
LETTER TO RAILROADS,
Gentlemen The Atlantic ports
and railroads entering them are evil
IDENTIFY making strenuous efforts to
handle the coal for the Panama canal.
The situation Of Pensacola and the
direct connection, by means of your
line, to the Alabama coal and iron
fields seems to me TO provide a means
for supplying coal more economically
than via the Atlantic ports.
1T is stated that the government
and the railroads and coal companies
have been busy on this problem of
supplying fuel for one-half the marine
commerce of the world. Railroads 20
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk and
Savannah have quoted rates to tide
water, from mines to the steamers
bunkers, of from 90 cents to $50 a
ton for coal from Pennsylvania and
Alabama and as far west as Ohio, at
as much again the cost of coal at the
mouth of the mine, and as much again
to place the coal in two big coaling
stations that will be placed at each
end of the Panama canal In other
words, coal is to be delivered at Pana-
ma at $500 to $500 a ton, via the At
lantic ports.
The Commercial Association is TO
hold It's monthly meeting next week.
l naturally presume that your line is
making some preparation to secure
part of this business.
Cant you give me something to say
to the members of the association with
regard to this preparation? Also, as 1t
seems likely that coal is to be handled
by the government from the ports to
Panama, the influence Of Pensacola
would perhaps aid in securing part of
the business.
IAN early reply will be appreciated"
The following replies have been re-
FROM THE & N. r. r. CO.
Your letter of the 9Th inst, re-
ceived.
'1 fear that the management of this
company will not feel justified In Civ
ing you information as to their views
about the delivery of coal on the gulf
coast as affected by the construction
Of the Panama canal Nevertheless
am referring your letter to the presi-
dert and If he sees At to give you the
information I shall be very glad indeed
to transmit 1t to you. Personally
should be very glad to be OF service
to you and the Commercial Associa-
ton.
with cordial good wishes,
Yours truly.
John HOWE PEYTON,
Chief Engineer Of Construction"
FROM THE c., r. G. A. RAILWAY.
Il am in receipt Of your favor Of the
9Th inst, in connection with the sit