Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-03-11
South Branch Valley Railroad.

w Isl ~, TGO AOOs.
Alargey attended convention was convened
here to-day to inausurate steps to construct
railroad through the South Branch Valley
There were represented in the convention soms
ten or twelve Of the counties interested in its
completion. The Alexandria, Loudoun and
Hampshire Railroad Company was present also
by its president; Mr. Mckenzie. The conven-
ton was organized by the appointment of CD.
Baker, of Winchester, as president, aud r. w.
Gilkerson, as secretary.
After the organization Of tho convention, q
committee of one member from each delegation
was appointed to consider the objects for which
it was called, and report such suggestions as
might be deemed proper in facilitating the sc-
ton of the convention After the committee
had retired, the President of the Loudoun and
Hampshire road was called out, aud responded
TO the wishes Of the convention by giving
succinct statement Of the origin, objects and
present condition Of the road which he repre-
sented, together with the condition Of its e.
nances and future prospects. In the course of
his remarks, slight illusions were made to the
grasping policy Of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad Company. He eflrther remarked that
he had no doubt that, should practical route
over the AIIeganies IN snorter nae than Is
now in use, the present route of the Loudoun
and Hampshire road would be changed, and
line adopted which would afford the people of
this valley the lailroad facilities they needed.
When he had concluded, the reply Of John
W. Garrett, Esq, on the part Of the board Of
directors. TO the committee Of correspondence
was read, whereupon Gen. Rosser, who, had
been authorized TO speak in behalf of the latter
company, arose and stated that ho had been
instructed by Mr.. Garrett TO say to the con-
vention that he and the Baltimore company
looked with much favor upon the contemplated
road. and regretted that the present condition
Of the finances Of the company would not adj
nit of their contributing funds towards its con-
struction, but that he hoped and believed that
by an energetic effort in proper direction the
people Of this vastly productive country would
be able to procure the funds necessary to make
the road. aud il such resolution was male
and company formed for tho purpose, he
would most cheerfully detail a corpse engineers
to make all necessary surveys and reconnois-
sances in defining the route, and furnish the
road when ready for operations, all the neces-
sary equipments, rolling stock, &C., and, If it
was deemed proper. work the road upon such
terms as should de deemed equitable by all tie
parties concerned
Judge Allen then took the floor, and paid a
compliment to the judcious and liberal propo-
sition of Mr.. Garrett, complimenting him high
ly upon his great financial abilities and rail-
road diplomacy he objected, however, Il
prescribing the limits Of the road in con,empla
ton exclusively to this valley, and expressed q
desire to have wider sphere Of operations.
Several other members then addressed the
convention favoring an srrangementin connec-
ton with the Loudoun and Hampshire road
The convention then adjourned until to-mor-
row, at o'clock, A. d., when the report ol
the committee on business will be made and
| definite action taken.