The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-01-10
RAILROAD TO wAsuINcroN.

IL auytuiuH iuVtHSr were wanting to
convince our people of the necessity of
direct communication to Washington and
the North by an all-rail line over the
shortest route, that,by way;of Fredericks-
burg,-we think the Inconvenience and
annoyances to which they have been sub
jected during the present cold spell, by the
stoPpage OF the mails, of travel and of
business, would be sufficient. Every win
Ter our patience is put to the same severe
test; and the question now is shall we
continue to submit to it and suffer on in
silence, merely to oblige small number of
unobliging gentlemen who happen to
own the only available line in that
direction, or accept the proffered help to
rid ourselves of the evil This question Is
now before the Legislature, and the people
look to that body for prompt response ;
and they do not wish it to como in the
shape OF q fruitless and costly investigation,
before committee, into the private affairs
OF corporations, but in the emphatic form
ct q free and full grant to a corporation
which has the money and is ready and
willing to use it for our benefit and for the
good OF the State. The men who hold
this capital are of course not dsintsrested
and unselfish philauthropists, who come
here Just Gu purpose to invest as an act
OF pure behevolence. They expect to
make money out of the transaction, and,
we say, let them make all they can. We
will have no reason to complain SO long as
we shall share in the profits OF their in
vestment, which will most certainly he
the case if freight charges and fare shall be
reduced one-half and the time of travel
lessened by several hours.
We are for the Pennsylvania Central, or
any other company that will bring money
Into Virginia aud give us material aid in
the development of the neglected resour-
ces and dormant wealth of the State, We
are doing too much railroad business now
on paper. Let us see if we cannot change
to cash basis. We care not whether we
invite or encourage capital and immigra-
ton or not. Both are bold and ventur-
some, and will rush to wherever they may
be able to fnd lodging place sans invita-
ton. lust tell them where an advantageous |
investment or good settlement can be
made, and they will find their way to it
without guide, as unerringly as the
practiced pilot makes his eddies in the
darkened night. You cannot keep them
back. They will force every barrier, and |
press forward with Prussian impetuosity
and eagerness to the investment OF |
the citadel There is good deal too
much nonsense about encouraging and at
tracing capital, as if it were not cunning
enough and wise enough to look out for
its own interests, and brave enough to en-
counter every obstacle, no matter how
great, when once assured of success
What cares capital sor political or social
or Southern outrages 2"
All these it can meet and overcome by the
magic clink of its yellow gold. 1t is not
the unsettled condition of society here
that keeps capital back, it is the uncer-
tainty which exists in the subtle mind of
capital whether the thing can be made to
pay or not; and it is the same thing with
immigration. Show either that they can
make money, and though the three-beaded
dog of Hades stood guardian at the door
Of Virginia, they would force their wav
past him, and defying every obstacle
irive down their stakes and pitch their
tents in the very heart of Dixie-Ku-Klux
Or no Ku-Klux. The recent investigation
INTO the affairs of the Pennsy lvania Cen
raj road, has attracted considerable attep- Q
ion abroad. In Philadelphia, particularly. n
deep interest has been awakened, and
be Press OF that city, referring to it.
avs:
resolution of the Virginia Legislature in.
uiriDg int the affairs OF the Alexandria and
fredericksburg railroad, and the evidence ad.
uced at the investigation thereon shows thu
'onoeIlul responsiveness OF the representative
orporation Of our city and State 1t appears D
lat the attention of the Pennsyivania railroad 81
as attracted to the Alexandra and Freda- W
eksburg railroad by reason OF their line be. V
* blocked at Baltimore, and its inability to at
&c passengers and freight through to Wash II
gton. 10 bridge over this difficulty. a
larter was obtained from the Legislature :.
Maryland, aud road is now being "a "a
uilt from baltimore to Washington
IRVING at Washington, there was still gan
connect between Alexandria and Fed. 10 10
icksburg. Then it was that the charter of -
10 Alexandria and fredericksburg company on
az bought, and the road is now being con-
ructed. connection from FredericEsburg of
Richmond WAS still wanting, and the Penn, en-
lvania Central made proposals to the com hlt
my owning the only line between the twn 90
ties, with view TO making it ON their road. ! :
wing 10 the extortionate demands of the
tier the scheme fell through, and our cor 4
ration now goes 70 the Legislature of Vir- q
MIA, and proposes 10 build road from Rich. 4
'nd to W ashlngtoD, to carry Passengers and
ight between toe two cities at one-hslf the
sung rates. The gality OF the purchase
the Alexandria ana Frederick burg road I
! already been decided In Two courts. Dis
i the Pennsylyania Is determined to insist 3ls
On IL. from the evidence brought ont be- rup
q the Investigating committee, more par w
aarlY that OF Vice President Roberts. of at |
Pennsylvania Central, we are inclined 70 Hol
ieve that the only opposition to the scheme
nes from parties owning the existing route | ,vir
ween Rlchmond and Washington, which is IA
elIable, subject TO interruption in winter A