“H. B. Plant, the railroad king, has again stepped into our midst and proposes to add to the new improvements of our city a large and elegant passenger depot.
“Notwithstanding the fact that he has done much already to advance the prosperity of the beautiful perpetual summer land of flowers and sunshine, he is still, at the present time, losing no opportunity to add to the beauty and upbuilding of the State of Florida.
“If every railroad running into our State would feel as much interest in her welfare as does the Plant System, but a few years would elapse before this section would be the most prosperous in the Union.
“Thousands upon thousands of dollars are spent every year by the officials of this road in the improvement and erection of property within our borders.
“H. B. Plant is indeed a friend to Florida, and if other roads would spend as much money in our State as he does, there would not be such a cry for free silver, as there would be plenty in circulation, and every one, from laborer to governor, would have his share.
“While Mr. Plant is somewhat advanced in life, the Star hopes that his years may yet be many and his love for the sunny peninsula as great in coming years as in the past.”
From the Home Journal, New York, March 11, 1896:
“If, comparatively a few years ago, one had ventured the prophecy that the time would arrive when we could leave New York at half-past nine one morning, and wake up at daylight the next morning in Charleston, a court of inquiry would have been called to pass upon his mental condition. Such, however, are the facts to-day.
“You leave Jersey City in a sleeper, supplied with all of the latest appointments for comfort; a courteous conductor takes your tickets, with which you have no further concern until you reach Charleston, when they are handed to you in an envelope. What a comfort not to have to be pulling out the everlasting ticket just in the midst of conversation or while reading an interesting magazine article!
“If the cars are not crowded, you feel a sort of proprietary right to roam around at pleasure, change your seat as often as you desire, and wash your face and your hands whenever they need it in the cosy little toilet-room. What a change from the old-fashioned water-cooler, where a cupful of water was wont to be poured over a pocket-handkerchief, and the face and hands wiped with it, leaving arabesque designs in black and white wherever it touched!