Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-11-01
EARNINGS OF RAILROADS, 1860.

No note is taken in this calculation of the
probabilities of the road constituting a link
| in the chain of connections between the At
| lantic and Pacific through Arkansas and
| Texas Such an event would cause its earn
ings TO be computed by millions. 1t need
not be added that If q straight line be drawn
between the mouth of the Chesapeak and
Guaymas, on the Bay of California, a pro-
posed terminus for the Southern road, it
would pass sufficiently near to Knoxville,
Nashville, Memphis and Little Rock to Sc
| cure them as points, on the shortest possible
line, through our own territory, between the
| two oceans. | say within our own territory,
because there is a probability that negotia-
tons for the purchase of Southern California
and portion of Sonora have already been
brought to a favorable termination by the
Government.
1t is at the same time preSumptious to un-
dertake to say positively what will be the
lines OF travel in a country like the United
States, which Is undergoing such rapid
changes in population and enterprise, and
especially in view of the fact that so many
great works are now projected, and will no
doubt be carried through, which must change
the whole face of the map. | have, there
fore, sought in the argument only to take
the safe ground.
Nor in view of the experience of the past,
can it be admitted for a moment that the
road, though it may enter into competition
with, will check the prosperity of other ex-
listing roads? On the contrary, the develop
ments of the future will leave abundant
material for all, and they viii operate as
feeders to each other, mutually enjoying
! Isl Il 1 l.
rivalry, but only Jealous emulation in such
enterprises.
Let it be taken for granted, too, that the
direct connection between Knoxville and
Charleston will be secured, for which Gin
cinnati is also actively moving. 1t is an old
dream of the people of Charleston, likely
now to be realized. Mr.. TRENHOLM said
lately in his report, referring to the Blue
Ridge road "Thirty-four miles have been
built substantially and are now in operation.
One hundred and sixty-four miles remain,
Of which large portion Of the heaviest and
most costly work has been done. Twenty
miles of the grading south Of Knoxville,
and the most difficult portion Of the work
required in bridging the Holston, have been
completed"
| close this letter with the remark that
such is known to be the Importance of short
ening lines of communication that the Cen
trail Pennsylvania road instructed its En-
gineer to expend $4,000 10 save one mile,
and $4,000 600 to save seventy-two miles.
The Engineer of the Memphis and Charles
ton Road reported that in seeking to be
nearest to the air line he was but following
the irrefutable maxim that trade will always
seek the shortest line"
Il has been stated by those familiar with roads
through favorable regions, that the traffic both
wavs will reach one hundred pounds on the aver
age for each acre on a belt Of thirty miles vide.
This at S. per ton would be S50OJg dollars Tor the
would bring the freight earnings 10 nearly the
100000 required. Should the Nashville and De-
catur road be extended 70 Montgomery, which Is
will add gtil further to the interests Of the Knox
vile read.