The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-09-29
Communications.
Correspondence of the Ledger.

N'hu'y, t'ot L phei any suSSSstioio W
my fellow-citizens of the District, upon a
subject of such deep interest to so respect
able portion of our citizens, although
they may be in the minority, although
their position in society claim cur respect
I mean the anticipated Railroad from Ian
caster to Chester. My experience upon
the subject of Railroads, demands of me,
the respectful presentation Of my views
upon that question, to the citizens Of our
District, which, in my feeble way, | beg
leave to offer through your valuable pa
per.
In the first place, it is not the Railroad
itself that is so profitable, but the count v
in which it is located makes it profitable or
improbable. For instance, Railroad
that would be profitable between Colum-
bia and Charleston, would be perfectly
ridiculous between Lancaster and Cheraw,
poor, barren country, with small ex
ception, that produces but little or moth
ing for transportation, save what carts and
small wagons can convey to market. The
freight from Lancaster for Railroad,
would be comparativly nothing. Two
trains of cars we'll laden, would carry off
at two trips, the whole surplus produce of
the District. Not that l wish to be under
stood as speaking disrespectfuly of the
products ofthe District; far from it. The
fact is, Lancaster District is not cotton
growing District. Save certain portion
of it, it is better adapted 10 the growth Of
grain and the raising of stock. 1t is prin-
cipally mineral country, and not at all
encouraging to those expensive enterprises.
Our farmers are generally small and me-
dunn farmers with slight exception, fore
ed at all times to keep up sufficient
horse power to cultivate their farms, &c,
and if they had hundred Railroads,
would carry their own produce to market,
(Camden,) where they have always found
an easy and comfortable market, au hon
est set of merchants, who have always
given within fraction of the highest
Charleston prices for our produce, and sold
to us groceries in proportion. There we
have two fine banks always ready not a
lone to accommodate the mercl ants of
Camden with money to buy our Cotton,
DC, but discount paper for the industrious
farmer and merchants of onr District
Now, to remove the Railroad from Cam.
den is certainly the most effectual mode o.
cutting her thro t; and why, therefore
fellow citizens, why are you so uncharita
IN an enterprise, that if ifsuccessful, is to xii
or cripple themselvesl l must say fellow
citizens, that allowing such sentiments a
gainst Camden, is uncharitabe in the high
est degrees. Take the trade from Camder
IT yon could, and Lancaster would, as
sure you, be the first place to regret it
destroy our merchants there, and YOU de.
stroy the banks. They leave Camden as
soon as they discover that their merchants
cannot use them to advantage, and what
will be the result9 Why, some are vain
enough in advocating the road, to public.
ly assert that those banks will be brought
to Lancaster (quitc flatrering idea, in
deed,)a if | could entertain such an idea
Tor moment, for one would favor il to
the utmost of my ability, bnt no, fellow cit
liens, you will never realize that, be well
assured, that man possessed of such f.
nanclal skill as w. E. Johnson, would nev-
er enter into such reckless adventure as
that. He would turn his stock to much
better advantage; he would empty it into
the main pocket to which all these rail-
roads lead-Charleston, and then where
would our bank accommodation be9 an
swe', in the hands of the great, the pow
erful, and the strong. and our share would
be small. Look well, fellow citizens be-
fore you strike the blow.
Again, where is all the money to come
from to build this road2 From the peo-
pie suppose, but is it right, is it honest
TO mislead the unsuspecting man, because
ne IS not as well acquainted with . rail.
road asyourselE what do you say to him
70 obtain his subscription to this railroad 7
You tell him it is profitable investment,
Detter than loaning money at 7 per cent.
Why you must know that he never can
realize it. A little insignificant road from
Lancaster to Chester, over that mountain
our country-cross the Catawba river.
build bridge at fifty or one hundred
thousand dollsrs-buy your cars, employ
conductors, engineers and hands, make a
correct calculation Of all the expenses of