Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-07-28


rock excavation, near the river; but this at most
will be of short duration, every commendable eff
fort is now making to remove the obstruction
In September daily train commenced running
from Charlotte to Concord Station and the runninp
has been extended as the Stations were reached
The track reached Salisbury at the beginning of the
year, and the Yadkin River about 10Th March, when
the track laying suspended until the Bridge was
completed for the rails, space of time embracing
some ten weeks. Since crossing the Yadkn River,
the track laying has progressed rapidly, and the
citizens of Lexington had the pleasure of cclebra-
ting the arrival of the trains at that place the 4th
inst.
From Lexington to Greensboro, no delay is ap-
pretended, unless it may be short one near Leon
ards Creek where a tedious and difficult rock exca.
walton has to be made. The new contractor on
this work is pushing it, with great Vgor, and no de-
lay may be apprehended, if energy and industry can
drive the work through.
The materials for the track will be ready in due
season. Stills enough for the Road have been con-
tracted for, and most OF them delivered along its
line.
In October last the President Contracted with
Messrs. P. Choteau, jr., Sanford, Co., of New
York. for nine thousand tons of rails of their former
pattern at 42, so per ton, exclusive of duty, to be
delivered, one half at Portsmouth, Va, the other
half at Charleston S. @. Bidders exacting prices
so much higher for shipments to Wilmington than
to either of the other ports besides other charges
for lighterage and demurrage to preclude all ship
meNts to our own ports, unless it was done at
great sacrifice to the Company, and also further
damage to the Company, by delay in the time of
delivery which bidders required shipments had to
be made in smaller class of vessels. Nearly the
whole of this iron has been delivered and the larger
portion paid for, and the Company will be in
dition to meet promptly subsequent payments
they fall due.
Two companies of track-ayers, with suitable for
ces organized, and have been in full operation
during the year. The Eastern corps under the d.
rection of Capt. Allen; the Western under the d.
rection of Capt. Rhodes And the Board take pleas
in testifying to the energy and judicious man.
agement of these excellent officers.
With iron and stills enough to lay the track, and
corps of track-layers sufficient to put them down,
it is yet believed that the close of the year will find
the approaching ends of the Road, if not actually
united together, that the steam-whiste from
each end can be heard at the time.
Contractors required to commence grading
this road on LIST. Jan. 1852, and the lst Jan 1856
was the time it was then predicted, when the first
train would pass the whole length of the Road.
If we shall come within whistle of verifying the
prediction there will be little of dssatisfac-
ton, when the length of the Road the excellence
CT its structure, and the difficulties encountered
taken into consideration.
The stock of the Road already taken it is vet be-
lieved will besuicient to carry the track through
and that done, shall have the satisfaction to
know, that this Company will be possessed Of one
OF the best Roads in the Union we'll eqnnned free
of debt, and passing through country of great fer
tilitv. and population of great intelligence
It's beneficial effects are already felt in the ranid
advance of the price of real estate along the line
reach the markets, when prices rule high
The freight business on the Road, since it
opened. has been as good as might he reasonably
expected considering the short crop of the last YEAR
and the way travel has been encouraging But in
consequence of the delay the stage line by hav.
ing to run by mail schedule through Salem between
the two ends of the Road the through travel as vet
has been of little vaue but after the 10th inst the
schedule is so altered that dav will be saved and
the thorough travel will be, thereby greatly in
creased
Contracts have been made with Messrs Mcknight
and Houston for building Shops at the point hereto
fore designated, in the county of Aamance so far
the brick work is concerned, at IS per NJ. laid,
they finding every thing except the hydraulic
ment used in the foundation and with the privilege
to the clay and wood on the Companys land to
make the brick. The foundations of portion of
the buildings have been dug out, and the laying of
the brick has already commenced
Reference to the Report of the auditing Commit
tee will show the financial operations for the last
year, and the different items of expenditure under
appropriate heads
In January last contract was made with the
Post Office Department for carrying the mails
such parts of the Road finished to the LIST.
inst, at 500 per mile from Godsboro' to Raleigh;
$50 per mile per annum from Raleigh westward, and
$75 per mile on the Western end
Buildings for carrying the mail in this State for
four years after LIST instant, were invited by the
Post Office Department, on the LIST of April last. A
bid for carrying the mail on this Road put at
500 per mile, which the Department rejected but
half of the Road, and an Agent of the Department
notified that the Company would cease to transport
the mail after the 18th instant unless new
tract was made.
1t was not deemed expedent to accept offer
from the Department, which scarcely covered the
interest on the duty exacted by the Government on
the rails oyer which the mail would be carried. 1t
may excite surprise in those who are not aware of
the fact, that the Company will paw to the Govern
ment between 81 200 and 81 800 duty, the rails
of every mile of this Road. And ithe system of f.
nanciering challenges admiration, which exacts
sum for permission to foreign rails, the interest
upon which will defray the whole of the expense Of
carrying the mails, and leave the entire income of
the Department net profit.
This Company having received no favor in the
way of remission suspension of duty its rails,
has right to expect something like fair compen-
sation for any service rendered the Post Office De-
partment. And the demand of 800 per mile for
the transportation of the mail is deemed very mod
crate, and should not be considered unreasonable
by the Departmental ITSELF when it is paying the
sum to other Roads connecting with this; and as
they are informed, paying $s5 per mile the line
of this Road for carrying the mail in stages.
Exhibit A. will show the State of the account for
transportation, from the commencement of opera
tons to LIST instant.
Exhibit B. shows the motive power and cars on
the Road, on the LIST instant.
Exhibit @. shows the officers and agents in the
service of the Company on list July instant.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
j. NJ. MOREHEAD,
Pres NJ G. r. r. Com.