F391 .H84 Hg^^H^ygB^^^ .•' aO * ^^' 4P .^ i^>' -^^ I ^^ f A Few Suggestions Respectfully Submitted to the D H ,0PLE OF Texas, HER State and Railroad DllicmlB As well as to those who have interests here and may contemplate making this State their FUTURE HOME, and to all in genera! who may be in search of Homes i' and iPrDlitahleidnvBStmBntE, DEC 311887 X/ A CITIZEN OF TEXAS. ^ TKXAS ^ December 20, 1887. NOTE. It is respectfully suggested and earnestly requested that the reader will, if time will permit, read all of this little pamphlet, and not, as is often the case, pick out what may suit his taste and endorse it, and, perhaps, condemn the balance, or, on the other hand, chance to read a paragraph that he does not endorse and then con- demn all. Perhaps it would be well to read and consider both sides. (3j Suggestion No. 1. Speaking of railroads, it has often been asked . " What would State or people be without rail- roads?" Very true. It is also said, and believed by many : *' What would railroads be without people and State? " Perhaps "honors are easy" on this score. No. 2. Individuals, and especially capitalists, seldom act solely for sentiment or public spirit. As a rule it is business, yes, for cold business purposes. Did not the State of Texas offer to the capitalists a good field for investment, we would to-day be without railroads and many other good things which we now have. No. 3. The old saying that " a cat can look at a king " leads us to remark that a poor man, '* a man of the people " and one uneducated, might, perhaps, suggest a thought that the wealthy and educated, as well as those holding high positions both for State and railroads might do well to at least con. sider. No. 4. Railroad officials, and especially those holding office, should not be too sensitive, and a little oc- casional friendly criticism, instead of being con- sidered ofiensive, might ( as it has in many cases ) prove profitable both to those criticised and the interest they represent. The people and the press should be invited to speak to both State and rail- road officials in plain language. Those holding the positions referred to are neither children nor old ladies, and should not be treated as such. They, like the people they represent, and whose interest (4) they are supposed to care for, are but human, and are subject to error. No. 5. Speaking of criticism, we all well know that both our people, and those who represent them have been, and are to-day, "cussed" and dis- cussed, and no doubt often times very severely criticised. Perhaps we (the people) are charged by those who do not know us, with many things that we are not guilty of, and we, (both people and their representatives), are not given credit where the same is, and has been due. No. 6. Personal feeling, much less personal interest, should not interfere with business. It is suggested and believed by many that this has too often been the case, and it is thought that it is^ to the best interest of all concerned that it is not continued or repeated. Regardless of our power, we cannot always have our way, and perhaps it as well for us, as well as for the balance of mankind, that such is the case. We should at all times submit to the will and especially the best interests of the majority, and it is not business to punish the masses for the shortcomings or the actions of the few. No. 7. The State of Texas was made on the broadgauge plan, and she should be handled by her people, their representatives, and by those who represent the railroad interest of our State, in that way — that is to say, adopt and put in practice and keep it up, a broadgauge and liberal policy. The State, her resources and natural advantages will justify this. (5) No. 8. Criticism — plain, American English — should not be taken as any indication of lack of respect for those who hold high offices (either for State or railroads), or the great interest they represent. It should be taken in the spirit given, which is with best wishes for all, with malice toward none, and with only the best interest of onr people, State and her railroads in view. No. 9. We will all agree that the good people of Texas, and her railroads (with the help of kind Provi- dence, who has smiled upon and dealt liberally with us), are entitled to the credit of making Texas what she is to-day. This point being set- tled, it is a self-evident fact, tViat what we need (providing we wish to proceed witVi the good work) is more good people and railroads. No. 10. If suggestion No. 9 meets with the hearty ap- proval of all, there is then nothing left to be done but to go to work and all join hands, pull together, recover, as soon as possible, the ground we have lost and establish a good reputation, for a State with the reputation of ours to-day is a very heavy load for our good people to carry. No. 11. If it is decided that more people and capital are desired, the question naturally presents itself : How are we to secure either or both? We cannot very well get one without the other. No doubt many plans could be, and perhaps will be sug- gested and advised. It would be well, however, to keep the plain and old-time business rule well in mind : *' Meet the Competition of others, and (6) don't depend on natural advantages, " and we will add : Be governed by circumstances, and not by hobbies, or the influence or advice of others, es- pecially that of your competitor. Book and hearsay information put in practice will not compete with your competitors who are " in the saddle, " or with those who " paddle their own canoe. " Theory is all well enough to talk and read about, but in these days very few can afford to indulge in such luxuries. This, perhaps, is worthy of re- flection. No. 12. Speaking of competition, it would be well to un- derstand and if possible appreciate what compe- tition Texas and her railroads have to meet, and it is believed that if this is fully under- stood