Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-11-20
more than the entire capital stock of the

more than the entire capital stock of th
Company.
This estimate for the future may seen
visionary to persons who have not givel
the subject much though, but on m,
point Of view. and the information I hav,
gathered Tie subject. it seems not only
possible, but exceedingly probable.
Look for moment at the soil all alone
our line to Weldon, and observe its fitness
or adaptability to the growth of Grapes
Peaches and early Vegetables then turn
to the Wilmington and Manchester, and
Wilmington and Charlotte Railways where
similar lands are found in great abundance
and at present very cheap consider oul
climate-inducirg early fruit and vegeta
BILE productions, and then the great facili
ties we have over all these Railway lines fol
rapid transportation to the great markets
of the North, and our wonder will be con.
verted into belief
Nearly all this transportation comes in
our, heretofore, dull season, from the mid
die of April to the first of October
Then to this new traffic add the largely
increased transportation of merchandise
and plantation products. To this again
add the local and through travel that must
be largely increased by the prosperity oi
the people, and by the increase of popu-
lation that this new culture will of necessity
bring with it,
The foregoing are few of the reasons
for the faith that is in me.
OUR CONNECTIONS.
Cur connections with Railways North
and South of rs are of the most friendly
character, and if we except the North Caro-
lima Railroad, we are working with all our
neighbors to our mutual advantage and
profit.
It has been often pressed upon this
Company the importance of having a con-
nection with the Chesapeake Bay by an
Independent line, while the friendly rela-
tions that now exist with the Seaboard and
Roanoke Railway Company renders such a
line unnecessary at this time. Yet as that
Road may pass into unfriendly hands, and
as this line would run through very pro-
ductive country that would insure it to be
O profitable line, it has claims upon your
attention.
From about Whitaker's or the end of the
branch to Scotland Neck, through MUIR
freesboro', to Suffolk, seems to be the best
route, and not more than seventy miles in
length.
Such road as branch to this could be
constructed under our amended charter,
with stock held separate from that of the
main road.
If it is thought best preliminary sur
vey can be made at small cost.
It is to be hoped that the Charleston and
Savannah railroad will be completed before
your next annual meeting, giving us di-
rect connection with Savannah and the
Gulf.
This road would be greatly benefited
by q direct railway connection with Colum-
bia.
It will open a very large and productive
country to our lines.
Should the Railway Bridge Company
their works at an early day, as we
hope they will, we shall be in condition to
run cars through with that Company, to
the mutual profit of both.
SURFACE RAILROADS.
A few local branches, sometimes known
IS "Surface Railroads." might be built
under the amended charter, as indepen-
lent branches, but to be worked by the
Company.
Such a road would, it is believed, pay
# built from Magnolia to Kenans7ille, or
beyond, into Onslow county.
One in the direction of Snow Hill from,
say Nahunta, or Black Creek.
Another into Nash county from Wilson
Or Rocky Mount.
If Planters interested desire to raise the
requisite funds as separate and indepen-
dent, do not see why the Company should
not contract with them to operate such
branches, and if deemed advisable. in each
case, to aid in the construction.
The matter is submitted for your consid-
Grafton.
CONCLUSION.
Our trains have run with much regularity
and with few accidents, considering the
mileage made.
One train was thrown from the strack by
a fend, who removed rail very adroitly-
serious damage was done the Engine but
no one was injured. Although great exer-
tions were used by the military authorities
to discover the perpetrator of this diaboli-
Cal act, he has not yet been discovered.
Efficient steps will be taken not only to
discover this william but to find out all such
fendish attempts upon the lives of our en-
ployes and passengers, as well as the de-
struction of our property.
Suspicion of course rests upon dis.
charged negro track hands, and they will
be watched.
lne SeFerai TepOftS VI tAe MaSteIs VI
Road, Machinery, ard Transportation are
submitted herewith for more detailed in
formation.
Our mileage this year has been three
hundred and tifty-seven thousand two hun
dred and sixty-three (257, 1863 miles. We
have transported 1866 through passen-
gers and 59,882 way Or local passengers.
We have hauled tons of freight.
No passenger has been injured on any of
our trains, and though our trains have
missed connections at either end of the
route more times this year than last, yet
these failures are few, and from trivial
causes in nearly every instance.
The officers aud agents of the Company
under my direction have been diligent and
faithful in the discharge of their several
duties
CTATE HEWC