Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-12-16
MARTNsBURG BERKELEY COUNTY VIRGINIA THURSDAY MORNING.


very large portion of the contemplated loans
will be made BY our own citizens. OF our
public debt, amounting TO S6.447 ,445 co, the
sum Of $5,799,l As is held within our own
State, contributing by the expenditure of the
income thereof, in no slight degree TO our
prosperity.
But il is vain TO provide means TO develope
and secure the great advantages within our
reach, unless we devote our resources exclu-
sively 10 the completion OF one or al most two
great enterprises. To reach the navigable wa
tars Of the Ohio, is an object of the first impor-
lance. II is the great enterprise Of several of
The Northern States, and will, when accom-
pllshed by US, entertain not doubt, fun nsh
the means TO thoroughly renovate and improve
our beloved State. will ask no other proof,
in support of this conclusion, than the recent
report of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road
Company. BY that report il is seen that the
income Of their road for the past year is ST.
l0l 1886 s.; that Of this sum they expended
S590.S22 % in repairs and Improvements,
leaving S5ll JOY 60, equivalent to II per
cent, upon the capita, expended.--Ths road
is only l7S miles long, and terminates at the
foot Of the Allegheny. II carried 2SS, 614
passengers within the past year, an increase OF
S4l0 within single year. IL such be the
magnitude Of its operations in lis present I'M
finished state, it will be difficult 10 estimate il
when it shall reach the Ohio. And yet we
have more favorable route with the immense
advantage Of touching that river at more
southern point.
On the 9Th of March, 1917, the legislature
passed an act for the extension of the Louisa
railroad, the LIST section whereof authorizes
said company TO increase its capital stock the
sum of S2J0, 900, Tor the purposes therein ex-
pressed. understanding that said company
claimed the right OF adopting any route il might
prefer, and that it was probably intended 10
adopt the route by Charlottesville, the Board
OF public works deemed it their duty 10 init
mate strongly and clearly their opinion against
the right OF said company 10 take that direction.
This step was taken, not only 10 carry out the
supposed policy and intentions Of the general
assembly, but also to operate as notice to said
company and to private stockholders, that they
need not expect the cooperation o. tae Board
of public works, and that they might truly
understand their relation to this question, the
board aud the legislature.
On the 23d of September last, the stockhol-
ders III general meeting assembled at Louisa
courthouse and, as was feared, adopted the
route by Charlouesvile-On the day
of November, the president OF said company
submitted an application TO the Board OF pub
lie works for subscription to the stock OF said
company, which, after due consideration, was
declined, upon the ground that they had no
authority OF law 10 make such subscription,
appraised officially as they were of the route
which had been selected for the extension OF
said work. There had been previous adj
ver,isement of said company, that fourteen
miles OF said extension would be lei on the 23d
of November, aud bids were invited according
ly. Notwithstanding the refusal OF the board
TO subscribe TO said company, Notwithstanding
the president thereof was informed that the
difficulty should be referred to the general as
seinbiy, he proceeded not only to let out the
part advertised, but FIVE miles, as | am inform
ed, 10 addition thereto. This extraordinary
haste under the circumstances, followed by an
immediate commencement OF the work, was
designed 10 acquire, as learn, vested right
TO the state subscription. To cap the climax
Of this marvellous conduct, notice was duly
served on the Board of public works, calling
upon that body to show cause, on the 30th ul-
limo, why a nlaradanaus should no, be award
ed against them, which is still pending and
undetermined, and in relation TO which II may
be requisite for you TO take some action. This
proceeding is the highest moral evidence that
this company is conscious that in their selec-
ton Of the route, they have departed from the
spirit and intention OF the law, as well as the
future intent and meaning OF the general as
sembly; that they have nothing TO hope from
your favor, and tina; their only chance OF OBJ
tanning the cooperation OF the state, is through
the judgment oil court OF law.
The Board ofpublc works, throughout this
whole difficulty, have had no other desire than
to perform their duty and 10 execute the law.
They gave this subject an early and they be-
lieved thorough examination some OF their
members patiently listened 10 the views Of dis
tinguished men, and the board finally called
for The assistance OF the attorney general To
all the views and information thus collected,
they gave the most careful consideration, and
their conclusion was that they had no author
ity OF law 10 make the required subscription.
Without, however, dwelling upon this sub
jecl, respectfully refer you TO the report of the
Boardoi public works; wherein will be found,
if do not greatly err, full and complete vim
dication of that body againstun MUST asperslons,
as well as ample evidence OF a firm and faith
iul adherence to their trusts and duties.
lHt ldSt StHtfdl dSctuiuiy uUtCttu Nc
Board of public works TO subscribe TO sundry
internal improvements then in contemplation.
1t is known that large sums will be needed TO
meetsuch engagements, IN anticipation where
of, and to provide the means promptly 10 meet
them, the law authorizes the second auditor
to make sale as may be requisite. Of the state
bonds. But as this provision may prove in
adequate TO maintain the public faith inyiolate,
and as no reliance can be placed on the 18th
section of ian act 10 create Fund for internal
improvement" which authorizes sale ofour
road stocks for reinvestment, deem addition
al Legislation necessary, and therefore respect
fully recommend the passage OF law author
ising the Board OF public works 10 dispose OF
the bank stock al not less than par, now held
by them, when necessary TO meet their pay
ments.
communicate herewith preamble and
resolutions adopted by the Baltimore and O.
ho railroad company, on the 25th OF August
last, Doc. No. 10, accepiIng an act, entitled
"an act to authorize the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad company to construct the extension OF
their railroad through the territory OF Virgin
ia" passed the 9th March, lS47. The boon
conferred upon this company is a great one.
by it we divide advantages Of incalculable
value, of which we never could have been de-
prived, and give forever TO rival improve
ment wealth and power. cannot fee indT.
ferent TO these consequences, TO which can
only in some degree be reeonciled, by the re-
49,, a. -, .oo..~s. l.,ool a r.