much valuable time will be saved. It is also believed that all will see the importance and ACTUAL NECESSITY of all Texas being united and working in harmony in this great cause. That is to say, work Texas as a State, and not merely in a local or selfish way. To meet the competition referred to we will not have any too much strength, and all hands and sections of our great state, as well as our railroad oflEicials, with their great power, will not be any too much. Even with all this combined influence, we will have good cause to be thankful if we secure our share of people and capital, as against other states that are now and have been for years our active, and you might say, very lively competitors- No. 13. It would be a difficult matter for anyone to out- line any plan or policy to pursue, that is to say, we could not very well decide upon details, but (7) we can say in a general way that we are going to have our State properly represented, and we are go- ing into the field for business ; that we mean business, and propose to ** fight it out on that line if it takes all summer." We should add, "if it takes all time to come. " If we decide to talk and act in this way, the detaiJs will suggest themselves and be easily cared Jor, and we will all be agree- ably suprised at the result, and that, too, in the near future. First show by our work that we have faith in our State, and we will soon have many able and willing hands to join us in our good and worthy labors. No. 14. Referring to Suggestion No. 12, to more fully explain what is meant by competition, let us un-. derstand and bear in mind, that Texas naturally comes into competition with other States, Terri- tories and sections that are in competition with the old and thickly settled States of our own great country, as well as that of Europe, for both people and capital ; and it is not reasonable nor business to expect that we are going to get our share of either without an effort, or we will say, without meeting competition. Especially is tliis so with our present and past reputation, which as we well know, we do not deserve ; and we also know that a great injustice has been, and is to-day being continued, against our State and people, — hence the great importance of prompt action. No. 15. Speaking of reputation, without it, and agood one too, neither man, corporation nor State can succeed or advance. We have to face facts, be it ever so unpleasant ; they are stubborn things and must be (8) recognized, and if possible, when injurious to any interest removed ; to remove these unpleasant facts, an effort must be made, if not it will be found that delay is very expensive. To be plain, the present impression entertained of Texas by people who do not know our State, is directly the opposite of facts; they connect Texas and her people with everything that is sensational, and we might say bad, and with very little that is good or worthy ofU.he re- spect of good people and the confidence of those seeking investments or homes. This is or is not the case ; if it be true, it is of importance enough to us that are here, to at least investigate. To the writer, it is plain that such an impression exists, and were he not satisfied of it, it certainly would not be written, much less talked of. No. 16. Referring to No. 15, we will state, and firmly believe that many will agree with us, that if the present reputation of Texas with those living in other States was justified by the facts, there are very few of us who are here now (and who have been here some time) who would remain longer in the State than it would take us to get out of it. No, gentlemen ; we would not live ! We, who love order and obey laws; we, who build and encourage churches,, schools, universities, colleges, and all such institutions, as well as help build railroadp, and encourage and assist all legiti- mate enterprises ; we, who love our families, and are and have been endeavoring (and many have succeeded) to provide for their present and future happiness and welfare, as well as the love and pride we have for our State. We would not, did we not have faith in the future of Texas, remain here longer than we could possibly settle up and (9) select a location or home elsewhere- The best evidence that we have been and are being mis- represented, is the fact .of our living and being here to-day, and if others knew Texas as we do, we could scarcely keep them from coming here. No. 17. The fact of having done what we have seems wonderful. With our reputation, and without any united efibrt on the part of our people and railroads, having had no competition worthy of the name between our diflerent lines for some years past, and considering the class of men we have had tilling the soil — who are good men, but weak financially, and lack the experience neces- sary to be successful in a prairie country — to say nothing of the conflicting of the different inter- ests, referring especially to that of the range stock men and that of the tiller of the soil. This, how- ever, is gradually disappearing, and there is to-day more harmony and a more "pnll- together" feeling between the "cattle king" and the "man with the hoe" than there has ever been in the past, all of '• Inch is pleasant to note. Yes, gentlemen of Texas, as well as those who are not here, all things con- sidered, it is simply wonderful, and it speaks vol- umes for our great State, to think and to know that we have done as well as we have, and all should feel proud of and have renewed confidence in Texas. No. 18. V Texas, properly represented and worked for as other States and sections have been, would sur- prise the world. She would support from three to five times her present papulation and industries, and would not then be over-crowded or over- stocked, and she would carrv her neoDle with (10) pleasure and profit to them and to herself ; while as it is now, she is a heavy load for her people