Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-04-03

Route and every year will develop more and more
the energy and ingenuity of the population and the
resources ef the country In the vicinity of the first
20 miles, at least two-thrds of the land is of poor
quality and as yet, most Of the Farms small, and
the surplus produce quite limited But by reference
to the books of the Office, it may be seen, that the
Way Passengers and Freight, to and from this IN
promising part of the State contribute than one
third of the present business and profits of the Road
Steam mills, Cooper shops Meadows, Orchards, Dali
res, &C., give value the land and timber, and en-
ployment to the industrious, which previously they
had sought in vain Every year viii increase the de-
mand and supply Of these and other articles, which,
instead of requiring time to be transported to distant
and uncertain markets, viii be purchased with cash
at the door of the producer Where there IS an Or
chard or cultivated Locust Grove of 10 acres, and
Meadow of 30, on Farm near the road, there VIII
soon be paid, for the transportation OF Its products
from $50 to Sl00 year; and the owner, for all prac-
teal purposes will be as well situated in reference to
market as if he were within three miles of the Ohio
River No one can form, in advance, any just est
mate of the business originated and increased by
Rail Roads, or the extent of their advantages, espe
cially to the farming interest. The purchase and
keeping up of expensive teams, and the necessity OF
Fastening to market in good weather, when probably
it is glutted is obvated. Heavy articles from abroad
necessary for comfort are purchased cheaper, the pri
ces and demand for agricultural products enhanced
and the community generally,is invigorated, by the
variety of empoyments created by cheaPness Of trans
portation and facility Of intercourse.
During the year, 3 100 barrels Of Salt, I0,785 bbls
of Flour, and ~ 5l4 bushels of Wheat were trans
ported on the Rail Road, at less than 10 cents per lOC
lbs for 10 miles. Had these articles been hauled II
wagons before the Rail Road existed or at the
same seasons of the year now the charge would have
been not less than 30 cents per hundred that on
these articles alone, the direct gain to consumers Of
of the Salt and the producers of the Wheat &c. Ia:
been at least SIT 200. The immediate profit on othel
articles is less in proportion, but the privilege o.
selecting the best season for market and of buying
necessarics only they needed Is often OF great
advantage If 50 much has been realized the Road
in thiny settled and unproductve country, vastly
more may be expected on the 43 miles from Cifty &c
indianapolis where for thar 20 miles, on each
side all the landis of good quality, and where fol-
long periods in different of the year, the
common roads are nearly impossible.
The tract of country, doing partial bushes:
on the road and which will be relied on hereafter FOL
patronage, embraces the counties of Jennings
Bartholomew, Brown, Johnson, Morgan, Marion
Hendricks, Hamilton, and portions Of Jefferson
Jackson Shelby, and Boone, besides several counties
in less proximity to the Road The territory in ques
tion covers about 1850 square miles. by reference
to the table annexed it will be that these counties
in 1910, had population of IA 22S, and the agri
cultural productions, amongst other things, were
sos 270 bushels of Wheat, S9l C67 bushels of Corn
45 653 Horses III 726 neat Cattle and 315, 900 Hogs
1t would seem by the Presidential vote of 1874, tina
the population of these counties must now be ove
$50 600 and the agricultural products have, doubt
increased in agreater ratio.
That until July last the road did not reach conven
point of taking freight that the mode of transportation
is new, and has not yet superseded other modes along
the line, that the Motive power of the Company die
not permit them to take all the freight offered anC
that they cannot yet afford reduce the rates they
WILL when they have facilities for doing business
are sufficient reasons for the present limited bushes:
and receipts. When the road reaches indianapolis
which contains near 5000 inhabitants, and is the
centre of region, not surpassed in the Union fol
combined agricultural and manufacturing advantages
the business transacted will be ten times its present
amount and the toll, at reduced rates, Will at once
be near one hundred thousand dollars a year.
S. MERRILL, Pres't and Supt.
R. r. OFFICE, Madison, Feb. 26, 1915.
TR ANSPOPTATTON