The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-16
ADMINISTRATIONS.
THE CITY PASSENGER ROAD.

1HE CLL 4 AOdD.
MEssRs. EDTroRs:-l have read with interest and
satisfaction your editorial of Thursday, setting
forth the condition of "Brock & Co.. in their
relations to this city. regard the present as a
fortunate combination of circumstances for the
adoption of measure which will place the whole
institution of city railways upon its only proper
basis
The city should the tracks in perpetuity and
sell fUe or ten gear contracts to the highest bidder for
running cars Under regulations adopted By the city.
This proposition was made about the time the
Brock Bill was before the Council. 1t was caught
up, and repeated with approval in many quarters,
and was introduced into the Council, but, unfortu
nately after their interviews with the agents oft the
Philadelphia purchasers. Since that period every
discussion OF the subject every question that arises
affecting the interests of the city in its corporate
capacity, or the rights and conveniences of way
farers finds its only satisfactory solution in the
adoption OF this measure, and tends to confirm its
wisdom.
Let me enumerate few of the advantages it in
cludes-each one suggests numerous others Deepen
dant on it.
First-as to outlay. The first cost of the track
is the heaviest item. 1t could be met by the issue
of special per cent. stock, the interest on which,
and a sinking fund to redeem the principal would
be paid by the revenue derived from the contracts
for running cars.
Carrent expenses, there would be none to speak
Of The track, as part Of the highoay, would come
under the supervision or the City Commissioners,
like the grading and paving of streets. Under any
other system, constant difficulty is likely to grow
between the City Commissioners and the owners OF
the tracks.
Secondly-as to the vexed question of a three,
four five cent fare. the lowest be adopted by
the city, it is more likely to be successfully and
proftaby carried out by parties who have only the
investment on cars, horses and servants to calcu-
late for. Moreover, its practicabiiy impractical
bity will be quickly determined, and Just rate of
fare may be established with certainty in short
time.
Thirdy-as regards future extension. The ad-
vantages on this point alone are sufficient to out
weigh all others. How long must Charles street
avenue wait for the advantage of a railroad to be
established by private enterprise? But suppose
the grading and paving of that avenue to be a
hing now in progress; what slight addition to
the cost would be the laying of a track. Two cars
a day could be run upon such an avenue, and not
only pay their cost, but by rapidly increasing the
value OF real estate along the line, would shortly
repay the city for ito outlay, by tho increased nc
sessnent thereon. In this manner, every desirable
connection with suburban localities NAV be effect
ed long before the same thing could be accom-
plished by private enterprise
But leaving every one to follow out for himself
consideration of the advantages of the proposed
measure, let to its application to the pres
ent condition of things Let the Councils appoint
committee to negotiate with Messrs. Brock &
Co. for a sale ofthe tracks now laid down, on rea.
sonable terms. Here is solution of all difficulties
unless difficulties really sought and Messrs
Brock Co. propose to plunge into litigation with
a corporation for pastime.
A board of arbitration would, no doubt, settle
the business wisely and justly between the par
ties. A CITIZEN.