Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-05-12
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No. VI.
hessrs Editors I'll have once, 10 other pcedng
referred to the fact that this central line opens
the Ohio Valley at tho very point where tho river makes
s extreme southern DETECTION, and thus neares.
TO The seaooard, which IL Is remarkable to observe
Norfolk detected to the north west to invite con-
ne1on AZ this point between the Atlantic and the Ohio
FROM tns greet Southern bend the downward of the
RIVER 10 Northwest far Cincinnati and lue dow
from that city to Norfolk would nearly follow up the river
and cross tho point where the road will first diverge
the Ohio Valley This is significant TACT, aud consider
ing the easy grades and mild climate and tho shorter dis
lance OF this Virginia Nlantic Il would seem
fsssonseo that vast tonnage will pass over from the
queen Oy To the ocean-the great level TO which all
trade and commerce tends from the interior.
The trade Of Cincinnati aud other large inland cities
does not tend to New York, Philadelphia Boston, bu,
liSs.
In this view, the Virginia line stands eminent In It's
directions and facility accumulate AID transmit the
surplus products OF the west to tide waters and
modates itself to the tendency Of the great currents OF
trade to New York. the commercial centre Of tho I'm.
on me attraction Of the ocean, so to speak upon the
Another important fact already alluded In the course
Of the preceding numbers aud which bears directly upon
lne through business Of this road the vast
business In trsnsu upon the Western waters and which
will no doubt reach the amazing Of by
the time this great is opened to give free
to the Atlantic Whoever 1ehects upon this subject will
see that all the great artificial Of trade aud
merce from the West the East Of broad republic
will be taxed to their capacity 10 order
modate this immense business None but the people Of
Nrsnia would seem, appear to be blind to the impor-
tant fact that the Old Dominion all the here
in before suggested, should aud would. the en-
pre State take the lead IN the noble rivalry for the
Of the West-f her citizens would only
her supreme advantages.
say the people OF Virginia alone Indifferent to
their great advantages besause while other States
unrettng In their efforts their portions OF the
trade Of the west Virginia seems to ter In this
work. instead of lending all her strength its speedy
! compshment, cost what it may.
The actual enhancement Of real estate along tho line Of
this improvement from Norfolk to tho Ohio taking belt
o miles wde would DO than SIS 900 ooo esti
mated cost OF the whole line To make up this il
would be required to have upon the lands within 12
miles OF the road average advance Of less than 80 per
acre. The enhancement of real estate would doubtless
be twice three times that amount and the good effects
Of the speedy completion line would be felt over
much wider belt of country. The most incredulous, II
they would only reflect would be convinced Of tho
OF this view OF the case, and of the importance and profit
OF this improvement, even a matter of financial policy
TO the State.
The experience of the whole country ustifes the as
seron that the railroads of the United States paying
hSh per cent on tier cost besides causing the greater
collateral advantages OF promoting the social and intel
lecus Character OF the peopleand this is Of the
Western roads. There is important aud instruc
tive article upon this subject copied from the Mansfield
Kali Road Review into the present April number OF
Hunts Merchants Magazine, from which it appears that
the Western r'ads paying better than the Eastern
roads Ten principal roads Of the East cost average
an average OF SIS iss per mile, not hat much
the Eastern roads,
In 1882 the Eastern roads earned at the rate Of 81 Ii
per cent per annum.
In 1885, the roads earned at the rate Of per
cent per annum.
In 1882 the Western roads earned at the rate OF 81
per cent per annum.
In 1883, the roads earned at the rate of %
per cent per annum.
From this interesting Article appears that while the
increase OF business the Eastern roads in October
uaa nvar thatt Oar ,l.,r a
per cent per month, per per annum that Of
the Western roads the time, at the Of
is ner cent per month, about 81 per per
mum!
Let Virgnians ponder upon this fact and then make
their minds TO the importance Of constructing their
great road to the West and come in for share of this un
examped prosperity. Let them bear in mind that while
by means of her Ohio connection Virginia may in
for large share Of the trade of the West she can by
her geographical position engrcss mojor part OF the i'm
business Of the South by of the Viz
GINA and Tennessee railroad.
In speaking OF the prosperity the Western roads Mr.
Mansfield, the writer of the article referred to- well re-
marks
"Great this increase may SEEM are satisfied that
II il only commencement Of the immense business be
done by of railroads. And If are questioned as
TO where this business to be found whence
reply, the railroads will create il for themselves" Mr.
Mansfield understands his subject and bis remark true
| aud will especially apply Virginia.
Her vast aud sparsey settled territory is full Of all the
elements OF wealth, and yet almost wholly undey
while she lies in mos; advantageous position COM
&C. and IL surrounded by Gordon of thriving states
whose productions will naturally pass her own
territory to market il she will only open her borders and
give them transit
1t will be remembered by those who have taken the
trouble to read these numbers that the third point
considered in estimating the Of through business
which would come upon railroad, was the productive.
ness OF the country through which the road and its
branches extended.
Several future numbers will be devoted to this subject
aud 1t is believed, if anything wanting stimulate
the people and Legislature Of Virginia an energetic
prosecution Of this great Norfolk and Ohio line that the
facts be presented would be all sufficient. An Impair.
| tial perusao of them Is collected.
AN EASTERN VIRGINIAN.
In confirmation of the taken by the writer OF the