Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-12-12

New York to Baltimore via. Harrisburg. The
result was an arrangement by which troops
were brought by the last named route at 81
each and, as a consequence, this rate was at
once necessarily adopted by all the railroads
in the loyal States, making q saving to the
Government of 33 l-2 per cent in all its trans
portation of soldiers, and at the same time Civ
ing to the railroads. through increased bust
ness, liberal compensation.
The railroad connection between Washing
ton and Baltimore has been lately much i'm
proved by additional sideings, and by exteu-
sions in this city In order, however, that
abundant supplies may always be at the com.
mand of the Department, arrangements should
be made for laying double track between this
city aud Annapolis Junction, with improved
sideings and facilities at Annapolis and along
the Branch road.
Should the navigation Of the Potomac RiV
er be interrupted by blockade, or the seventies
Of winter, it would become absolutely necessa-
ry, for the proper supply of the troops in the
District of Columbia and vicinity and OF the
inhabitants of this city, to provide additianal
railroad connection between Washington and
Baltimore. A responsible company with q
charter from the State of Maryland, have pro-
posed 10 do this upon condition that the Gov
ernment will endorse their bonds they bind
ing themselves to set aside annually sufficient
sum for their redemption at maturity, and thus
eventually release the Government from any
liability whatever, and to charge, for trans
portation, rates in no case to exceed four cents
tun per mile for. freight and three cents a
mile for passengers During the continuance
Of the war, however, their charge for passen
gers is not to exceed two cents per mile. The
charge for the transportation Of passengers be-
tween the two cities is at present 3 3-4 cents
per mile, and for freight the rates per tun will
average from five to eight cents per mile. The
large saving to the Government in cost OF
transportation would amply compensate for all
liability, and give to the citizens of all the 10y
al States greatly improV ed facilities for reach.
ing the National Capital, and at mach less
rates than they are now compelled to pay. To
the citizens of the District il would cheaper
the cost of supplies, and prove Of immense val
ue in every respect.
| recommend that railway be constructed
through this city from the Navy Yard, by the
Capitol to Georgetown, forming connection
with the existing railroad depots, and using the
Aqueduct bridge for the purpose of crossing
u
this proposed railway with abe Orange and
Alexandria Railroad, not only would the com
munications with our troops in Virginia, be
greatly improved, but an easy access be OBJ
tanned to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
near Harper's Ferry, By means of the Loudon
and Hampshier Railroad. To its importance
as afording facilities for moveing troops aud
supplies in time Of war, may be added to the
future benefits it would confer upon the Dis.
trct of Columbia. The outlay required would
be saved in few months by enabling the
Government to dispense with the expensive
ferry at Georgetown, and by greatly decreas-
ing the costly wagon transportation of the ar
my through this city
The injuries to railroads, instigated by the
Rebel authorities of Baltimore, 10 order to
embarras communication with the North and
West, via Harrisburg, and with the East, via
Philadelphia, have been repaired by the differ
ent companies that own them That portion
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, West of
Harper'S Ferry, which was so ruthlessy de-
stroyed by the rebels, has not yet peen restored
The great Interests of trade requires that this
road should be reOpened as speedily as posi-
BILE by the company, for the transportation of
the West. To all this object the Department
has rendered to the company q sufficient force
for its protection during the progress of the
work. and will render such facilities as it NAV
be able to provide in connection with its 9th
er importah: public duties.
For the purpose of facilitating the transpor-
tation of supplies to Alexandria and to points
beyond, it has been found necessary to rebuild
portions of the Orange and Alexandria and
the Loudon and Hampshier Railroads, and to
lay track from the Railroad Depot to point
on the Potomac Rriver, in this city.
Under an appropriation granted for that
purpose at the last Session of Congress, a
Telegraphc Bureau was established and has |
been found Of the greatest service in our mill |
tary operations. Eight hundred and ffty-Sev- !
en- miles of Geographic line have been already
built and put in operation, with an efficient |
corps of operators, and large extension is now
IN process of construction.
Congress at its late session, made an appro
prlation for the reconstruction of the Long
Bridge across the Potomac, which, in its then
dlapidated condition. was unsafe for military
The work which has been carried
On without interruption to trade or travel, is
rapidly approaching completion, and, when
finished, will be a substantial structure
On the first of the present month Lieut. Gen
Winfield Scott voluntarily relinquished bis
high command as General-in, Chief of the
American army. He had faithfully and gal
antIy served his country for upward of balf a
and the glory ofhis achievements
has given additional luster to the brightest
pages of oGr national annals The affections
Of greatful people followed hiu into his re-
-irement. The President Immediately con.
erred the command of the army upon the
oficer next in rank Fortunately for the
country, Maj Gen. Mcclellan had proved
himself equal to every situation in which his
yreat talents had been called into exercise