Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-08-19

Shelving an increase Of 60 per in population and lO
in wealth.
Contrast with this picture that which presented BY the
following counties Of Virginia. in which votes for airoad
subscriptions about be taken The value OF real es-
tate in each of them in 1888 and 1850 respectively was as
follows: 900, ,o.o
pit,sylvania, s3,057,239 $3.50 lSs
Halifax, 4,l29,5iu pug ooo
Charlotte 2492,luo @oooooo
Here is an average Of landed wealth. in what is
naturally Of the fertile countries in the world, TO
large per centage the decrease OF the two first counties
being and per respectively and the increase in the
las, being the contemplate figure Of per cent only in
twice The number of years
Nor arc the Massachusetts railroads productive only in
respect their effects upon the general wealth and pros
pey of the State Investments in their stocks pro-
ductive investments in any other stocks During the
year 1850 average nett dividends paid their cost by
all these roads was sir and forty hundrdhs per cent?
and The average dividends recently declared for the first hat
Of the year by thirteen of the principal of the Mas
sachusetts roads three and one-third per cent
The predictions made by the ad and projectors OF
RAILROADS.&C. the results be accomplished by their works.
are frequently the subject of rdicuIe. Let rast
pophesy with event in respect to of the railroads OF
Massachusetts, Upon the following roads the number Of
passengers estimated be carried before their construction
and the number actually carried after their construction
as follows:
Railroads: No. estimated No. carried in 1850 80
Boston and Worcester, % ohU uUl.9o9
Boston and Lowell 81 400 sos 1913
Boston and Fitchburg, IL $50 ,OS0,2o6
Eastern, l2l,1O0 ,006oo2
Nome of these roads less local in character confined
in the range Of country whose travel is tributary them
than ill be the Danvie the Virginia Tennessee the
Manassas Gap or Orange and Alexandria roads, which
are in progress of construction in this Stale
Facts like those given above could be multiplied indefinite
y useless extend them; because the productive
of railroads is longer problemacal-i is universal
" concsded people and States every where exerng
greatest energies and expanding their resources
In their construction. We will be Virginia and
that both individual and public credit will be freely contribu
ted Judcious prosecution and extension Of the railroad
system. Railroads cannot be too greatly multiplied They
will prove themselves profitable capta wherever construct
ed provided they from districts raising produce for cx
pou,ion 10 shipping points, We have had railroads in Viz
giua for long time which, though paying profitable dvi-
dends effected results like those which have been
effected In MASSACHUSETTS, but this has been the result OF
their having been built parallel to the seaboard for the
mediation OF travel only and country from
commercial depo,s the productive districts, for the
accommodation of lrndc and travel. Let this single
rule be observed and railroads will be productive though
they cover every Ave miles of the surface of the
wealth. striking evidence OF their producvcness wnen
connecting a productive region with commercial mart,
though penetrating desert is found in the Central Railroad
Of Georgia. which leads from Savannah the
board with population of only 10000 whites and blacks
together through country which is almost wilderness
distance OF ls3 miles, TO Macon village OF only 1000 pop
uaon but commanding the trade of productive district of
country Our Virginia sceptce the value of public
works. would scout the idea that such road between such
points, penetrating such country could pay expenses