The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1857-03-26
For the Journal.
. Terrs Haute and Attiea Railroad.

Mr.. EDITOR: A long time has elapsed since
last addressed you. and had expected that
IN the Interim, some one would have advo-
Gated the extension of line of railroad Of
such Importance as that Of our Main Trunk
Line to Attica- But apathy seems to be
the order of the day, and our citizens
appear to have waited for some person
along the line, to move in the business, and
take all the trouble add responsibility Of
raising all the means, and starting the road.
And so thev have left it to a most intelligent
citizen eff Fountain county; who has the hon.
or Of having obtained charter for the pur-
pose. to the reproach Of our city.
What place is to be benefited by the ex-
tension, if Evansville is not? Who ultimate
ly are to get the largest profits to arise from
it, if our citizens do not? What apparent
interest is there which Evansville will not
partake Of more largely than any other city
along the line. Let the citizens, even at this
late hour, arouse themselves, and do some
thing. Let them one and all with one accord,
unite to push forward this work, which all
admit, will be the making Of our city.
With respect to the communication in your
paper Of the 18th ult, and the advice it con-
tained, had there been any matter in it de-
serving attention, should long ere this time
have replied to it,
The estimated cost Of the road in round
numbers, is stated at S1,o0OOOO.
The first step would be to see what SUBJ
scription could be got in Fountain and Parke
counties, as well as in the cities of Evansville,
Terre Haute, Attica, Rockville, AMI other
places along the line. This sum would prob
ably exceed $4,000, which forl the pres
ent would propose to husband. The Ev-
ansville and Crawfordsville road ought to
grade and bridge IL miles further or one
half OF the road, and in payment for this, and
the 78 miles already graded, they should take
stock OF ..ne Ierre IIaute and Attica. The
Wabash Valley Road would grade and bridge
the other half, to meet the grade built by the
Evansville and Charlottesville road, on the
same terms. The road would then be graded
and bridgeG, and have in hand a cash SUBJ
scripton of say S200OO0. | would then
propose to issue bonds for S6O000O, which
would produce something over 100000,
wherewith to purchase the iron, &c. This
should be the first and only mortgage; bonds
with such conditions, and for such purpose.
could be easily negotiated in sufficient amounts
and without any great sacrifice in discounts,
to buy the iron and build the superstructure,
and comnIete the road The rolling stock
would be furnished by the roads with which
it is to be connected, and their depots and
machine shops at each end could be used, and
all that would be required. for the complete
accommodation Of the road, would be a few
way stations, and depots at the larger inter-
mediate towns.
The above sir, is my plan for building this
road, which, if pushed forward with energy,
could be accomplished. Let the citizens be-
stir themselves; already they are about be-
ing eclipsed in every direction. Roads al
ready completed, that they could tap and
make tributary to our growth and profit will
be our ruin. Others are being purposely
planned to keep US without the pale oil pro-
gression. In truth Evansville has veay fa'I
chance of being completely isolated, aud lei
to grope along at jog trot pace, and never
attain any greater position than she at pres
.ent occupies; but will hereafter he knowr
and remembered only as a city which, not.
withstanding she is gifted with the greatest
of all possible natural advantages, yet by the
apathy, and want of foresight and courage o
its citizens, has permitted other small town:
in her vicinity, much inferior to her in rank
wealth and importance. to become immeasu
rably her superior.
have done. I leave the matter in tht
hands Of the citizens. desire no profit from
the undertaking, but must confess that hav
ing large stake in the prosperity Of the city
should like to see the plan propose consu
mated, as believe that more than any thing
else can be done for her, it will lend to be-
advantage and prosperity. ,--....
Yours, &C., --