Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1839-08-08
T HI, RAIL ROAD.


ltwond seem almost supelfluous now TO aItemrt
to demonstrate the importance ola Rail Road con.
neclon between James River aud the Tennessee
liz This has been so often and so satisfactorily
done, THAT the argument is completely exhausted
Indeed, our citizens gave several years ago, the
strongest possible evidence oftherialth in the con-
cusiveuess of the argument, by their subscription TO
the stock Of The New RIVER Rail Road the mos,
liberal ever made, in tins Place in behalf of any
public enterprise.
And yet, ii is worthy OF remark, that, in 1881 it
was proposed TO terminate the Road at New River.
with prospect certainly, but with positive asst
rance, that it would ultimately reach knoxville; al
lhough il is true, the possibility Of lis extension at
some future period to New Orleans Was asserted.
But what is The state of facts
Tennessee is anxiously awaiting our ac ton, in Of
der 10 regulate ler own. DESTROYS of aliordns To
her interior. well as to that portion of her people
bordering on The Virginia line, outlet to market
she has been long hesi,aiing 10 tie best de of
improvements and waiting the determination of
Virginia as tie oasis OF her own decision. Prefer
ring the kall Road system, she is anxious to meet
us with that description OF improvement, if will
but say tie word But aware, tlat, unless such
Road be made IN COZ Junction with u.s. it will be
useless expenditure of money on her part, she is
disposed, If hers is to be isolated work. and de-
signed only for her own local trade to construct Il
Road upon the cheaper plan Of Mac adamized
Turnpike. Shall we longer delay our decision and
perhaps compel Tennessee to adopt mode ofim-
novement, which, after its completon may consri-
tue a broken link in the contemplated line for
years after its completion either side
Again: the Rail Road from New Orleans TO Nash
vile, commenced two or three years ago, will
doubtless soon be resumed with renew cd vicor and
energetoaly prosecuted until il is completed A
bill making heavy appropriation to this object was
last year defeated by the re'o of the Governor of
Louisiana, against the votes Of nearly lwo.thrs of
both branches Of the Legislature OF that State,
founded upon an objection, not to the work itself
but to of the principles contained in the bill.
and ali parties seem sanguinely anticipate that
next winter all difficulty this score viii be reno
we'd, and that the work will be pushed forward spi,it-
eddy and vigorously. So thai the anticipation Of 1881
is realized in 1889.
And, at the other end the line from Lynth burg
TO Richmond, we shall lave Canal navigaliono
lened, capable of Transporting any amount of pro-
duce and furnishing cheap and pleasant convey
once for any number of ssengers ;--wheicas, had
the scheme been prosecuted 10 completion in 1881,
the water line from Ri chmond to Lyucbburg would
have been probably untouched, and we should have
been subject, for time least, all the inconveni
encc delay uncertainty and expense incident to bat
teaux navigation willie the passengers upon the
route would have been vastly diminished by the 90
miles of stage travel between the same points.
With reference, therefore. alone 10 the condition
Of things at 9th OF its tcrmini the inducements TO
construct the Road are UNNECESSARILY greater now
than they in 1881 ; and, if the stale Of
things lien existing justified a subscriptions by
the citizens Of Lynchburg, of upwards of $500 OOO
surely II is not too much expect subscription of at
least ~ o-tiirds of hai al this time especially
when other facts adverted to, calculated still faD
'her TO show The utility of the scheme by pointing =
sources Of profit not only not known to exist, but ac-
tually not dreamed of in 1881.
We have now before us "a Map, illustrative Of
the Internal Improvement system of the South"
prepared by John &. Trautwine, Esq. Engineer OF
the ilwassee Rail Road-a glance at which is only
necessary 10 convince the most ''unbelieving Them
as among us, If indeed there be any one WHO
doubts that, regarded alone as secure and profit
able Investment of funds, no stock can possibly pre-
sent stronger Inducements the cupdly of capital
lists than this.
Taking Knoxville, which may be regarded as the
western terminus of our road as the point of obser-
walton, what magnificent picture Is spread out be.
fore the eye
First, we have the Hiwassee Rail Road st,etch-
ing 70 mics, TO the Georgia line, 40 OF which are
now ready for Giving the rails, and il is stated,
competent authority, that in less than nine months
the additional SO miles will be in the same cond
lion.
AT the Georgia line, the IIiwassee Road is met BY
The Western and Atlantic Rail Road, to Decatur,
l 10 miles in length 100 Of which are graded for the
rails.
AT that point connection is formed with the De-
calnr and Charlottesville Rail Road, SO miles in
length, upon which much grading is already done.
And at Charlottesville II taps the Road running
rom Athens 10 Augusta 65 miles in length which
connects al the latter place with the South Caroli-
IA Road l36 miles in length, terminating at Charles
on,-the whole OF the two latter divisions being al
'eady completed and in peiaon-olO miles.
Here is a line of Rail Roads from Knoxville to
charleston, 5. c., AS miles in length, and moro
han one ball Oft already completed, and large por-
ION OF The other moiey graded for the rails, which
" II and f. Iet n