Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-08-17
The Rabun Gan Rail Road,


In another colum we quote an article Of some
length from the New Orleans Picayune, called
fourth by the recently published oliciM reports
on this subject The Albany Argus, referring tc
the same matter, uses the following pointed Ian
guage:
"The advantage to be derived by our South.
ern friends from the construction of the Blue
Ridge Railroad, cannot well be over-Gstimated
1t supplies an important link in the chain o
railroad communication between the valley oi
the Mississippi and the Southern Atlantic sea-
board, bringing the two points some 200 miles
nearer each other than any other route. 1t the
people of that section of the country are wise
they will see that this important enterprise is
pushed forward with vigor to its completion"
These two responses from opposite extremes
Of the country, show that the feasibility and
great Importance of this enterprise, are such as
to arrest the attention, and impress the minds,
of intelligent spectators every where. A glance
at the map, indeed, is sufficient TO show that q
direct route from Charleston to Louisville, OF
Cincinnati, has great advantages over cOnnec-
ton of these cities with any points to the North
of US. The other question, Of the easy p!actl-
cabily of such a route, has been most etfectually
solved by the surveys of Mr. Lythgoe and Mr.
Latrobc. Not only by nature we have the most
favorable position in regard to distances, but we
have also the simplest and easiest passage
through the mountains Every consideration
is in our favor. The opening Of this magnificent
communication will cost South .Carolinat no
more than six millions. 1t has cost New York
thirty, Philadelphia scarcely less, and Baltimore
over twenty millions. Yet all these Northern
routes, pressing upon each other in close and
earnest rivalry, are loaded with business beyond
their capacity to perform, and every year is ad-
ding enormously to the pressure upon their
powers of transportation.
Mr. Gourdin, in his Report, has shown that
this Road will open to us 4 connection with ten
millions of people, and this in Il region where
the increase of population and wealth are great
beyond a parallel. Ina century it will bring
US in communication with population larger
than that of Great Britain. TO doubt that
such Road will be profitable, would be to
doubt the plainest results Of an accumulated
experience.
1t would be equally unreasonable to maintain
that the whole State is not deeply interested in
this great work. 1t will draw the riches of the
West into her bosom it will open the West to
the enterprise of her sons it will assure to Us
inrxhaus.iblc resources in the exchange Of
commodities: it will enlarge the means of prof.
table investment of capital it will stimulate
now forms Of industry 10 supply the wants OF
new customers.
But if it were to benefit Charleston alone,
considering how great and certain the benefit is
to be how directly the growth Of the city con-
tributes 10 the resources OF the State, and how
it indirectly influences the hopes aud activity of
every department Of industry throughout the
whole body polite, and that the investment OF
capital in the enterprise is certain Of good
return of interest, we shonld feel that the State
was bound by every consideration of policy TO
secure its early success by a liberal subscription.
Wcurgc this matter now, because the election
of members of the Legislature is before the
people, and it is of no little Importance that
there should be'some indication OF their opinions.
In the last Legislature, there were few who
were not convinced that the work had fair claims
to the support of the State. They saw how
much it promised Of increase to our facilities,
our resources and our commerce. They felt
that it was great work and if carried through,
that its good results were not doubtful. But
it had not been generally discussed, and they
were reluctant to pledge the funds Of the State
in matter which their constituents had not had
nm opportunity to Judge of. We make no COM
plaint of this caution; it is praiscworthy. But
the means Of a just judgment are now within
the reach Of the people. The proofs are ample
that the Blue Ridge Railroad is I'M enterprise
perfectly feasible; that it promises great and
enduring benefits to the State and that the sub
scrpiion of the State will essentially contribute
to its speedy completion. We cannot believe
that the pie will be Indifferent to these con-
sderatons wherever the subject is fairly presen-
ted 10 them This is what we desire. 1t is for
great interest Of the State that we appeal for
The aid and encouragement Of the State.-Char-
lesion Mercury.