The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1867-11-15

R. n, Election Again.

We feel that we would not discharge our
duty as a public Journalist, obligated as the
press is to guard the interests Of the cOmmu
nifty and fOrewarn them of political md COM
mercial disaster, if we did not again refer 10
the electi IN of our Railroad Directory to
take place the % inst, at Knoxville. In $
previous article we spoke in terms Of desery-
ed commendation of the able, faithful aud
efficient administration Of President John R.
Branner, and Sup't james D. Ho1Sie, and
alluded in q general manner to the prosper
Gus condition of the road sirce 1t had been
under their management. No one Of any
financial sense or judgement could expect
that the road, owing to the extreme scarcity
of money and the total exhaustion Of pro-
ducp, live stock &C., after the termination Of
hCstillties, would be attended with that le-
gree Of successful progress, which character
lied it curing the few years of its compile.
tiouproceding the war. Taking iato consid-
Grafton the unflvorable and discouraging
C rcumstances, under which it began opera
tiohs when released by the Government, it is
n matter of astOnlShment to US at least, how
in so short q period of time it has be recu-
perated, replenished and restored to its ami
Jslam condition. When Pres. Branner and
Sup't Hoxsie took charge Of the road, it was
without rolling stock, without money, and
without credit. The track was in such a
terrible state, that trains could not run with
any speed without the almost hazard to life
and limb. There was not a single dollar in
the Treasury to pay employees. The pros
poets OF the Road were so gloomy, The OBJ
stacles to its successful oper ,tion apparently
so unsurmouutable, that every man interested
in it capable of managing its affairs absolute
ly refused is chief Offices with The exception
Of the present inrumbents. 1t Is needless
for US 10 speak again Of the success which
has crowned their efforts. The first class
locomotives the magnificent passenger coach
es, the substantial box cars, the splendid
condition If the road bed proved beyond all
question by the non-OsCurrerce Of a single
train disaster on that occonrt, the PrOmp, I
payment OF the interest on the Safe bonds
and the debt to the National Governments
and the credit Of the road ARE induhitable
testimony to any rea; enable and observing
.ockholdcr that his Interests are safe IN their
hands, and will be managed to the very best
advantage.
Notwithstanding Col. Branner has laborad
untiring.y and indeftigably for the welfare
and good Of the company, becoming indi-
vidually liable for their debts, and borrow
ing funds on his own credit for their use,
there ARE men, who certainly know all these
facts, endeavoring TO take the management Of
he road out of his hands. To accomplish
their purposes, they are charging him with
al manner Of corruption, in fact with con-
lutting bis Office with an aye single to bis
own personal aggrandisement. lie is charR-
ID with specu!ating in claims upon the
Road, buying them up at a heavy discount
md paying himself out Of the funds Of the
Company 20 the full amount. This is a vie
SANDER. Il is positively and unqunlifedly
false. It is true that he has bought many
-lsims upon the company at discount, but
the books show that be has invariably given
;hs benefits and prO6iS Of such transactions
% the road, not making a single cent himself
Z Is also charged that when the road WAS In
its ineipisney. be gave Il little or no sid, and
hat be purchased bis large amount Of stock
faf a mar cong. How this is We are unable
- say dedai,sly, but as to tbs frii count Of
he Indictment We don't believe q word Of H.
As 70 the second a more aiasy and eoutsmp-
isle srsumsn could not be adduesd. fhis
saiirsly = Personsl matter sstwesn Col.
Brsansr aad hs rsudors, And no naa bss