Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-10-01
From the Charleston Mercury
FHE CONNECTING LINK.


tnat there was not much probability that the
Metropolitan enterprise would be prosecuted,
You propose another route to the consideration
OF your readers, Ito wit, from Charleston to
Raleigh direct,) and open the columns Of the
Mercury for any information " calculated TO
assist In forming correct judgment upon it,"
propose to notice, in the first place. an er-
roF OF distance in your statement. which, in
forming an estimate, seems proper to be cor
rected. You state the distance from Charles
ton to Fayetteville to be 1O4 miles. There
must have been some error in your figures or
calculation. From Marion Court House to
Fayetteville is IS miles, and from Marion G..
II. to Charleston, 100 mIes-a direct line
might make few miles difference, but the
necessary reflections to get favorable levels.
crossings of rivers, &C., will leave the result
but little varied. From Raleigh to Fayette-
vile is so miles, making a line of some $50
miles, instead of that made by your cacula-
ton. Next, it is Of importance TO come to
something like an estimate of the cost. With
the numerous rivers betwixt Charleston and
Fayetteville, (the Santee, Great Pee Dee. Lit
tie Pee Dee, Lumber Rivers, and the Cape
Fear,) and the billy country from Raleigh to
Fayetteville, reasonable estimate would not
fall short of $4,000 per mile. This would
make the necessary capital 50, 100000, and If
1t is to be line of travel, the cost of rebuild
Ing the Raleigh and CASTOR Road would have
to be added. Where is this sum to be raised
If Charleston thinks it will remunarate her,
she might perhaps do it {; but from recent de-
monstratlons, in respect to similar works Of
importance to her trade, it is rot probable she
will. The District of Williamsburg, and the
Parishes above the city, would, doubtless. do
their part, but not very heavy subscription
could be looked to ftom that quarter.
1t does not seem fair TO calculate too strong
iy on North Carolina, as they seem despond-
ing with respect to Road they are more
deeply interested in; and the Districts in this
State interested in the Metropolitan Road could
not be expected to help much.
AS for the Districts of Darlington, Sumter
and Marion, they are already accommo dated
with charter and route more TO their liking,
and have taken hold of it with spirit and en-
terprise that cannot be shaken by any other
project that can be brought forward. The
| Wilmington and Manchester Road would
make the "lnk' for less than 81, 500, 900 !;
and already has an amount been subscribed,
which. together with the successful efforts
now in progress, will insure the sum with
| which the work will be commenced, ($75C,-
OOO) If cur information be correct, near
100000, il not quite that sum, has been al
ready subscribed, and the zeal and spirit of
the friends of the Road are increasing daily.
The Charleston and Raleigh route would not
divert one dollar, or turn one friend from the
enterprise. Sooner or later, incredible as it
may appear, this Road will be built. 1t is
confidently believed that by the first Of Jann-
airy the work will be commenced, and. with
less aid and encouragement from Charleston
than she would have to apply to the one you
propose. would soon be finished. So far as
the chain is concerned then, this would fill
the blank, and of course would be profitable
and useful. AS soon as com pleted, the profits
would be increased I; and if the extension into
North Carolina is desired, so as to connect
with Charleston, your people could begin,
with the cooperation Of all interested, to con-
strtCt a branch, with at least one hundred
miles less Road to build. Is this not con-
sideratlon worthy the attention of IS the saga
cious and influential citizens of Charleston. g
We submit it to them, in the confidence that.
with candid investigation of the advantages
ana receipts of the main Road, the investment
would be much more economically and profit
ably made; for if, by direct Road to North
Carolina, the trade could be brought to
Charleston, it could be as easily done by a
branch, costing half the money, and that.
too, by adding to the business and profits OF
the Road they already have from Charleston
to Camden.
Why will not Charleston, then, cooperate
with those already enlisted with their sub
scrptions and exertions. tc fill up the link
which will add to the travel and business Of
; their Road, and to the trade of the city, Hel
cooperation will insure its speedy completion
its ultimate success is not among contln
Already ha had c7u,SiU Mt M
proofs that it has met with favor and approba
ton abroad, and are satisfied, when once fair
= ly commenced, that public convenience anc
public necessity will furnish the means to Sc
cure its accomplishment.
Let Charleston lend hand, then, and ir
turn she may be assisted in the objects she
desires to attain. AN OBSERN Elk.
From the Petersburg (Na,) Republican