Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1854-06-16
LEWISBURG UNION COUNTY, PENN FRIDAY, JUNE 16. 1854

739 miles; aud by Pittsburg, Spruce Creek,
Lewisburg & Cattawissa, 7713 miles...pro-
wing that this link Of 7s miles would make
the grand connection over 100 miles shorter
than by the Erie route, nearly $50 miles
shorter than by either of the New York
routes, and shorter than any other pro-
posed route. lie alluded to the fact that
western produce takes an easterly direction,
and stated that in the 292 miles from
Spruce Creek to New York, there was no
ascending grade over a3 feet to the mile.
He mentioned that there were gentlemen
here from the seaboard, who had pene-
trated this sequestered region on purpose
to examine the route for themselves and
to see how much faith We Pennsylvanians
have in the work. He assured the meet
ing that if We would take liberal share
of the burden, quickly, there were capital
lists present who would see that the work
should be put under contract this season.
A. S. DIvES, Esq, Of Elmira, followed.
(Mr. Diven is President of the Williams
port 4 E.mira rad, and was one of the
most efficient men in resuscitating the N.
Y. & Erie roaa) He spoke of the sur
passing beauty and fertility Of BulfAloe
and Penns valleys, and expressed his
astonishment that SO favorable location
for railway had not long before this been
occupied Were such connected Valley
in New York State, there would have been
danger of two or three roads threading it
-one Company could hardly have monop-
olized it. He compared the probable pro-
fits of this road with others now in opera
ton within his knowledge, and stated his
belief that the local and through trade on
this route would eventually pay 40 per
cent. Farmers would find a vast reduction
in prices of heavy articles for farms, and
merchandise for homes, and could export
produce more advantageously. They are
the men most benefited and if they would
take hold of the work manfully, there
would be no difficulty in procuring the
money to complete and stock the work.
He thought they could and should raise
One Million Of Dollars along the line. He
concluded by inviting all hands to take a
ride shortly on the Wmsport& & Elmira r. r.
Col. JOSEPH PAXTON, of Cattawissa,
stated that for twenty years he had an eye
upon this route, which he regarded as most
decidedly the route for the location of the
last link in the iron chain of intercommu-
nication between the mighty West and
New York city, the emporium Of the New
World. He believed it would be as good
an investment as could be made, and urged
speedy and thorough action by those most
deeply concerned. With liberal sub
scription on their part, he would guarantee
that capitalists would supply any balance
necessary.
RoBERr BAYARD, Esq. (banker,) Of
New York city, made few remarks,
seconding the opinions advanced By others.
This was his first visit to this region-and
he wondered that such country should
be destitute Of railway. He was conf
dent if those so deeply interested would
manifest a due confidence in work SO
important to them, there would be found
elsewhere plenty Of capital to ensure the
completion of the work.
Hon. VIM d. LEWIS, of Philadelphia,
president of the Cattawissa road, next
addressed the assembly. This was his
pioneer visit to this region he had travel
ed through sunshine and showers, by rail
and carriage, at night and over mud, to
attend this meeting, and he did not regret
it. He was convinced Of the Importance
of this connection as feeder to the Catta-
wissa road. A great deal had been said
by the speakers who preceded him, about
the direct line of trade by this road to the
city of New York but as he was Phila-
delphian, he did not despair of portion
Of the trade finding its way to Philadsl-
delphia, as, when it arrived at Tamaqua,
it could be forwarded either to Phi!adel-
phia by the Reading road, or to the city
of New York. 1t was true New York was
now ahead of Philadelphia, simply because
New York had projected and completed
more improvements Of this nature. 1t was
time Philadelphia and Pennsylvania had
awakened from their comparative sleep,
and he was glad to know they were awak-
ing, AID had begun to get back their right
full trade aud profits. 1t was by the enter
prise and untiring energy and labors of
one n,an-Col. Paxton-that the Catta-
wissa road was commenced, and was now
on the eve of completion: and this road
would be, relatively, bu. child's play, if
oil concerned would pull strong, and pull
all together. From his experience in rail
roads, be believed that, in addition to the
other advantages of this road, it would pay
vell "a an Investment. He invited all