Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-06-01
For the Indiana State Sentinel
Lafayette and indianapolis Railroad.


LII any OF those who were prominent agents
throughout the history of the Madison and Indian
upolls rairoad In obtaining for that work its final
construction to the capital shall have hunored these
prevoes discussions with their attention, they have
doubtless come to them under a strong impress
sion OF the discouragemens, obstacles, embarrass-
ments and difficulties which they encountered in their
noble enterprise. noble enterprise has been-not
indeed for the great length hitherto of the work. but
for Its Importance as pioneer in the hands of
pany for the successful in the face of impede
ments, and for the character and credit which those
Issues have given abroad to the State of Indiana.
The men who have executed these beneficial objects
and ends will hardly be themselves aware how COM
paratvely easy now must be for others 10 compass
second project of no greater intrinsic labor than
THEIRS launching and floating it the tide they have
raised.
by q law OF humnn progress every successful en-
erPrise seeks to spread extend itself. In the in
stance OF railroads, very marked for such
extension may be pointed out. Suppose an existing
road 10 be doubled in length through a region of like
richness and population for both sections and sup
pose the outward bound freight all tending to the
same extremity before the extension. In the esti-
mate OF increased income two obvious reasons pre-
sent themselves: first, twice the freight enters
the road, and, second, the mass considered together,
IS transported twice the length. Whence it fol-
lows that the amount of receipts for the double length
Is quadruped, and, the original first constructed
plated extenson-as Lafayette will divide with Mad
ison-we will suppose that division equal; which
supposition too favorable to Lafayette But,
even thus, the receipts upon the Madison and Indian
apolis road would be doubled or nearly so. In all
this the local business only has been taken into
count. The long travel attracted by the channel
is an additional item of some importance.
What shall we say then-is il not to be expected
that the stockholders of that work will be willing and
anxious TO forward the construction of this ! IT, by
supplying to ms a subscription large enough cover
The cost Of engines, cars and other equipments, they
obtain three years earlier than is otherwise to be
expected, the great addition Of receipts will they do
less than TO that moderate amount! | touch this
point with great Difference to those who have charge
| OF the affairs OF that company. They will do what,
10 themselves shall appear udIcous. But, reasoning
on the ordinary principles that influence mankind,
and Judging from the merits of the case ITSELF does it
appear over-sangune to presume that If, from other
sources the complete roadbed and track are provided
the Madison and Indianapolis railroad company will
supply means 10 operate the road constructed
Other roads, under the same circumstances ii should
be Observed have taken the entire burden of supply
ing or finding pecuniary supplies for their entire
tension In the present instance not than fifth
or sixth part of that burden will be requisite. Nor
should it be omitted, in this connection, that the
lex operation OF the step proposed between the
stockholders and The public, might be eminenty fav-
orabe; since so distinct a manifestation and proof
prosperous revenues OF tIe nrSt were con-
tributing to perfect and advance the instruments of
prosperity to the second would be happiness to both
and strengthen the bond of favor between them. For
the funds required to do than barely put the road
into operation application would be made at the East.
1t admits not of question that road of this profit
able character which in It's true aspect less than
by It's charter, is the extension of the Madison and
Indianapolis Railroad" after it shall have received
here at home, all the pecuniary countenance which
this community may be justly expected to besiow
obtain, most readily, abroad the $l50,000 additional
which may be necessary convenient.
1t only remains to present the contrast between
execution in two years, above set forth, and lin
gering progress through five years For breviy,
these may be given in figures with the remark that
the reader, after giving what weight he thinks pro-
per TO the opinions thus presented, can if he please
correct them by his own. Correct them he may,
enough remains for the present purpose-enough TO
evince the urgency with which the subject ought to
be pressed on all whether citizens, stockholders or
landholders, whose interests at stake.
The following is, therefore, offered as a tolerable
| approximation TO the losses-loSs Of what might be
gained consequent upon the tardy policy Of five
years course of construction instead Of two, viz
| MADISON 81 INDIANAPOLIS RAILROAD co.
Curtallment of profits 3 years, $4,000