Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-03-21
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For the Portage Sentinel.

tage county, we feel deep interest in its
prosperity. For nearly thirty years past
we have mingled our interests with theirs,
and have been grati6ed with the rapid ad-
vancement of our county in improvement
and wealth. That the construction of the
Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal has greatly
contributed d to this result will not be doubted
by any careful observer Of the causes af-
fecting property and business.
There is now another great public i'm.
provement in progress reconstruction thro'
our county, which claims, and we trust
will receive the candid consideration Of our
citizens. We refer, e&eourse. to the Cleve-
land and Pittsburgh Railroad.
We have watched with great care the
progress OF the Railroad enterprise. and
have become satisfied that they are destin.
ed to become the great thoroug ghfares for
most kinds of freight and travel. The
rapid and constant increase of business on
Railroads already constructed, and the
large dividends they are paying to their
stockholders, is conclusive evidence on this
point. And it is worthy Of remark, that
the roads charging the lowest fares, gene
rally pay the best profit, on account of the
great increase of business induced thereby.
The increased facilities which the Cleve-
land and Pittsburgh Railroad will furnish
for speedy transmission ofour great sta.
pies, cheese, wool and pork, at all seasons
Of the year, must greatly enhance their
value to the producers.
We have not the capital among ourselves
individually, TO complete so large an un-
dertaking. and hence other means are sug-
gested for its accomplishment. A large
majority of Improvements Of this kind have
received the aid Of the States, counties, or
cities which were to be benefited thereby,
and have by this means greatly increased
their business and wealth. 1t is certainly
as appropriate for US to render, and for the
Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad 10 re-
ceive this kind Of assistance, as in any of
the cases referred to. lis friends now ask
the aid Of this county, and we cannot see
any objection to granting their request.
Other counties in this State have done so;
and are now receiving revenue from the
stock they have subscribed. We have no
doubt that our county, will be able to sell
its stock, at or above par, long before the
bonds issued therefor will become due, and
hence no taxation will ever be needed.
Reports have been circulated through the
county, that the Directors of the Company
have been partial to some and illiberal to
others in the location of the road, that they
are paying extravagant salaries, &c. We
have felt an interest in ascertaining the fact,
and have examined the books, papers, &C.,
of the Company for that purpose. The
facts in reference to the location Of the
line with regard to Franklin are as follows:
At Wellsvilie, on Oct. l8, l647, the fol-
lowing resolution, (prepared at the instance
of Mr.. z. Kent,) was passed unanimous
ly. 1t was introduced by Capt. Brayton,
and seconded by Mr.. Prentss, (who were
then Directors.) ''Resolved, that Frank
lin lower village be made a point on the
line of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Rail-
road, on condition, that the length of the
route be not thereby increased more than
one mile above that of the shortest and
cheapest route to Hudson, and that addi.
lional subscriptions be obtained to the stock
of the Company, equal TO the expense of
construction from Franklin; to be paid O.
yer to the Company, according to the
terms ofthe charter, provided, that after an
examination by the Engineers of the Com
pany it shall not be manifestly against the
interests Of the Company TO adopt this
route"
In pursuance ofthe above resolution a
survey was made by the Engineers, by
which ii. appeared that the Brick building
route, $50 called) and the only one Mr..
Kent would approve; increased the distance
over the one now adopted about J miles
surveyed distance. and about 81 miles e.
quated, or working distance.
An adjourned meeting of the Board was
held at Atwater on Dec. 81, is47, to de-.
eide upon the location to Hudson, and after
the Chief Engineer had made his report of
the facts, developed by the surveys, the fol.
lowing resolution was passed, (Capt. Bray.
ton and Mr. Prentiss by their own request
were excused from voting.)
"Resolved that the road be located to run
west ofthe village Of Ravenna to strike a
point north Of the east and west road"
The further decision was deferred at the
solicitation of Mr.. Marvin Kent, and 'It
was further agreed by the Board, that the
Engineers be directed to examine and sur
vey route from Ravenna westward, pass
ing through the village of Franklin, if re-
quested TO do SO by Mr.. z. Kent, the ex-
pense to be paid by the applicant provided
the route is not adopted" We are inform
ed that Mr.. Kent made no such request,
and the Engineers proceeded to locate the
line in accordance with their instructions
in the event of there being no further sur
vey.
We are also satisfied by our examination
that the affairs of the Company have been
managed with due regard to economy
The Treasurer received up to July II,
ls4s, one per cent. for collecting and dis
bursting, and since that time II per cent.
for collecting, and per cent. for disburs-
ing, which cannot be deemed exorbitant
when it is considered that the collections
are extended along the line for twenty miles,
and in small amounts. The Secretary re-
ceives four hundred dollars per year and is
required to visit w ellsville monthly at his
own expense.
AS the advantages to result from the
completion of this Road will be generally
dIffnsed through the county and affect, as
we believe, favorably all its important in
terests, and especially those of our agricul.