The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-05-13
AnnudlRep0rt President Chamber Commerce

railroad Facilities, this organization has
recently had a proposed right of way
surveyed, and is now having compiled
a plat Of the same in order to ascer-
tain the'cOsts of construction of pro-
posed railroad and also with a view
Of interviewing the landowners along
the route as to acquiring rights Of
way. This proposition has met with
enthusiastic reception by many prop
erty owners in that section, and we
have good reasons to believe that this
much desired railroad will be built
from Sumter through the richest ag-
ricultural sections of SUMTER Claren-
don and Florence counties. If built,
this road will mean much to Sumter
merchants and business men, and if
this project is cOnsummated success
fully. will in itself justify the es-
tablishment Of this organization and
every dollar that has been srcnt in
connection with it. We know of moth
ing that will do more good for the
prosperity Of the city and county
than to give every section adequate
and convenient railroad facilities.
Second only to good railroad facili-
ties are good public roads, and this or
ganizatiOn has always stood for and
used it's best efforts to stimulate in
terest in better public highways over
this county.
Cooperation with Farming Districts.
Realizing fully that this is pri-
marily an agricultural country, this
organization has by every means with
in its power interested itself in the
betterment Of our agricultural dis
tricts and our country schools. We
have taken an active interest in pro-
noting and cooperating with the
Girls Tomato Clubs, the Boys Corn
Clubs, the Field Day exercises, nnd
prizes offered for increased
yield per acre by rotation of crops.
tobacco culture and otherwise, and
have done everything possible to bring
about more friendly reciprocal trade
and social relations between the city
and county.
Advertising Sumter and Sumter Coun-
ty.
During the past year to many cities
and towns in almost every State in the
Union, and even to Canada, British
Columbia and Nova Scotia, this or
has forwarded by request
pamphlets. setting forth the
advantages Of Sumter county from
the commercial. agricultural manu-
featuring, climatic and educational
and giving information
about the Sumter City Manager form
of Municipal Government, and it is
safe to say that Sumter Is one of the
best advertised small cities the United
states today.
Atlantic Coast Line Passenger Station.
quite recently the Board of Direc-
tors and the members Of the City
Council had q meeting with President
Henley Of the A. c. l.. Railroad Co.,
In this city. at which time we dis
cussed the several improvements de-
sired by our citizens in connection
with this depot. President Henley
promised us many substantial i'm
such as better lighting
concrete walks between the
tracks, concrete walks to Haryin
Street to the station, a better and
wider roadway, better shed facilities.
and several other minor improve
ments, which will make the railroad
depot more convenient for the travel
ing public. President Henley express
ed . kindly interest in the city of
Sumter and in our organization, and
stated that his company was ready
and anxious at all times to meet the
reasonable demands of the people of
Sumter as they had always shown the
railroad great consideration which
was highly appreciated.
/ believe that in the course of a
very short time and as soon as the
necessary preparations can be made,
that the improvements desired will be
completed.
Sumter Horse Show Association.
Under the auspices Of this o.saniza-
tion there has been recently formed
an association for the exhibition of
live stock, which / believe will be of
great benefit to the farmers of Sum-
ter county by increasing the interest in
the raising Of more and better live
stock. We recently had q most cred
ltaDle horse show in this city. which