“Henry B. Plant, president of the Plant System of hotels, railways, and steamship lines, is one of the men of to-day, whose work will influence the future. He controls twelve different railway corporations with a mileage of 1941, and 5506 employees; is president of the Southern and the Texas Express Companies, employing 6808 men; president of steamship lines, covering the coasts of the Gulf, going to Cuba and Jamaica, and skirting the coasts of the North, running to Cape Breton and the maritime provinces; founder of the most palatial winter resort in America, the Tampa Bay Hotel, and owner of five other beautiful resorts within the State. To Mr. Plant may be accredited the development, if not the real discovery, of the grand West or Gulf Coast of Florida. He is an American, and is seventy-seven years old; a man of tireless energy, wonderful ability, and remarkable industry. His career is marked by honesty, uprightness, straightforwardness, and business-like dealings. These qualities, together with a broad intelligence and keen perception, have brought him success. Withal, he is modest and unassuming, and has no pride but that which he takes in good works.” From the Ocala _Evening Star_, June 22, 1896: “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.