The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-07-21
The Links from Norfolk to Memphis

The connection of Norfolk with Bristol and
Bristol with Memphis, is attracting the pub
lie attention of those who have given its inn
portance to Virginia the consideration ID
merits. The so-called Virginia and Tennes-
see Air Line is in condition to conduct bust
ness transactions between Memphis and Nor
folk. for which We are said to be indebted to
the policy of General Malone
A consolidation of the lines throughout the
entire route, is said, nevertheless, to be yet
wanting to perfect the scheme of sure, certain
and thorough INSTRUMENTATION Before
such scheme can be said to be reliable and
permanent, such consolidation is regarded as
desirable, if not essential. Such policy has
obtained in other countries and has been
adopted in other portions of the country
where certainty of transit and the manifest
advantages of combination or consolidation
Of the various lines between two termiui or
commercial circles, were the desiderata to be
accomplished. Such a consolidation policy
has been the means of resuscitation and REIN
vigoraton of lines of railroad which would
have languished and finally become we'll
nigh total loss to the stockholders. Apart,
separate and independent, their existence
would have been short-ived; and they were
destined, judging from the great depreciation
of their stock, to prove ruinous investment
But consolidated in order to form continu-
GUS line under the government and direction
of one head, in order to the accomplishment
of one common object they have revived,
new life has been infused into them, and from
stock depreciation Of eighty three per cent
in their isolated and separate state, they have
risen in Importance and the stock has reached
its par yalue-results brought about by the
policy of soldation-uniting them in one
chain for common object.
The line between Norfolk and Memphis is
composed of six corporations, separate and
distinct corporations, which doubtless were
benefit, but whose combined interests are now
involved in forming a continuous line from
our common harbor" to the great West
Their interests in this object may be regarded
as identical when we reflect upon the fact
that there is every reason to anticipate a
large share Of the freight and travel between
these termini, by reason of decreased distance,
as compared with the Northern route and by
consequence of decreased rates or charges.
These two facts may be regarded as sure to
| attract large portion of freight and travel
This line of separate roads, constructed by
Virginia and Tennessee is now essential to
| give the Southwest more convenient sea-
board outlet for its vast products; and Nor
| folk is the point, or eastern terminus where
they can be readily exported and thus prove
the great magazine from which direct trade
will derive its supplies.
The plan is to divide the line into two
grand divisions-one from Bristol to Norfolk
and one from Bristol to Memphis The
idea is to consolidate the general nag
ment, leaving the resnn-~"' anu earnings OF
each separate Corapany entirely unaffected so
G. --.ile stockholders are concerned The
J
united in furtherance of this contemplated
scheme and the cooperation of the Virginia
and Tennessee road is wanting to bring the
three under one general management This
desirable consolidation is the proposition of
General Malone, by which the freight and
travel of the Mississippi Valley will be
brought within reach and manipulation of the
prominent commercial cities of Virginia upon
equal terms. 1t was, as a cotemporary re-
marks, the consolidation of the links in the
lines of the Pennsylvania Central and New
York Central, which have made Philadeph
and New York and it is the consolidation
under one general government of the lines
from Norfolk to Bristol and from Bristol to
Memphis, which will make Norfolk, Peters,
burg, Richmond and Lynchburg, and largely
contribute to the regeneration of Virginia.