Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-11-22

LTheO. & a. r: B. and Alexandria.

70 the Editor of the Alexandria Gazette: Is
Having observed Of late some expression of
dissatisfaction with the present managementt5o
the Orange and Alexandria R. R., on accounted
alleged determinations of charges in favor OF
Baltimore, and against Alexandra, l have, as
a member Of this community, interested in the
subject, given myself the.trouble to Investigate
the matter, and now propose to present the re-
suit Of my inquiries: :Eorggr-.7-a9
Uponn al OBLIGATION to the General Superinten.
dentlof the Railroad Company, lThave been
shown the tariff sheet, and had the samefulIy
EXPLAINED, both in principle and in detail So
fer from any discrimination being made against
Alexandria, its interests, on contrary, appear
to be well protected. Z OH. IM&DJ !.
All grain from any station on the railroad,
shipped to go north of the city, is actually
charged higher rates than the local pro rata
or in proportion TO distance. For example,
corn from Culpeper Court House to Aexap-r
dra, is charged 81 cents per bushel; It conslgn-
ed to Baltimore, the same corn has to, pay an
additional charge of 81 cents per bushel-more
than the pro rata distance. The steamboat line
from Alexandra to Baltimore is now carrying
grain betweenEthe two points at lower rates :.
Freight going north, from any station between
Lynchburg and Alexandria, pays three dollars
per ton more than is charged when it stops IN
this city; and from Lynchburg, where the
connection with rival routes occurs, the addl-
tional charge for same is two dollars per tom
The local freight charges on the Orange Road
are claimed to be the lowest in the State, as
| compared with other Virginia Railroads, and
SO far from the City Of Alexandria having
cause of complaint, its interests seem to have
| been carefully guarded Guano from Alexan-
Gria to Lynchburg is charged five dollars per
ton,-from Baltimore to Lynchburg the rate
| is 81. 40 per ton more, or $7.4O. Surely these
discriminating charges are sufficient for fair
| protection Of this city. 1t is not wise In Alex
andria to ask too much protection, or to raise
an antagonism with the country INTERESTS
| If the country is to be taxed unreasonably
| for the benefit of Alexandria, there will
be well founded grounds for complaint IN
| that quarter, and all these diverse inter,
ests Of town aud country, and railroad should
| be made TO harnOnlze upon just and equitable
| principles. Such seems to have been the
course of the Directory Of the Orange Com
pany in their tariff OF charges.
The Company cannot afford to give up its
natural advantages for participation in the
through business from the Northern cities to
! the southwest. 1t would not advantage Alex
andria dollar hut only have the effect to give
| this profit to steamships and other rival lines
Of transportation The large monthly dis
bursements of money of the Orange Company,
arc surely of value to. this community, and
should not be thrown away for mere Imaginary
benefits to individuals here, or elsewhere. No
sensible man can be humbugged with the bug
bear OF Baltimore, when the fact Is patent
that grain is now shipped every week from
Alexandria to that city, by steamboat, at lower
rates than are charged through by railroad
Is it just or right therefore, upon such grounds,
to assail the officials of the Orange Railroad,
who are citizens Of Alexandria, and have prob
ably quite as large interests in the town, to say
the least, as many Of those who have united in
the clamours referred to-? - = JUSTICE