Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-02-19
y 55c editor ofthe Alcrandrin Gazette:

ITO tho editor OF the AtcTandTtG 0aSette:
Tn response to the enquiries OF correspond
ents and for the satisfaction of those who really
desire correct information 10 the premises,
beg leave to request publication in your columns
of The annexed letter OF the General Freight
Agent of the Orange, Alexandria and Manas-
sas Railroad Company, explanatory OF the
tariff Of rates in operation Oh the man ilhe,una
| branch, inclusive OF local and through ireghts
Annie evidence of tine correctness OF the state
ment is furnished in the high personal charac
ter Of Capt. Hawks, aud the fact that the tariff
sheet is published, and at all times open to the
;nsnection Of the public. This letter CT the
General Freight Agent was placed upon my
| table nearly two months ago, but has been
withheld from publication heretofore Tor rea'
sons deemed sufficient by myself, and because
| # properly belonged as an accompanying paper
tn the regular report to Stockholders meet
inc. In the pressure of existing official en-
gopements it is impossible for ne to discuss
these questions in detail through the uewspa
ners. ! am responsible only to the Stock
holders of the company for the proper admins
ration of its affairs, and care Of its property:
! When they convene in general meeting, as
hope they will soon, | presume TINS Vexeu
question OF discriminating charges WILL De dn'y
investigated and disposed OF by the body who
have the right and authority to decide 1t. Sui
flee it now to say in my Judgment the existing
tariff OF rates SO far from discriminating against
the trade of Alexandria. comedies iuli protec-
t;nr in ts favor. And would suggest the
inrther fact to those super Jealous partlsaus
who have raised the question OF discriminating
rates that very large majority OF the STOCK
holders reside outside of Alexandria, with their
own special interests to promote, and protect
and it may be upon investigation iouhd ina
the existing rates already carry the prlncPle
of discrimination too far in the interests OF the
citv. Public.uuestions, like edged tools, have
two sides, and should be carefully handled, OF
the inexperienced propounder may fare like the
clumsy sportsman,
WHO aimed his gun at duck or plover,
But instead, was himself kicked over" .
The letter referred to covers the whole grounC
in dispute, and ought to satisfy the genera
community interested in the subject. 10 those
who have only personal objects to su0serVe
any statement OF fact or argument would a''S'
be OF little avail. Respectfully, 10.
J. S. BARBOUR, President.
ALEXANDRIA, Feb. II, 1870.
To John s. Barbour, esq President:
Sir: In accordance with your request, DC!
leave to communicate tho following Statement
in explanation Of the tariff Of charges now II
operation or the main line anu nthnassf'S W
OF the Orange, Alexsndris and Manassas ka'l
road, both as regards local and through trans
portation. .
In preparing the tariff Of rates on tonnage Q
every class transported over tho O, a. u NJ
> *. K, due regard has been paid to the interest
of the city of Alexandria, n the terminal east
: ern station proper Of the road to those OF IN
, local communities upon the line, and to the re
uuirements of through business between east
ern cities and LJnchburg, as presented ny Int
: competition of rival and competing routes:
! TAX ng, an illustration, feW pro.minen
points, tho principle applying to al station; ex
l ccpt Lynchburg, tho follow ing comparative i:
Bio will show rates on freight between A! exam
dria and local stations and Baltimore and .aIn
, | Ooints