New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-08-23

MesSrs. EditOrS.-Some four or five years ago it
was proposed to build railroad upon the Levee from
the upper to the lower line of the city. The scheme,
however, did not meet with favor, and was finally
abandoned. More recently we have had plan pro-
posed for railroad on Magazine street, which was
violently opposed by property holders on the lower
part of that street. We think it unfortunate for the
city that these Improvements were not made believ
ing that city cannot afford to lose any advantages
in the race for commercial distinction with her sister
cities.
We must not be deferred from making necessary
improvements, because the immediate interest of
small class might possibly be made to suffer. No
great improvement has been commenced without en-
countering the opposition of some whose interests
might be injuriously affected. The Grand Canal in
New York, and the great railroad from Baltimore to
the Ohio river, both strongly opposed at their
commencement. remember that one of the strongest
arguments relied upon by the opponents of the rail
road was that the Wagon interest would be destroy
ed the waggoners having had fine business in haul
ing goods through from Baltimore to Wheeling at So
per one hundred pounds, occupying eighteen days to
make the trip.
1t is vain to expect to make great Improvements
without finding opposition from some. The question
i'll regard to all such undertakings should be, will the
improvement proposed benefit large majority of the
people, and be of general and increasing utility? The
immediate interests of some may suffer, but may not
their remote interests be benefited? 1t is good rule
therefore, to enter npon all such improvements as
promise to be OF increasing utility to the whole city
| read the following in your paper of Thursday
morning
'.The Boston Courier predicts that horse railroads
| are destined to supercedc the omnibus system in all
| ~
be brought about, not to crafty the hopes Of mere
SPECTATORS and capitalists, but by the common de
nand of the people who will have realized the supe
rior advantages OF the rail travethe general comfort
speed and even motion, over that of the omnibus sys
TEN with its attendant tossing and jouncing rough
pavements and uneven roads"
| Now, we know of no city where the system o
horse railroad could be put in operation easily as
New Orleans, and we are gratified to see that oul
feo citZens of the lower part of the city are of thu
same opinion, and have already sent petitions to thu
Council for the privilege of running rail cars through
certain streets.
/ There is good opportunity now to make a fai
experiment with horse railroad, running from Poy
dras street to the upper line of the CITY, By opening
Foucher street from Girod to Julia, which can be don
at small expense as there are but two warehouses il
the way, one Of which is of but little value, perfec
thoroughtare may be formed through Constance int
Live Oak street. now called Constance street. the on
impeachment being the cutting through from Felict
to ST. Mary's street. which can be done at small eS
pense. The whole expense of opening the stree
would be borne willingly by a company, to whom til
privilege of making and using the said road may b
granted for five years, they agreeing to charge bu
five cents for each passenger.
When it is considered that the above named street
not paved, except part of Foucher street. so tina
there would be but little loss in taking up payements
and Also that these streets are but little used for dra,
ing purposes, we think the experiment may be yer
adyantageously tried here
A track four and halffeetwide, placed on one sid
of the street, would be wide enough for passenge
cars. We have no doubt that the company coul
afford to carry passengers for three cents and make
good per centage upon their capital invested but
are willing to pay them five cents for the first fv
years, after which they can afford to reduce the far
to three cents, IMPROVEMENT.