David H. Walker

Pioneers of Prosperity David H. Walker

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895. Excerpt: ... FIRST COMPETING RAILROAD. The appeal of the Executive Committee of The Traffic Association for assistance in building a competing railroad was in such terms that its purpose could not be mistaken. Indeed, there was no doubt that the attempt to secure competing railway lines would now be abandoned by The Traffic Association, if the Association did not at this time secure aid from the large real estate owners and leading moneyed interests of the city. It was also reasonably certain that if railroad building failed to receive encouragement, The Traffic Association would be found without any present work, and the existence of the organization would draw near to a close. The memorable meeting in the Chamber of Commerce Hall, on the twenty-second day of January, 1895, and the pleasing events which immediately, or with very little delay, succeeded, are now fresh in memory. Their full significance appears to be fully understood. It is a pleasing duty to set them down in order for future reference, for on the twenty-second of January, 1895, San Francisco, which had for a period of years been getting in readiness for the decisive moment, uttered a new declaration of independence. Many millions of money which were centered in commerce, and many more millions invested in San Francisco real estate; banking houses concerned in the prosperity of the great farming regions of the State; the hard and faithful workers of The Traffic Association--generally speaking, representative San Francisco, was in evidence at this meeting. It has often been said, "Young men for war and old men for counsel"; but on this occasion a majority of those present were grey-haired and well advanced in life. There were, among the attendants, many California pioneers. Success had set its seal to i...