Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1868-09-25

The issue between the Abingdon
T'rgiaian and the Natioadl Union is a
matter Of grave public interest, and VIC |
cannot consent to remain neutral in re-
gard thereto, Properly narrowed down,
the issue is between the continuance of |
the administration of Gen. Mahoue, "a
10 the Va. q Tenn. r. H., and the re-
verting of that great public improve
ment to the parry having previous con-
troll of it, and to the latter alternative
many besides ourselves cannot consent.
The Ergiaidn essays a defence Of Col.
Owen, and, after asserting that a unan>
imous vote of thanks was rendered that
officer by the Stockholders at the last
meeting, charges the loss Of the through
mail to Gen Malone, and then, strange
to say, acquits him Of all blame in the
matter by charging it to wind and wa
ter, which he says rendered it "next to
an impossibility for near two months to
make time over the road That Jour-
nal also charges that the "increase of
"tonnage and passengers over the road
ais attributable to the increased pros
"duction in the country, and the in
creased ability of the people to travel,
"and not to Gen. Mabone's manage
"ment." 1t admits that Gen. Malone
pays promptly, but credits that fact to
Col. Owen (who, to speak in general
terms, has paid nothing promptly since
the war; and the increased tonnage and
travel. The length of the Viryiaiaa's
articl eprevents our giving its views in
full.
In RETAINING from any animadver,
sion upon the management of the late
President, the National Union has
obeyed feeling of delicacy which the
friends Of Gen, Malone are proud to
have been actuated by in their treat
ment of this Railroad question. This
good example seems, however, not to
have been observed by the friends Of
Col. Oweni who persist in bringing him
antagonistically forward as their beau
ideal of Railroad President.
We much prefer that they would
spare us the the duty of making the
only yindication of Gen. Malone which
they thus make necessary. If, however
they persevere in this coercive policy
it will become the duty of the friend
of the latter gentleman to make public
much about The past administration o
the road, which they would rather al
low to remain where it has has hereto
fore been-concealed from PUBLIC crit
cism. We will state a few facts now
hoping that the matter may be above,
to rest;
First. The complimentary vote t
Col. Owen, though nealy SO, was ma
unanimous. 1t was, however, an div
branch gracefully rendered by th
friends Of consolidation, As such the
desire not its withdrawal, disliking to e
behind it, even to defend Gen. MahonC
They prefer to rely upon the positiy
effects of his mastery admininistratio
too young to be complete, but Of
ono Ugh to be,triumpbant.- The apochry
phal charge that he lost the throug
mail for two months because the weatl
er rendered it impossible to make time
and the appeals to the records of Il
p. o. Department, result about th
way: The records of the Office hel
show that during the first eight montl
of 1867 Col Owen lost forty-siy COZ
neetions, and for the correspondent
months of the present year, Gen, Nj
hone lost thirty.six.
But we regard this as lowering the
sue, and we prefer to go straight to Il
head of the nail to drive it. Col. Owe
turned the road over to Cen Mahol
with an insuihoioncy Of wood to run !
trains one month. Yet ne had recent
alrogated contracts which we
then unfinished, for the delivery
wood. This vas at the close Of Il
autumn, when wood should have be,
procured for the entire winters use =
In the treasury were 5000 in none
Some of the engines and cars we're u
der levy and in charge of U. S Go
eminent and advertised to be sold
These precious legaces and hoa'
list Of bills payable were the inner
lance of the new administration. &c
tainly, Gen, Malone was not responi
bic for these doplorable results, In 4
dead of that bad winter be went Ia wo
and procured large quantities Of WOO
and green as it was, he introduced &C
from Tennessee, and was able to use
Immediately the credit Of the road 7
vived under his management. II
oli debts were rapidly arranged, prom
,nrnAnnto mara fnr Ikn Er.t Inln N, on