Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-05-27
From the Philadelphia Reporter.
RAIL ROAD MANIA.

RAIL ROAD MANIA.
It's we'll for spectators, money lenders, stock
iobbers, and the world in general, that there is
for ever starting up some new project or enter
prise to fasten public attention-some new ma
MIA to give an impulse to business, afford an op-
portunity for the investment OF capital, and a
means for the probable or possible accumulation
of wealth. Since the invention and operation OF
steam boats nothing seems too daring or hazard
Gus for the ambition of man; and projects that,
in times not remote, would have been looked up
on as at this day is the theory Of Captain Symmes,
or the discovery Of the Philosophers stone, are
now contemplated with as much nonchalance and
calmness. as an astronomer predicts the changes
of the planets and the eclipses of the sun. The
shirt of internal improvement IS abroad over the
land. and like the march of mind. there is no cal
culatias the wonders oil its creation, or magIn-
inJ the extent Of it's power. The Canal fever,
which for a time ragged with such violence, and
10 which the genius of a Clinton gave such M
mise in New York, and a Lehman initiated so
happily in this state. and which system has IN
fact nerformed wonders in extending the avenues
or internal communication and administering to
4, the wants of commerce this fever has com
p,ratiyely abateI. both here and in New York.
Clinton has passed, full Of honOrs and glory, to
the tomb of his fathers-and Lehman likewise
rests m the halls of death. BUt this system has
not been abandoned. Extensive works OF thls
class are going on in several parts OF our thriving
republic, and will continue to be prosecuted
while river may be joined to river with advan-
tage, and state be connected with state oy artln-
cial channels of navigation. The Canal system,
however, has become quite an old affair. Peo-
pie look upon it without excitement, and compa-
uies are formed with drowsness not adequate
TO the wishes of spectators and the haphazard
system of the world. Pottsvllle, too, and the
coal mines-that excitement has passed away
all the pigeons have been plucked that may be,
the mere adventures have decamped from the
coal regions, and given place to those who are
willing to earn their bread by the sweat OF the
brow.
Under these circumstances, aud the general
anathy which has ensued, the railroad mania has
been rot up They have one between Liverpool
and Manchester, which flourishes abundant'y;
they have one running from Baltimore to Eiicott's
Mills, which is constantly crowded with passen-
gers; they are rapidly perfectlng railroad be-
tween Camden and Perth Amboy, by which we
nav reach NewYork in trice ,-rail-roads are all
around US, and why shalt not we have railroads
IN Pennsylvania. This was the language held
by the willy spectators, BY the quidnuncs. and
by the capitalists. This was the language thun-
dered through the press, and sounded in the ears
Of our state legislators. Internal Improvement,
SAT-, the immaculate Soons, is popular theme
ti people ask for rail-roads-our friends may be
s.slled to speculate d triile by the stock-we can
gVrcint tn. one and that one commissioner
7ts ~ oiec, j. deightful-let us give the people
charter, or railroads. And 10. we have them
ia aesat. zee. The Centra Railroad. the Nor
80 aod philadel phia Railroad, the Beaver
-.. %. Railroad. and host of others too nu-
u.e- - to mention. were chartered immediately.
E.,sn came the tricks of trade. Books were
eayled-Olacks, with long arms and Hat noses
rovs, with uo coats, shameless and hatless---Por-
els Walters, and every description OF persons,
we've engaged to find their way through dense
masses Of people, audi subscribe for stock. This
stock was immediately bought by the knowing
ones for trihlng advance, and sold to their less
Knowing eishbOurs for a greater advance. Thus
the fever was gradually tanned, and now RACES
in the vicinity at its highest pitch. AS we said
before. it is well for the public and Tor specula
TORS. that such excitements are constantly IN
vooue. The world wculd die Of ennun but fol
them; vet, in the spirit of sincerity and with some
little knowledge as to the result OF these manias
we would advise our friends, both at home ant
in the interior of the state, to "look before the,
lean, Coal mines. canals, railroads, and 81
forth, all have their day. When the fever aoates
there will be many eyes opened; and 1t may be-
many pockets lighter than they were before a
word to the wise IS sufficient.
9y.,.b HbuoE Holyrier