American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-03-28
For the American Republican. !
THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL. Al
TIE GEORG EIlANN RlN-EIRES

For the American Republican,
THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL AND
THE GEORGETOWN BON-FIRES.
Ii is a generally received truism that in
multitude of counsellors there is wisdom; and it
would appear, from the confidence and appar-
cnt unanimity with which opinions are laid
down upon the subject of the completion of
The canal and the interests of tins city in con-
nexion with it, that there can be no rational
appeal from current sentiment; but that in
point of fact, the speculations and arguments
Of to-day are the history of the future, uneri-
ingly written.
There are few however, amongst us-and
those few as well qualified by experience to
form correct Judgment as any of their neigh
bors-who maintain that the opinions thus con-
idently advanced, as well by councils as by in
oVduals, entirely unsound, provided the
completion of the canal to Cumberland has the
effect of materially stimulating the business of
Allegauy County; and unless this stimulous is
thus impaired, the entire work, whether finish
ed or unfinished, is of necessity dead and value
less on the hands of the State; and the whole
concern in controversy, in a revenue aspect, is
not worth the parchment upon which an argu-
nent, pro or con, may be written.
Our belief is-and we state it with all the
confidence with which opposing opinions have
been advanced-that under no circumstances
within the range of probability, can the bust
ness to which we have alluded, be increased in
the region OF country under consideration,
without contributing most essentially to the ia
terests Of this city-and more essentially there
10, than to any other point to which its inter-
course and commerce may tend.
An increase OF business, pre-sIpposes of ne
ccssity, vast increase in an active, industri
Gus, and consuming population, and with the
advantages of communication herewith
which we now possess-and which against all,
peradventure, we can and will maintain, if
mindful of our own best interests; who can be
so blind to facts and probabilities as not to be-
leve that every addition to such population
must work directly in favor of every import
ant interest of the City Of Baltimore.
The population we speak unemployed ex-
clusively in the business of working in coal and
iron-must of necessity become important con-
sumers of every species of domestic and foreign
goods, groceries, &c., and no market within
.heir reach, can equal that of Baltimore in con-
venience and value to them; and as heretofore,
from this section of country, it will be the prin-
cipal resort for supplies, thereby augmenting
The trade Of the city, and adding materially to
the revenue of our railroad by travel and trans
portation.
In the business of iron transportation, the
RAILROAD company will be found most success
inl competitor with the canal, inastnuch as
when brought to this city, it is at once in one
of the best markets in the country for that ar
.icle; an advantage that will more than COM
pensate the maker for any small additional
freight charge by the railroad over the canal
to Georgetown, should any be exacted; for if
that point is its destinati ont being no mar
ket in itself for the commodity, it merely goes
there for shipment to some other marketable
point.
The transportation of coal has never, until
Of late, been regarded as one of the sources of
revenue to the railroad, and Its capabilities re-
main as yet very much undeveloped. Our be-
lief is strong in its ultimate efficiency compared
with any other mode of conveyance; but should
II be found that even large portion of the
coal of Allegany, finds its way to the Potomac
instead of being brought here, its influence and
effect will prove comparatively unimportant.
For ourselves, we have no fears that the OPP
eTations of the canal are destined TO build up
and sustain rival cities to that of Baltimore
The position of that work, between two COM
paratively small villages, dependant for nearly
it's entire business upon the local transportation
of flour, coal and iron, and from the fact that
il can be made no thoroughfare for travel, or
reach and embrace the transportation of pro-
ducts, of the millions Of population beyond the
mountains, utterly forbid any such idea.
If the cities of Washington, Georgetown and
Alexandria are partially benefited by branch
of business, which from the character of cir |
cumstances we cannot entirely control, it will
prove benefit rather than an injury to this |
city.
In our business experience-we remember |
the period well-though more than twenty |
five years ago, when the trade of Georgetown |
with that of Baltimore was to greater amount !
and of more value in single year, than it has
been for the last eight years united; when its |
principal hotel, at fair valuation with other |
property, was rated at not less than SIS, 900 |
value; and we have since known that same es-
Enlistment, for several years before its destruc-
ton by fire, to be occupied year in and year out,
rent free.
All other property has suffered immensely in
value-and we refer to this waste and depreci-
alton with no feeling of qualification, but with
one of peculiar pain and regret.
We have suffered in a degree from the great
er misfortunes of our neighbors.
The entire District population compal ed with |
its extent, has ever been amongst our very best |
customers; and if its sum at this time was quad
ripple its present amount it would be greatly to |
the advantage, rather than an injury to this
city.
Let them rejoice at the prospect before them,
and draw from it all present comfort and con-
solation-let them illuminate, fire cannon and
burn tar barrels: the demonstrations neither
CRATE upon our nerves or convince our judg-
inent. -four neighbors can improve their con-
d!uon by the business and prospects before |
hem, we shall assuredly be partici pants in all !