The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-02-19
BALTIMORE.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1859.


A straight line drawn from Baltimore to st.
Louis, would nearly intersect Cincinnati The
same line produced would fall upon the Pacific, at
the point where San Francisco stands. How
pregnant of suggestions is such fact Throwing
out of view, however, the relations of San Fran
cisco, for the present, let us consider
those existing between the other three cities.
In the first place. these cities are, in their social
structure, similar and sympathetic. Standing on
the line between the free and slave States their
sentiments do not widely differ upon the great
question at issue between the North and South.
and their interests on that point are the same.
The habits, manners and customs of their people.
accord much more nearly with each others than
with those of cities of a higher northern range
We do not find, in them the intense and demon
strative energy which characteristics the swarms
thrown out by the northern hive; but they have
calm and almost unconscious increase of pro-
portions and strength the result of q healthy and
normal growth, and not of the spasmodic action of
stimulus. 1t is not wonderful therefore, that the
relations existing between communities thus situa-
ted, should be cordial and intimate nor would it
the character indicated by the phrase of a
League, offensive and defensive Circumstances
seem clearly TO indicate such result, as almost
certain. The action has hitherto been from East
to West. The sea-board cities have been COM
peting with each other for Western communion
lions. All the great railroads have been constrnc-
ted by Eastern capial-and we may even add
that Western cities have been built, and Western
farms improved by the men and means of the East
Nor has the investment proved unremunerative
All the Atlantic cities have derived the impetus
therefrom which has added so marvellously to
their size and splendor. But time is rapidly APP
The prosperity of the West will soon cease to be a
parasite, subsisting on the financial favors of Wall
street. 1t is rapidly drawing near the point of q
magnificent independence, which will not only alb
stain from asking favors, but which will have IA
vors to bestow. Or rather, to speak the language
of political economy, which ignores the idea Of
commercial favors, the productive capacity of the
Valley of the Mississippi will soon have assumed
dimensions which will compel its people to con-
slider their economical relations to the seaboard-a
question hitherto decided for them by the seaboard
peted for connections with Western cites-the
time is at hand when Western cities will compete
for Atlantic seaports. If the situation had been
reversed from the outset-if the settlement of this
continent had commenced in the Interior and the
city of Cincinnati, having acquired what the next
twenty years will put her in possession OLA popu-
lation of half million, with abundant wealth.
were seeking an outlet to the sea, with no New
York, or Philadelphia, or any other seaport TO
interfere with her natural action in such contin-
gency, what would be the result? Can any one
doubt that the nearest suitable Atlantic harbor
would be sought, and the shortest route
opened thercto-that Cincinnati herself would have
built the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad? Subsan-
TALLY she has been saved that trouble. She has
had so many commercial attractions, that suitors
from all quarters of the seaboard have humbly
bowed down before her and besought her
alliance. She has toyed with all-but the
same causes which must have impelled her
to come to us, if we had not gone to her, will
ultimately force her to throw herself into our arms
Unshackled commerce tolerates no circuit that can
be avoided. The transport of goods is n simple
question of expense, depending entirely on dis
lance. For time, superior and reckless
energy may seem TO put Nature aside from her
course, but her resistance is undying, and in the
end, must prevail.
To Cincinnati and st. Lonis must be conceded
the commercial supremacy of the great valley
The imagination almost recos from the vision OF
the spendor which seems to await the future
of these cities. The latter particularly, has adj
vantages which many thoughtful men believe &c
indicate it as destined ultimately to be the mos
populousand wealthy mart on this Continent. With
the development of their growth, corresponding
development must await Baltimore. Towards
this point commercial gravitation must ulti-
mately direct their business, and Cincinnati and
st. Lonis having passed the period of pupiage and
the uncertain purposes of youth, will unite and
seek the nearest road to the sea-
We have been led into this train of reflection by
an article in the Cincinnati Gazette on the Marietta
Railroad. This forms substantially the airline
between Cincinnati and Parkersburg and of
course part of that between this city and ST.
Louis. The reasons urged for the immediate COM
pletion of that road, are, in Judgment conclu-
sive, and of equal interest to the people of all
these cities. We have no hesitation in expressing
our conviction that the Southern connection by
way of Parkersburg, with bridge over the Ohio,
is the true commercial route between Baltimore
and Cincinnati. That in the progress of events,
and in the pursuit of their ends, the people Of
the Queen city will be compelled to make this
Improvement we firmly believe; but there is no
reason to postpone consummation so devouty
to be wished, as the consummation of the most
intimate and firmly riveted alliance between
Baltimore and Cincinnati. Let true entente cor
dale subsist between those Cities and our railroad
may spare diplomacy in arranging rates with
Northern rivals-and cease to beg for a share Of
New York freight.