Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-12-06
Tn. Richmond, Fredericksburg, ana
Potomac Railroad.

The Richmond, FreoerH
Potomac Railroad.
Far several years there has been consider
eble interest manifested, on the part OF tne
citizsns between Aqua creek and Aie1ap'
dris. and between the same point ana bslti.
more. with regard to the further extension Of
the above named road, during which time II
,yorli appear that the Company has been
somewhat rerplsxed, and undetermined, as
~ what course to pursue in order to protect
their iatcrcst. We believe, however, that the
finances OF the Company have not been IN
condition hitherto, to enable them to COM
meDce, and carry on, this new WORK, I'D con-
sequence of the constant demands necessarily
made upon their treasury in order to relay
their track with new and heavy rail, instead
of the old hat-rail with which II was formerly
laid. This work having been completed, mas
nut the road 10 excellent condition from
Richmond to Aqua creek, and 1t Is general
ly supposed that the work Oh the extension
will soon be commenced. The only ques-
ton now to be determined, seems to be. as
70 which one Of the several routes spoken
Of should be adopted, with view to the
advantages and disadvantages incident to
each.
Ii the line through Maryland shall be
adopted, we ina CINE that the Potomac river
will interpOse an obstacle which can only DO
overcome at great expense, trouble and de-
lay. la fact, we believe that Is will DO I'm.
possible to ferry the Potomac successfully at
that point, when the ice shall be thick or the
weather stormy.
The distance and expense of the line TO
Baltimore will be at least double tina. Of the
line to Alexandria, or to Manassas Station,
90 the Orange aud Alexandria Railroad.-
AID Us the Richmond, fredericksburg and
Potomac Railroad relies chiefly upon the
travel over the road, to sustain 1t. we can but
think, taking all things into consideration,
that the travel over the road will be much
greater if extended directly to Alexandra
than it would be If extended directly to Bal
timore. Moreover the great Southern mail
would be secured to this road, If taken to the
former place. but would be lost to it if taken
to the latter. The traveller, whether going
North or South, would. in all probability,
desire to 90 by way of Washington not only
because it is central point, aud hence we'll
suited as resting place, but because, at the
slne time, he would be privileged to enjoy
the many attractions incident to the capital
Y! d ritht auu E'O"IaS SOuu'i iinc Ou'
The tone now required to travel from Rich
mODd to Alexandria would be greatly vedus
el by extending the road directly to the lat.
ter place. We believe, toe, that there would
be no difficulty whatever IN obtaining the
right OF way either TO Alexandria or Mauas-
cas- Station, if one of these routes should be
fixed upon. and by little exerton, liberal
subscription obtained. There is an abun
dance Of material, necessary for railroad
purposes, on either of the lines last named,
which would be furnished at low price.
We hope that the directors, upon fsvora.
bic consideration Of the several contemplated
lines, will adopt one or the other Ut those
which will pass through Virginia, Lot only
because We believe that il would be greatly
to the interest Of the Company to do 30, but,
IL the same time, 1t would necessarily pass
through portion Of our country that has
never been favored with any public work OF
the kind, and hence would be great benefit
to large number OF our citizens living, or
owning lands, in its vicinity.
We see that our friends on the other side
of the Potomac are diligently cxertipg them
selves in order to persuade the directors to
extend the road directly to Baltimore
lUelT tutIlS bIC duu hOItDy Va Ouk
imitation.
The ciiiz9us Of Fairfax Prince William,
AID Stafford are more Immediately interest |
ed, (or, ut least should be) 10 the extern
sion o! this road than persons elsewhere, from
the fact, that if the road should be extended
the most reasonable, and, as We conceive,
proper route it would pass through tLese
ccuntics-at least through Prince William
and Stafford. In view of the many advant-
ages which such road would furnish, does
it not behoove our citizens to use whatever
means may lie 10 their power to secure it
There is nothing like an effort in work of
this kind, and We hope that cur friends will
leave no opportunity unimprovei which will
be Conducive to their Interests and general
weIfare-I1st prGiia prormid.-Irince Nm.
Democrat.