to carry. No. 19. " All that glitters is not gold." It is also true that what to some looks like fail- ure, and we might say wreck, does not always in- dicate RUIN ; to those, however, who are not fully posted, it looks discouraging and anything but inviting. For instance, strangers in coming to Texas, after seeing the condition of our railroads and learning of their financial condition, which is, and has been in some cases, bankruptcy, they have come to the conclusion that the State of Texas is not a profitable field for railroads, and they reason that if railroads don't make expenses it might be a poor field for capital generally. Many people judge a country by the railroads, the condition of the same, the accommo- dations received and their appearance and man- agement generally. Strangers do not, perhaps, take into consideration the fact that without competition things generally lag, or in other words, become sluggish ; especially is this the, case with railroads, and when this does happen, the same inactivity or lack of life and spirit be- comes general throughout the country, and it can be noticed in all lines of business, from farming to merchandising, and we will add, manufacturing, etc. The strangers, or would-be-settlers, and investors, whom we (the people) would like very much to have receive a good, or at least fair im- pression and knowledge of our State, see but one side of the question. '*One story is good till the other side is told." It is an exception when they get both. The prospector don't know that our (11) railroads are taxed heavily to supply cars enough ' to handle the business offered ; that often times we have a *'car famine" as they have in the old and thickly populated States ; that we can scarcely 'care for the business offered, much less work up or develop new business not yet thought of either by our people or the railroad officials. The would-be home seeker, perhaps, does not know that the passenger business of Texas roads will compare favor- ably with that of those in many of the older and what is considered much wealthier States. It could hardly be expected that a visitor could or would learn both sides of the situation in simply passing through or over our State. The traveler, or home seeker, takes a birds-eye view, sizes up things in a general way, and soon makes up his mind one way or the other, and if he does, (which he is very apt to), judge our State in general by our railroads, and their condition and manage- ment in general, he will come to. the conclusion that he don't wish any Texas in his. If this be the case, it certainly affects quite seriously, both the interest of the people of Texas and the rail- roads in it. This is considered worthy of special consideration, and if we of Texas, will place our- selves in the place of a disinterested party travel- ing through or over Texas, we can no doubt come to a conclusion. The condition, management, etc., referred to does not, however, apply to all lines in the State ; this can and will readily be seen both by citizens of Texas and visitors ; atten- tion is simply called to it here, that none need take offence. It /is intended, urged, and especially requested, that credit be given where it is due^ not only to the railroads* but also to the people , and their representatives. (12) No. 20. - The Game of "freeze-out" is a well known Game by most people, and it is and has been, played very successfully in many sections of our country. Tliere are some sections that the said Game if played does not seriously affect the masses, the working: man or the man of small and limited means, that is to say, the man who is' and has been struggling to secure for himself and family a home (and there are many that hardly, aspire to that), thof^e would be thankful to be able to make a living for the present, with the hopes that some time in the future they may have a place that they can call Home. Ther^; are many of this class in Texas to-day, and they are good and valuable citizens, and would ad^ much to the growth and developement of the: State, providing they are not *' frozen out. " In the " freezing-out " Game many valuable men have been and may yet be lost to Texas, hence it is suggested that old and thickly settled, and we will say finished States, can stand the " freezing- out" process much better and not affect the class of people herein referred to as seriously as it will, and does in our State. Perhaps a remedy fc \ this Game, some may call it an evil, might be_ suggested. No. 21. Should Texas ever be known and understood by the people in our sister States, as well as those iu: Europe, there are railroads now extending in this, direction, as well as those who are already here, that would extend and build rapidly. We can also safely predict that roads that are not yet con- sidered or thought of in connection with Texas, would soon be coming our way. This, however; (13) ?jaight not suit some people, but, it is safe to say, it would suit at least the majoritj' of our citizens, {^nd they are entitled to some little consideration ; and we might go further and predict that the building of new railroads, extending of the old . lines, etc- , would naturally bring to our State in- creased population and capital, as well as many . good things not yet thought of, in the way of fac- tories, etc., that would work up our raw material, of ' .which we have so much. All of which would be very desirable and satisfactory to our people and. • 'i.liose yet to come, who have now and will then . have but one interest to guard, and that is, as we 'all know, Texas. Yes, Texas, first, last ahd all the time. We cannot *' hedge/' so to speak, having no interest to speak of outside of our State. This is especially intended for the citizens of Texas and those who have the honor to represent them and .THEIR GREAT STATE . No. 22. Speaking of "questionable practices" in securing ^and working for