The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-05-21

@ To the Voters of RichmOnd.-On
Monoay the Esd inst proposition to subscribe $780,
900 ON behalf OF the city to the stock of the Virginia
Central Railroad Company will be submitted to your
decision, and In connection with the subject ques-
tons will arise in your mind doubtless the follow.
ing effect:
Ist. Does the financial condition of our CITY war
| rant appropriation of such an amount
I'd. Can the appropriation be justified, esher as an
ment of the amount in behalf of the cityl
3D. Will it not be best for the real interests of the
cit, whenever the money can be conveniently raised
RAJ her to employ 1t in the construction OF another
railroad ON the direct route to Charlottesville?
In answer to these questions, the following the
to which the writer has arrived and the,
That the finances of the city do not warrant the
appropriation, needs no better illustration than the
amounted but to $3.50 900, appca ion on the mari
of this same company for subscription to the extent
only of 100000 was rejected by decided of oul
citizens, and now with Indebtedness on the mart
of the city of 81 600 at least are grayey asked
to subscribe the sum of $200,000..
As an investment of money by which the city will
be made pay S00 per share for stock which can he
purchased by others for half the sum- certainly
this application of money mot be justified in
financial aspect, especially not IN view of the fact
that this same company has an application pend
ing before the legislature for the privilege ofconstruct-
ing more direct railroad between Charlottesville
and Richmond, in which event the present road
though costing at least 81, 600, win have to be
abandoned to some extent OF course thereby dimin-
istng the property of the company in like ratio,
and the effect therefore, such movement cannot be
otherwise than materially to depreciate the value of
this stock in the estimation of the public disad-
vantage OF this character might however be overlook
ed provided certain and remunerating increase of
the business of our city would result fom the appl-
cation of the money now asked at our hands Such,
however cannot be the in this instance unless
all the rules which govern trade discarded The
amount is wanted not to build perfect road direct
to the city of Richmond but to complete between
Coyingon and Staunton, by which, at the latter point
it will be placed in close connection with one already
located in the direction and which will soon be pre-
pared to transport the trade and travel thus secured
either to Baltimore by the way of Winchester,
Alexandria by the way of Manassas Gap, distan-
ces 1t Is true, somewhat greater but with facilities
in curves and grades so infinitely superior to the pre-
sent route between Staunton and Richmond as to give
the two points named advantages beyond any COM
parison with those afforded by the route to Richmond
whilst any trade or travel which escape the oppo
stion referred to at Staunton, will be subjected
Gordonsyile to the competition of Alexandra on one
side, and Fredericksburg another, the first almost
the same In distance Richmond and the latter less
than one half and though the argument is sometimes
resorted to- that the Virginia Central Railroad Com
pany, by scrmnating in favor of the city of Rich
mond, on the trade or travel which it may bring to
Staunton and Gordonsyille, prevent any serious
diversion on this score, il amounts to nothing in
view OF the fact that the Virginia Central Railroad
Company has contracted with the General Assembly
to make no determinations in favor OF its own OF
against any connecting road whatever. (See Acts Of
Assembly, lS4s-4s. p. lol9
The necessary reply therefore, the third question
which arises is that it will be infinitely better de-
cline any subscription to the work in question: and il
the FUNDS can be conveniently spared (which is fal
from the case now) at future day. 80 to appropriate
the amount as to secure to Richmond more direct
road TO Charlottesville, and to Covington If
cessary to guard against the probable diversion s
our trade and travel at Staunton and Gordonsyie az
all must admit that whenever such road does be-
come necessary il viii deyove mainly the city OF
Richmond in conjunction with the State, to build it.
The proper course therefore, for TO pursue, will be
10 husband our resources in view OF such contngen-
cy, assured, be, that whenever the direct
road referred to shall be built may then bid adieu
to any apprehensons of abstraction OF our trade
and travel either at Seaunton, Gordonsvie or the
Junction, as a direct road to Coyinston will touch
neither point and result in saving in distance OF oo
or go miles in favor OF Richmond, one bali OF It be-
tween Richmond end Charlottesyille and the remain
der between the tunnel and Coyington.
A TAXPAYER AND CITIZEN.
my l4-8tt -
cucYWER COM RORT--Just received, a