Thibodaux minerva., 1856-03-01
Something about a Shell Road.

Something about Shell Road.
In our last issue it was our pleasing duty to ha7
recorded the important fact that the amount re
quired for the construction of a bridge across tn
bayou, at this point, had been procured, or nearl
so; and that in a short time we would be accom-
ters, greatly to'the convenience of our friends 0
both sides. Those who have SO actively engaged
in this praisewofthy effort deserve the warm &C
acknowledgements Of our fellow-citizens 1t now de
wolves upon us to call public attention to another
important matter, which equally interests ou
citizens
As our great public thoroughfares leading into
our town are opened and improved, in the same
ratio will they add to its permanence and progress
and as Thibodaux increases in wealth and popula
ton, in the same proportion will the interests Of
the parish be advanced and its resources developed
While we accord to the bridge its full quota oi
importance, should not forget in our joy for the
Zone blessing granted" benefits which will accrue
to our young city Of still greater importance in
another direction. We allude to the substantial
improvement of the public highway from Thibo.
daux to the Terrebonne Station of the New Orleans
and Opeousas railroad. Those who are acquainted
with the past history Of our trade know that the
best and greatest amount of it has heretofore found
terminus in Thibodaux, over this road The
Terrebonnc, Black, DuLarge, and the Cailou
countries have, up to the last year, done their heavi
est trading here, and thousands upon thousands
of dollars from these sources have passed into the
hands OF our enterprising merchants and industri-
Gus mechanics which enlivened our trade and
helped to increase and build up our town. Let
those acquainted with these facts compare the
business receipts of past years with those of the
year now just closed and the result will be both
astonishing and alarming. There must be Cause
foY this. The effect is obvious, and convincing to
every business man in the place.
The location of the railroad four miles distant,
may be properly conceived basin between the
foregoing localities and Thbodaux. 1t brings them
market four miles nearer home, and removes the
necessity of their coming here to trade, as in
former days. 1t gives them anindependence which
they have never before enjoyed, and which they
will use to suit their convenience and pleasure.
This cannot now be avoided; but, by judicious
management, it may be modified to suit the inter-
ests Of town and country. Thibodaux is the old
favorte trading point of those sections Associa-
tons of many different characters will still bring
their produce and money to our trading houses, if
we are but true to ourselves, and give evidence
that we still solicit their support Topreserve these
interests so important to our business and pros
perty, we must act speedily and effectively We
must make substantial Shell Road from Thibo-
daux to Mrs. Tanners, where the Opelousas rail-
road crosses the Terrebonne, over which trade NAV
travel safely and proftably. Unless we doths our
business must necessarily depreciate; our town lose
its character and reputation abroad and We, even
tualfy, be thrown on oue own resources.
It is altogether useless to speak of the present
or past condition Of this road( ~ All who have trav
eled it since the beginning of the present winter
can vouch for the depth Of its mud, the number
and dimensions of its ruts, and the danger to- We
hicles passing over it.
In view of these considerations, we here pro.
pose by facts and figures, without tropes, to pre-
sent the feasibility of Shell Road, and the per-
centage which would arise from investments in
such an enterprise. Our estimates are drawn by
gentleman Of extended experience in such matters,
and cannot vary materially from true estimate:
PROBABLE COST
3200 barrels shells to the mile at 25c 90
Hauling and placing shells per mle at &c per bb 1896 90
Rolling same with iron roller ........... $50 90
Grading, dchng, bridging, and cuvers. 500 90
Two toll gates and buildings. Observation-Disclosures. 64 90
Making this amount per mile. $1,000 90
say three and q half miles from Bayou to Terre-
REVENUE PER DAY.
70 horses, Sc each way, 81: 20 buggies, 121c,
two.horse carriages, 2oc, 81; stages, Csc,
four-horse wagons, a5c, 81 50; carts, drays, "
etc.. lZHc, ~. 50-15 90
thus making a revenue per annum Of .5475 90
Deduct for two toll gate keepers, $3.50; and
Ieaving net revenue Of. ..............$5 $4,000 90
)r over 70 per cent per annum; after which
appropriate, Kyou choose, for secretary,
treasurer, and several superintendents. 1000 90
Which leaves a net income Of 1000 O0-4OOO 90 |
)r near % per cent; bu, for fear the an
nual repair may be estimated too low,
We will add to that item, say. .......... 500 90
Witch leaves Just 20 per cent income $500 0Os5oo 90
PoNr ~ = T.