business, etc., (please see the Houston Post of Dec. 8th, 1887.) By some people it may be considered a ''ques- ftionable practice" to pay for what they get, that is • to pay value received for any work done or bus- iness secured, while to others it is considered business not to expect something for nothing, and ' especially so when your competitors are willing to and do pay for any and all business given them. Again there are many high-toned and honorable , gentlemen, (who stand to-day, and have stood for years at the head of their profession, and have • been very successful in their line of business, viz: that of the passenger and immigration, who have, and do yet, believe in paying for businsss given (14) their respective lines, and directed to and through the country which the same pass through or lead to. And again the gentlemen who receive the compensation referred to, are well worthy of con- sideration and respect, and were it not proper and legitimate for those gentlemen to receive pay for their work, it is believed that they would not accept, under any consideration whatever, the compensation referred to and said by the said Post, to be a questionable practice. And again, gentlemen, let us please consider the fact that there are many of our best and most prominent merchants, as well as those engaged in the real estate and other legitimate pursuits or business, who believe in paying for any work or favors received, that is to say they pay in proportion to the work done, and business secured ; to be plain and un- derstood by all railroad officials, railroad agents, and the public in general, who are directly interested in this matter, and many of whom have been severally criticised, if not insulted, by the article referred to in the Houston Post, are actually charged with '* questionable practices,^' and the attention of the officials of railroads, who have seen fit to pay a commission for business received for their respective lines, will no doubt feel some" what surprised, and at least will not or could not be expected to feel friendly to a paper, or the state in which such a paper is printed, and not called to task by the press of the state in general, for such abuse, when none has been deserved. As we started out to state and to make it plain to all, the custom and practice of paying com- missions not only on ticket sales, but on sales of merchandise, land, and in fact most any and all things, is in existence to-day, has been heretofore, and no doubt will continue to be for all time to .(15) ij come. Yes, and by as good and moral people as we have in Texas or any other state in our great ' glorious American country, and we can say the same of those who receive said commissions. '^' Perhaps the Houston Post can make some satis- ^^ factory explanation to those gentlemen whom they t have so severely criticised ; it is to be hoped so, at .^ least. To the general reader this paragraph may not be of interest, as they may not fully under- ' stand its importance. There are, however, some ' of our officials and citizens who may find it ■interesting reading. If so, and they profit by it, it ' will justify the space and time given to it, and if acted upon, the people of Texas and the State will .be benefited very much. )^ No. 23. Sneaking of the payment of commissions, and ,' referring especially to those paid to foreign ' railroad agents and agents of connecting lines, /leaving the merchants and others to do as they , please — which they will do any way — if there is ^^any one thing that a railroad built and run , through a sparsely settled country can well aflbrd to pay for, it would be for the securing for that •/ line of road and the country through which it runs immigration — people. With that road it is ^ PEOPLE OR RUIN to those who invested their money in it, as well as to those who would natur- ally drift to that section with the expectation that ^ others would soon follow, which will not be the case unless that line of road works for and is will- « ing to pay for business the same as roads do to other sections and states. If people and capi- ' tal can be had for Texas with high rates and no ^commissions, in fact, we will say by no special ef- fort, by all means get them, and get all you can in (16 ) the way of rates, and don't pay a cent for securing the business, but that kind of work, it is sug- gested, has been tried, and up to the present writ- ing has failed to bring the people and capital so much desired in our business. It might be well to consider the fact that what is good in one and for one section will not do for another. We have to be guarded by circumstances. Take, for in- scance, an old and thickly settled State, with its railroads all in first-class order, "gilt-edge," so to speak. W4th such a State and with railroads in the condition7 named a close and what is called a conservative policy might be practiced with profit, and while this may be so in some such cases, it has not proven a success in all. The fact is, now- a-days the railroad that does not cater to the pub- lic and meet it half-way will sooner or later feel the effects. Now we will take a State like ours, and the railroads in their present condition. Can we afford to stand on ceremony and be more con- servative than others who are much stronger than we are, but still have a more liberal and progres- sive policy than we ever have been favored with? You can not successfully work Texas and her rail- roads as you would Pennsylvania or Ohio and their railroads, and we might just as well decide this question and have an understanding before going to work, should we conclude to do so. No. 34. In Texas it has not been popular to work or even say anything favorable for any other section than that in which we live; that is to say, we seldom if ever look beyond our own town, city or county, and if a man is known to be in favor of, or should intimate that there is yet