The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1870-04-20
FROM PITrsBURGH TO CHICAGO.
The Proposed New Railway by Way of
Canton 20 the Lakes.

To the Editor Of the Pittsburgh Commercial:
1t affords many of the readers OF your
worthy paper, residing in the rural dis
tricts Of Ohio, more especially along the
line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and
Chicago Railway, a great pleasure and
satisfaction each and every morning du-
ring the week Sunday as a matter OF
custom, always excepted), to peruse your
daily The subject OF railway enterprise
frequently finds a space in its columns,
and an advocate IN your pen. A short
article, however, with small comments, ap-
peared in its yesterdays number, as fol-
lows: The Washington Chronicle says,
that Mr. Garrett is building a railway
from Pittsburgh to Chicago" The editor
of the Commercial adds: This is pleas
ant piece of information and decidedly
new. VIII the Chronicle state what is
the route, and when this road will be
completed2 2" As the Chronicle may not
be advised of particulars, and has not the
privilege and advantage of being located
at either the eastern or western terminus,
or along the line Of the Pittsburgh, Fort
Wayne and Chicago Railway, it may be
proper for one being favored with that
blessing along the line, at local station,
to tender few lines in elucidation and
explanation Of your inquiry. Permit it to
be said that not Mr.. Garrett but the people
along that line, beginning on or near the
west line of Allegheny county, Common
wealth of Pennsylvania, are moving ear
nestly and determinedly in the construc-
ton of another and second outlet" for
the great Birmingham of the United
States, located at the junction of the Mo
nongahela and Allegheny rivers, in that
county. The only difficulty in the way
now seems to be the question, whether or
not that great manufacturing and once
commercial center, will grant the right of
way, so as to connect with the western
terminus of the Connellsville and Pitts
burgh Railroad. 1t Is not only the in
tention, but the determination of the peo-
pie in those several districts to have an
other line connecting them with the city
Of Baltimore, and over which new line the
Great Central Pennsylvania has no power,
influence or control. As an evidence of
that statement In the little city of Canton,
with population of about 1900, on the
evening Of the day of the opening of the
books for subscriptions of stock to the
Pittsburgh, Canton and Chicago Railway
Company, the sum of over three hundred
thousand dollars was obtained, every dol
lar of which is A No. in sums of from
$50 to $4,000. The contemplated road is
to begin a short distance north of the
Monongahela House in your city thence
across that beautiful, quiet and serene
river of the same name thence to point
at or near the southeast corner of Colum-
bianR county, Ohio. on the west line of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :;
thence via Canton and New London to
Tifin thence to Toledo and Fort Wayne,
making a saving of distance between the
latter place and your city as compared
with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and
Chicago Railroad, of over forty miles
Stock sufficient can be obtained along that
line in less than four weeks to grade and
bridge the road passing through that part
and backbone of Ohio, over the finest
coal and mineral, iron ore regions, and
the most rich and fertile agricultural
counties, containing a very dense and en-
terprising population, composed of native
Buckeyes, M2rylanders, Old Virginians.
Pennsylvanians, French, German, Dutch
and Irish also few Connecticuters. Phe
foregoing may suffice to give you aud
your readers an idea of the beginning and
terminus, or what is the route p To
the other branch Of your inquiry, permit
it to be stated that the road will be com
pleted within two years, provided the
modern Birmingham" will not enjoin US
from so doing in constructing a bridge
over the Monongahela, of which there is
no danger, provided the great Central
Pennsylvania will give its assent. 1t
might perhaps be polite and expedient for
your City Council, or the capitalists and
manufacturers your city to appoint
committee to wait on the proper officials
of that company to ascertain It's will and
pleasure on the subject In conclusion it
may be proper, in justice to Mr.. Garrett
to say, that the Chronicle was mistaken
in blaming him for committing or attempt
ing to commit such blunder, and hope it
will corract the error and put the blame
where it deservedly belongs-on the peo-
pie of the rural districts along the New
LINE. s.
CANToE, OHIO, April Is, 1870.