Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-01-02
IF6r the journal and Statesman
THE RAILROAD QUESTION
Mr.. EDIroR

Mr.. EDITOR:
In my first communication to
your paper, laid down this proposition
1 THAT the only question under discussion
was one OF dollars and cents, " and as IL cor
rollary, it was hut reasonable to infer that
deemed the vituperations made use of by the
writer in the Republican newspaper, touch
ing the p. w. & b. r. II. Company's want
of loyalty, and of its being an overgrown
monopoly &c, had nothing whatever to do
with the matter. Such is still my view OF
the case, but as promised in that communi
cation that would notice those accusations
hereafter, perhaps il would he more fitting
to do so now, previous to considering the
main question, for you know the old axiom,
''Cloar away the rubbish before you com
mence to build"
lst Then it is not denied that the p, w.
II B. Railroad Company is rather a huge in
stitutiOn, bat that fact does not Justify the
prescriptions that it wishes to monopoliZe
the whole carrying trade of the country, or
any of the rights or privileges of the citizens.
To he sure, in order that stockholders should
managers of the Company to secure as much
of the carrying trade of the country, as
they can. This is but reasonable and praise
worthy, especially so, if by reason of their
success, they are not tempted to extorton in
their charges. And can the writer point To
n single act of extoi'tion or imposition by the
Company in question: have been resi-
dent of the City of Wilmington for many
years, and have yet to hear a single COM
plaint upon the subject. On the contrary
the reputation of the p, w. e. b. Railroad
Company, for fair dealing is almost prover
bal, while at the same time, the care exer-
cised by the officials connected with the road
has given it a reputation which is enviable
dare venture the assertion that there is NOT
n road in the United States upon which there
are fewer accidents and losses than on the
r., w. & b. Railroad This then evidently
shows that however much monopoly they
may be, they are not guilty of extortion,
nor of such greed for gain ms to prevent
the employment of the proper means to en-
sure safety.
I'd. As to the charge of sympathy for the
defunct Rebel cause. The impotency of this
innuendo would have been manifest to the
writer of the communication containing il,
had he only taken time to have inquired
into the immense amount of service which
the Company rendered the Government dur
ing the gloomy days Of the rebellion. Night
and day the p, w. g. b. Railroad Company
put forth all their strength in order to trans
port troops and munitions of war Aye in
a measure, to the neglect of any other public
or private interest. Did this show sylnpa-
thy on their part for the Rebellion? The
late honored President s. NJ FELTON,, ESD,
was recognized both by the lamented Lin
coin and the Secretary of War, as one of
the most effective and honest hearted sup
porters of the Union cause; and his efforts
to keep the Railroad in good working order,
so that the plans of the Government should
S not be tllwartcd, were appreciated by the
y lartics in question. Suppose the Company
y ul realize thousands of dollars by SO doing.
9 INC; were deserving of it and it is sheer non
! sehst to try to cavl at such thing But
u II Is Useless any longer to take up the time
ol your 'eaders, by trying to establish fact
already l9tent, and which has never been
disputed oily by those who wish to make
capital out OF mere fancics and assumptions
ana palm sucl off as current without the
least foundation for so doing.
q In my next communication shall adea-
r. vor to answer the question proposed ii my
/ ! first, fully and fairly.
# Pho Bono PUBLro.
W, NJ. G. Foster who was arrested fir the