as good land anoccupied as any of that which is, he is branded (17) as a*' land boomer," ''a corner-lot fie»d," " land shark," etc. Now this, it is suggested, is not as it should be, it is true that some of our people and railroad officials, that are generally considered in Texas as progressive, would in some States and sections be classed the reverse of that, and might be called drones in the community. If we cannot earnestly and heartily recommend Texas as a good State for home-seekers and capital to come to, ^e should not work'^at all ; it is cruel, if not criminal, to do just work enough to induce a few people to come to our State, and especially to the thinly- settled portions of it and not make an effort to bring others in to assist and encourage the few. The few that have come from time to time since railroad competition has been dispensed with, naturally expected that Texas and her railroads would "keep up with the procession." This they find to their sorrow has not been done, and they naturally feel sad and discouraged, and regret coming to Texas. Should we, however, wake up from our present sleep, which has been at least a five years' nap, we will put life and new courage in the hearts of those good people, and they will not only remain with us, but will in the near future induce their relatives, friends and acquaint- ances to follow them. No. 25. If we, all hands, those representing all interests as well as the public in general, will pause for a. moment and consider what working for immigra- tion and passenger business is, they will be able to get some little id^a of what is meant by competi- tion. If they will notice the effort now being made in Texas by the officials and agents who represent lines in the Sautneastern f^t&teB, just oA (18) this time our State is alive with these gentlemen. Not only the traveling passenger agents, but the general agents are, and have been "in the saddle" for the past two weeks, and many will remain in our State, while others are located here perma- nently. All will continue to work up to, and including the last day the low rate tickets are sold. In addition to their being here, those gen" tlemen have with them tons of printed matter, advertising the fact that they have the low rate for those who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity to visit or return to their old homes. We have been told by our railroad officials that we (Texas) had the same opportunity a few months past in the Southeastern States, and the same inducements were offered to the people in that section to come to Texas; this is all very well as far as it goes, but let us ask the question, how did the effort made in that section by Texas rail- road officials and agents compare with the present effort being made by their brother railroad officials and traveling agents (in Texas) of the Southeast ? We will say, without fear of contradiction, that the effort of the latter as compared to that of our officials and agents, would be like that of a great, strong, robust, healthy and well developed man, who would weigh at least two hundred pounds, and that of a poor, sickly, delicate child, scarcely able to crawl. It matters not how good the cause, or how much merit it may possess, it really amounts to but little unless it is worked — ^'pushed" is the word generally used and put in practice by those who "get there with both feet," so to speak, now-a-days- •' No. 26. To secure immigration and capital, as well as a s^are of passenger business generally, and to (19) meet ihe competition of others, it is necessary to have passenger men in full control of that depart- ment with power to act. No. 27. For the freight business of any line, and especially that of a line which runs through a thinly settled portion of country, to hold its own, or we will say increase, as it certainly should and is expected to, it is actually a necessity for the passenger department of such line to have full control of their department, for without people, little or no freight can be looked for ; to be plain, it requires people to produce freight, and it re- quires a well organized and thoroughly aggressive passenger department and agencies to secure the people and capital. No. 28. Again referring to reputation, the patient reader may think this a hobby of the writer's, and possi- bly see fit to criticise severely the subscriber for having so much to say about ''reputation." How" ever, as the cost of presenting these few sug- gestions is borne by the writei', and there is no law to compel anyone to spend any time reading them we will repeat that "honors are easy" on this score as well as that of the railroads and the people ( See Suggestion No. 1 ). But to business. It is suggested that Texas, with a good reputation, such as she is entitled to, means for Texas at least five million population, and improvements generally in proportion, and that in the near future; it means that instead of cities of from ten to forty thousand people, as we have to-day, we will have cities of from fifty to one hundred and fifty thous- and population. It means that what are towns to- (20) day will soon grow into cities. It means that what are small villages to-day /will soon grow to be good-sized and prosperous towns. It means that where there is to-day nothing but a side-track and perhaps a section-house called a station on our different lines of railroads, will take life and soon become a trading and distributing point for the sur- rounding country, etc., etc. We might go on and fill volumes trying to show what the result of a good reputation for Texas would be, but we have some little feeling left for our readers, and will not inflict them any more than is thought necessary. We will, howlever, take the liberty to suggest that it would be safe to predict that with anything like the success that other states have met with, those who had the benefit of competition by