The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-12-23

I
Ohio Railroad--The Two Propositions.
On the 10th Of November an ordinanc,
was passed by the Council of this city, il
relation to certain privileges therein granted
the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, and pro
viding for the issueing to said road Of 5000,
600 of 6 per cent. bonds of the city, having
thirty-iour years to run, under certain ir-
revocable conditions, among which was the
construction of tunnel through Church
Hill, and the formation of permanent con-
nections by the road with the shipping al
Rockets and along the eastern bank of the
| Dock. After mature consideration of the
conditions imposed by the ordinance, the
| President and Directors of the Chesapeake
and Ohio railroad, through its President
informed the Council this morning of its un-
willingness to accept the terms prescribed.
| A meeting of the Council was called to-
day at IL O'Clock to consider the PROPOSE
tons Of the president and directors of this
company, who ask the passage of an ordi-
nance providing more liberal terms to the
company, and also the issuing of $500, 900
of bonds of the city instead Of 5000, 900 as
proposed by the ordinance first passed.
For want of space we are compelled to
omit this ordinance.l
The Council being called to order by Mr..
Starke, he announced the absence of Mr..
Howard, the Ashland clerk, who, being at
home, of course could know nothing of the
present meeting.
Mr.. August was chosen secretary pro
tem.
A resolution was passed adjourning the
regular meetingof Monday next until Mon
day week.
The object of the meeting having been
explained, Mr.. Sloan addressed the meeting
in favor Of the ordinance asked by the
company.
Mr.. Wynne regarded the question very
important one, and while the exigencies of
the case demanded immediate action, he
hoped the question would be calmly and
fairly considered.
Mr.. lsaacs regretted the unwillingness
of the Chesapeake and Ohio road TO accept
the original proposition of the Council, be-
cause he believed that proposition met the
universal appreciation of the citizens of
Richmond. The question was too impor-
tant an one to be considered so hastily.
He favored an amendment to the PROPOSE
ton of the company compelling it to retain
as its passenger and freight depot, either
where it is at present or somewhere be-
tween its present location and the river.
He was in favor of the increased amount
asked for, because the company agree to
spend more than 81 200, 900 within the cor
porate limits of the city.
The first section of the ordinance, as
amended, was passed by the unanimous
vote of the Council. e
Mr.. Whtlock offered to substitute
4OO0 00O c,,. tba epfn On0 n,,J oLo,oaI
Mr.. Wynne with inconsistency, from the
fact that he had declared he would not vote
a cent to this company to build the tunnel.
In reply to this charge Mr.. Wynne said
he was governed in his action by the old
Spanish proverb, that 'wise men often
change their opinions, but fools never.
Upon this announcement Mr.. Whitlock
called the ayes and nocs--net having
reference to the proverb Of course.
The yeas and nays being called upon
the substitute of Mr.. Whitlock, resulted
as follows:
Ayes-Whitlocf Hooper, Palmer and the
Nays-Metzger Allen, Bossieux, Smith, Sloan,
Isaacs, Davis, Wynne, Bargamn Roper, An
derson, Forester. Manly, Freeman aud Brazel-
man.
The increased amount asked for is due to
the change, to build double instead of
single track.
At the hour of closing our report,
the question of making this contract 'per-
manent " was being discussed. We have
no doubt the ordinance, with no important
changes, will be passed by the Council.
The opposition to it is confined to but two
or three members, who are unable to make
any impression upon the large majority
favorable to it.
We must say, we shall congratulate the
city when such contract is entered into
as will be acceptable to the company, and
induce it to build the road, thereby adding
immense benefits to the dearest interests of
Richmond.