Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-08-16
THE POTOMAC CANAL COAL TRADE.

i FROM THE GEoR6RrowS ADVOCATE or AUGUST IL.
weeks past there has been much business
done the canal in consequence Of the small supply OF
ter The rains Of the last few weeks however, have reme
died this evil to considerable extent and there is now no
doubt water enough along the whole line for all the trade that
may offer. The boats, therefore, which have heretofore
brought down only half loads will hereafter be- able 10 bring
down full loads. The breach Wimmsport has also
been repaired that may expect the whole batch
boats that have been delayed that point TO be down
to day, or 10 very short time. sst.F1ta siaa
In speaking of the coal trade may notice that the price
the conveyance Of coal has been time much more
costly than will be when the boats subject to less de-
murase on the canal and % less detention at their dena
ton than they have heretofore BEEN From the exsodna-
drought Of the past season. and rom other causes the
transportation Of coal has been subject an extra expense
which will not long attach TO IL The price Of transportation
and Of tolls, which about per ton, will, have
little doubt be soon reduced TO 81, which will bring the
Cumberland coal into the market upon reasonable terms
The trade upon the canal from other has hh-
ero been small. There has in week been an arrival
Of than about thirty forty boats whereas soon as
the trade gets fairly under way. we may reasonably look
that number per day Indeed the average arrival has
been than about three boats per day We may be ask
perhaps how many Of these boats have stopped George
town In answer may say that one il engaged
in the Cumberland coal trade in town. there any
outward shipments made from this port The of this
will briefly assign There is place for storage In
town, any suitable place be easily obtained The
only which al all accessible 70 the boats % from tho
aqueduct about the market house. and this space occu
pied with valuable mills and machinery that be pos
by appropriated to the purpose Of coal yards consider
able extent in such manner as TO accommodate any
great quantity Below the market house the boss cannot
go, because the bridges too low for them ops and
pass What they TO do Why, evidently to 60 through
the aqueduct Alexandria although this may be heh nco-
venent and expensive them from the delay to BE- encou
tered Our Alexandra neghbors have gone consider
able expense and labor accommodate this trade and to
ara
there too there 10 Inconvenience be socounleed
Bot very few boats unload time and We have heard
Of captains who have required high q sixy or
seventy dollars for delays incident unloading A the de-
mursse is ten dollars per day, Is evident that this must
be very considerable addition to the Of the coal when
And In estimating the price these hhgs to be-
taken into consideration some persons may peFhsps think
that Georgetown has met with great end rreparabe
loss from allowing this trade to be drawn OF from n It's
commencement; but when it 10 considered that large
amount of capital has been expended accomplish this end
that IL yet still undecided how far this has BEEN available
to the efacing Of any thing than mere temporary
benefit; ard that many Of the Cumberland Mining Compa-
mics have in all probability, needed the aid Of our enterprise
ing neghbors to enable them to develop fully their
and TO bring them into market at all We may well question
whether the policy Of awaiting the result Of things and Of ale
lowing experience guide us instead Of an uncertain theory,
IL not perhaps, aner all wise and wholesome policy
Those natural advantages and facilities which Georgetown
Possesses for the accommodation Of the coal trade are such
cannot be taken from her, and capitalists will not De slow
to avail Of them when they find that they ship coal rom
this point cheaper than from elsewhere This u the real
question at issue; and wherever be shipped from at the
least expense, Il will be likely go from that point