railroads, etc., and have kept up with the times generally, we could reasonably expect that Texas would secure deep water at least at one of her many good ports along her coast, and we all know how much this is desired and hoped for by one and all of our people. Yes, gentlemen, settle your unoccu- pied lands with good people and you will be sur- prised to see how many good things will follow • Is it worth the effort? No. 29. Speaking of deep water, etc., for Texas, while all this would suit and much please all who feel an interest in Texas, it would be well to bear in mind that this prosperity of Texas might not please some people. Please bear in mind as we go along, there are many jealous, if not selfish people in this cold business world of ours, and what would suit us could not be expected to please all. Our business and other troubles are nothing to others, no more than their' s is to us, that is to say, we (2n must expect to care for, foster and protect our own interest, and not look to others to do it for us. By doing this we will soon have others to join and assist us. There are those who no doubt could, or would at least, see that deep water for Texas would attract capital in this direction, and that might conflict with their interest. Business men of eastern ports could easily see that anything that would tend to draw capital and people to the south-west, or even to the south-east, would naturally be a step towards bringing to the front such ports as we now have on the Texas coast, to say nothing of those of Mobile, Pensacola, New Orleans, etc. No. 30. It is respectfully suggested and urged that no valuable time be lost in pleading excuses and lay- ing blame on one another, making promises, etc., but that we take action at once, or decide that we are doing well enough as we are, and let it oro at that. Lack of action is unsatisfactory and any- thing but profitable. Let us decide on something definite. No. 31. Give us competition among and with our rail- roads. **Side-track" all the past except that which is pleasant to talk of and refer to for our best interest. Let us not deal in ancient history — leave that for the old folks to amuse the children with, if they feel so disposed. Let us be up and doing, and we will all be happy and content. There is in Texas as good material to carry on the good work commenced as there is in the world. Their work is the only evidence required to convince any and all, friends and rivals alike, of this fact. Bring the people — home-seekers and capitalists — on the (22) ground and let them see and be convinced, and all will be well. Give us low rates, and printers' ink in abundance ; this, with the assistance of the press, and nothing but a plain statement of facts is re- quired, expected, or should be tolerated. This, with a full appreciation of our State by our own people, will put us before the world as we should be, and secure for us the confidence and respect of all law-abiding people, as well as those of means and influence. Will we make the effort to accom- plish this or are we satisfied with our present condition, reputation and affairs generally ? The writer for one at least will speak for himself, arid say, that much is yet to be done to make Texas what she should and was intended to be, and he is willing and ready to contribute his mite to that end, believing that all can and should join in this good work, though being one of the weak, finan- cially speaking. We will also add that no claim is made to be able to do justice to this great and important subject, but thinking and earnestly hop- ing that some abler pen or mind than that of your humble servant and fellow-citizen might possibly find some hint or suggestion in the foregoing worthy of thought and consideration ; if so, take the subject up and do it justice. The man who does this and succeeds in bringing all interests to work in harmony, as one, as it should be, will be, to say the least, a public benefactor. No. 32. The writer has in mind a certain Traffic Asso- ciation, as well as the statee, people and railroads over which said Traflfic Association presides, that could very consistently insert the name of the association, the state and railroads where Texas appears in No. 33, and apply it to their section (23) and association ; that is that part of which refers to '•quarantine," "questionable practices," etc. The south and south-eastern states have been kept in the shade just as Texas has been with Hobbies, "Sunday school ideas," "Reform movements,*' etc., instead of knowing their competition and meeting the same as business men should and do elsewhere. If the south and south-eastern states and Texas had been properly represented and generally known as it is, and not misrepresented as it has been and is to-day, there is no telling what their population and capital would be. It certainly would far exceed that of the west and north-western states. No. 33. Neutrality will perhaps do in some cases, but when it comes to a man, corporation or State taking care of and protecting his, their or its interest as against competition, it is a very **lame duck" ; it will not work, gentlemen. The people of Texas are not neutral in dividing their business and working for their State ; they do not spend half or two-thirds of their time in working and caring for Kansas, California, Colorado, etc.; with them it is Texas straight. We are told by the Houston Post that the ditfer- ent roads of Texas have in the field working for Texas, from five to twenty agents each. This looks very nice on paper, but it will not hold water. Give us light, gentlemen ; both sides of the question, if you please. For instance, we will say one of the lines named by the Post ir\ its issue of December 8, 1887, has ten agents in the field working for Texas. That looks very well, and no doubt many think that those agents are working Texas straight. The people of Texas are now, and (24) have