Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1856-02-06
Business Of the Main Line.

In answer to resolution adopted 1y the
State Senate, requesting the Canal Board to
furnish a statement showing the number Of
trucks fit for use on the Portage Railroad,
and to suggest plan for restoring the trans
portation trade to the Main Line, the Canal
Board have sent into that body communi-
cation, which We quote below
There are now III use on the Allegheny
Portage Railroad thirteen sets of trucks for
the conveyance of section boats. If there
should be an increase of freights in 1886 by
this mode of transportation, four additional
sets of trucks will be required.
The question as to the best plan of bring
ing back the trade to the main line of the pub
lie improvements, Is one surrounded by many
difficulties. The competition of the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad-the repeal Of the protective
tonnage tax-the uncertainty which exists as
to whether that portion of the public works
will remain the property of the State, or pass
into the hands Of some corporate body-and
the recent withdrawal of the old and exper;en-
ced transporters from the business--are all
well calculated to deter individuals from inyes-
ting capital in an enterprize which holds out
such slender prospects Of final remuneration
Under these adverse circumstances, it is not
probable that individuals can be induced to
engage in the business, unless the tolls were
reduced to so low a rate as TO prove loss to
the Treasury, instead of being a source whence
revenue is derived. This state of things NAV.
however, be changed, and fair share of the
carrying trade between the east and west again
| secured to the main line, by some legislative
action. As one Of the means by which this
object may be accomplished, it has been sug-
gested tlat individuals or companies may be
induced to place boats Or stock on the line, If
! the Legislature will guarantee that, if the
| Commonwealth should part with the possess
ion of her works. the purchaser shall be COM
pclled 10 take their stock at a fair valuation
1t is SAID that, if the guarantee be given, per-
sons are ready and willing to engage in the
business. The views of the Board upon this
subject are fully detailed in their annual re-
port, to which the Senate is respectfully referr-
ed
If this plan be adopted, there is another
measure intimately connected with it, which
is entitled to consideration. For the purpose
of expediting transportation. and reducing the
expenses thereof, inducements might be held
out to individuals or companies to place the
motive power on the several lines of canal for
propelling boats. 1t is understood that the
only inducement required to effect this object
is to extend to the individuals or companies
engaging in 1t, the same protection for their
capital invested, as is before referred to in case
Of persons placing boats or stock on the canal
In case this suggestion should be adopted
it would require the enactment of proper
guards and restrictions to protect the transpor-
ters from over charges and to ensure the speed
diest despatch of boats from place to place.
As the furnishing Of boats aud the power to
propel them constitute the largest portion of
the expense of canal transportation, it Is be-
heyed by persons conyersant with the subject
that division of the business-one furnishing
the boats, and another the motive power
would tend to reduce the rates of freights-
and TO expedite their transit between the east
and the west