been, giving all their business to the Texas roads, and working for the interests of their State generally, and that only. Now, let us see how much time the ten agents referred to spend in working for Texas. It is, 1 think, perfectly safe to say, that out of the ten men there is not the work and time of one man given exclnsively-^to Texas. Those gentlemen are working like all others, going with the tide, and devoting their time and attention to meeting the opposition of other States and sections. To be plain and fully understood, should any of the gentlemen referred to, hear of a party going to California, Kansas or Colorado, they will go to them and talk Kansas or Colorado, which ever it may be, and it is a chance if Texas is ever mentioned any more than, per- haps, that if going to California you pass through it. But with our present reputation, that is not much of an attraction, and it is doubtful if it is talked much. Now, gentlemen, what is or should be considered working for Texas straight, is this (if you are properly informed): Should a Texas agent learn of a party of people, tourists, land or home seekers, or investment hunters, going to any other section than that of Texas, he should, and would if he was working Texas straight, go and see or send a sub-agent to those people and present Texas to them as it should be, and if necessary offer some in- ducement to have them at least come and see Texas. This is the kind of work that was done for Texas before competitipn was dispensed with and "that was about five years ago. This is especially the case with lines leading from St. Louis, However, about two years ago there was an extra effort made to quarantine people and capital from coming to Texas. This, perhaps, (25) was not the way the order read, and it certainly did not read that wa}' to the people of Texas, or they would have kicked out of the harness. We will be liberal and say that perhaps it was not intended or expected that said order ( we call it an order — pefhaps it should be called a circular) would in any way affect Texas. It did, however^ and very seriously, too. It is the results that count, and not the details. There were at that time some little protests entered by the press of Texas against this *' quarantine order" being en- forced, but the mild protest soon died out. The people or press did not see "Cn*^ know the import- ance of the hobby, or *' reform movement, " call it what you will ; it has been given many names at different times ; the latest is .^'questionable practice. " It was called a quarantine order when it was issued, and it has had the effect of keeping people and capital out of Texas. We are inclined to believe that that is the most appropriate name for it. . No. 34. To the gentlemen of Texas, who have in the past, and do to-day, make a specialty of stock- raising, who are sometimes given the title of "cattle kings," it is respectfully suggested and firmly believed by ttie subscriber that an increase of population to Texas means for them better times* It is a fact, well known, not only by the people of Texas, but also by those of all other states, and we will add Europe, that the cattle in- terest of our state has not been for some time past, and is not to-day what it should be. This is regretted by all classes of people of our state, as well as by many" who are not citizens^of Texas. An increased 'population naturally means an in- (26) creased demand for not only beef, but for stock cattle, and with an increase of population, we can safely predict an increase of capital. Is it not safe to say that with an increase of capital we will have a better chance to secure a home market, both for beef and stock generally ? As we all know, Texas is a fine field for refrigerators in connection with slaughter and stock yards, such as they now have at Kansas City, Chicago, etc The one and only thing required to give to Texas this enterprise, is Capital, and it is believed that can easily be se- cured by placing Texas to the front rank, where she should be. This, with an increase of " beef eaters," will add much to our present home con- sumption. Again, should we draw people from the middle, eastern and north-western states, we will secure many who will engage in '* stock- farming;" that is, combine stock-raising and farming together. There are many who would not care to own over from to one three sections of land and would want stock enough to stock the same. This wonld produce buyers for from fifty to say two hundred head of stock, each, and as demand regulates prices, it seems but natural that the stock interest would be benefited, if not revived to quite an extent. We will all admit that the days for range stock busi- ness are numbered among the past. There are at present, to say nothing of the future, too many small farmers, and too much " stock farming" is being done for the best interest of the range stockmen. At least this is the condition in many sections where a few years since the interest re- ferred to had a full swing — unlimited range, so to speak — and judging the future py the past, it will be a year older and less range each year. Then the thought suggests itself that a change is grad- (27): ually growing in the situation. The gentlemen who represent this great interest will do, and of course know best about this matter, and can speak and act for themselves. The writer never having had actual experience in the range stock business, can only speak from observation and from what little information he has been able to gather from disinterested parties. It is hoped, however, that it will be to the interest of the gentlemen to whom this paragraph or suggestion is especially and respectfully submitted, to assist and join all other interests in the present movement, the ob- ject of which is to encourage people and capital to come to Texas. The said interest will be well represented at the Texas State Immigration Meet- ing, to be held at Dallas on the 20th inst . No. 35. ^ THERE IS NO CONFLICT. There seems to be an idea in some quarters that there is a coijflict between the people and the rail- roads in this matter, and, as a consequence, the railroads are being censured. This is a mistake. There is no conflict. The people are simply ask- ing the railroads to join hands with them in the great work of settling and developing the State, the result of which would most certainly be bene- ficial alike to the State, as the cities cannot grow nor the population and wealth increase very fast without immigration, and as to the railroads, it takes population to make business. The people of Texas are willing to be liberal with the railroads, and will go so far as to admit that they are in- debted to them. The best way to pay that debt is to go to work and co-operate with the people in the bringing of immigration to the State, as the work of the people in this direction must be fruit- (28) less without the assistance of the railroads. There are people whose judgment is worthy of respect, who believe and claim that they have evidence of the fact that the State and people have dealt very liberally towards the railroads, but it is a lamenta- ble fact that corporations as well as individuals, frequently forget past favors, and sometimes even contracts. It is a well known fact that Texas has given to several of her railroads several sections of her best land for every mile of road they built. Now, this land was given in the expectation that the roads receiving it would induce people to settle on it. But, be this as it may, there are many peo- ple who would regard the transaction as a contract. It is also a well-known fact that the State has not rested here. It has from time to time made efforts, spent money and sent representatives into the field to solicit immigration, and perhaps had the State been assisted and encouraged by the railroads, much more money would have been spent and more labor of the same kind exerted in the same direction. Speaking of the Kansas exhibit at the Centennial at Philadelphia, it is true that Texas did not spend any great amount of money to be represented there, but the State was ably represented there by Governor Hubbard, who offset thousands of dollars invested in ex- hibits by other States. Governor Hubbard's speech did more to give outsiders a correct impres- sion of Texas than anything done before or since. More than this, some of the biggest railroad officials of the State used it as immigration ammu- nition, and in pamphlet form, distributed the same all over the eastern and middle portion of the United States and in Europe, and the results of this were quickly seen. Immigration and capital poured in from quarters where previously (29) the people had no intention of coming to Texas ^ and the good work did not cease until the compe- tition between the railroads ceased. The connect- ing lines of the Texas lines, like all other railroads, are always ready to cater to the business, and when this immigration movement is once started all these roads will be found pulling with Texas, for nothing succeeds like success. When a man or State is in prosperity, everybody is ready to help him or it, but when in adversity, everybody is ready with a kick. No. Finis. The attention of the reader as well as that of the general public, is called to the fact that our rail- road~T>fficials, from the highest to the lowest, are simply "hired men," so to speak, and this and nothing more or less, carrying ouflbhe instructions and policy of those who employ them, therefore nothing personal should be indulged in. If said policy should be criticised, the officials cannot consider it a personal attack on them. It is but natural that those employed to carry out a policy or instruction would not only do so, but defend the same if necessary. The officials re- ferred to will take care of their part of the business. Has and does the past and presen; policy of our railroads suit the people of Texas ? There may be some few who think they have been criticised a little too freely, or perhaps they might say too severely. It is suggested that any- hing said herein would be considered compliment - ary notices as compared to what has been said of our people and their representatives from time to time, and what might be said of those we refer to (30) should we undertake to criticise. Pleaae don't be too sensitive, gentlemen. Both people and press are at liberty to criticise the foregoing as their best judgment may dictate, and should either desire the name of the author it will not take a search-warrant to find him or secure his'name and address. CONTTKNTS. Page. Railroads and Railroad Officials 3 Criticism and Personal Feeling 4 People Wanted — Plans 5 Competition 6 Reputation 7 Misrepresentation 8 Wonderful Success — Great Possibilities . • 9 "All that Glitters is not Gold " 10 Home and Investment Hunters ...... 11 "A Game of Freeze-out " 12 '* Questionable Practices" 13 Ticket Agents, Etc 14 Commissions, Etc 15 Not Popular to Work for Texas -16 Unite All Interests 17 To General Passenger Agents, Etc 18 To General Freight Agents, Etc 19 Deep Water for Texas '. . . . 20 Pleading Excuses, Etc 21 A Certain Traffic Association 22 Neutrality, Etc 28 Texas Straight 24 " Cattle Kings " 25-26 There is no Conflict 27 Gov. Hubbard, Etc 28 '•Hired Men," Etc 29 " Search Warrant" 30 T H K (( 5 ■THB?i— r^ -^'HE ^ a> Stj&te a^DflAilRo^ Officials, O The ftolle-ptlT^as, THE I^RONO. ABOI^ W^K, O I Should all join hafids 'ptnd ^orka)for Texas. It is e^rne^ly l^pec^ that such will 'fee th^ ca^ ^ Copyright applied for ; all rig ^ rved. id. Any inMiigement \ V o > .V-^ 3 V ° . 1^^ .-V 0-^ ^' s^ . . „ ^^ cf^^ls^ ^ "•^^''■^^\^ ^'V ^^ '-^li^^' ,' A ^. .0 ^ ^^ N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962 A- ' * ^ O A<^ ° " ^^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS