The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-12-29

women and children, scantily clad, are
shivering in rudely constructed cabins,
Pittsburgh, wheeling and Ken.
lucky Railroad.
SHORT RAILWAY Limestone of our
eastern exchanges makes the following
Just remarks concerning railway enter
prises:
There is something about through
lines connecting distant and important
points which naturally moves men of
enlarged views to favor them. They
are called grand projects, enhancing
national interests and promising rich
revenues. But while the more extern
siye lines kave their own value and
importance, the shorter railways OF the
country cannot be and are not ignored.
They are the braces and rivets Of the
entire system, without which through
lines would lose half their support. To
say nothing OF the fact that the shorter
lines, branching Off from the longer
ones up the country, in the true sense
accommodate the main part Of the
rural population, they draw a local
interest which doubly guarantees their
security. No enterprise Is SO safe as
when it is supported by individuals or
small communities who feel that it's
success or failure will effect their own
success directly or remotely. Short
railroads are among the local insttu-
tons of the country, and as such have
a peculiar value which no other lines
can have. Whenever it is announced
that a new local railway is to be opened,
honestly called for 10y the immediate
and prospective demands OF the region
through which it passes, no doubt Is
entertained OF its value. OF course, 1t
must be o purely necessary enterprise,
and not speculative one as few un-
doubtedly are. The increase OF these
short lines are the true index ofnational
prosperity and it is gratifying to note
that they are on the increase.
The above extract, taken from oneo
your eastern exchanges. expresses so
well my views of the Importance, value
and necessity OF short line railroads,
that | beg leave to insert it as part Of
this article. Such an enterprise, in the
extension of the Pittsburgh, Wheeling
and Kentucky railroad to the city Of
Wheeling, will be presented to the voters
OF Ohio county on the third day Of
January next. Never was there pro-
position 40 liberal in its nature, 80 adj
vantageous in ts terms, and 80 full OF
promise to each and every description
of industry presented to the people and
attended with so little outlay. In fact,
do not think the people of Ohio coun-
ty will ever be called upon to pay one
dollar in taxes or any other way on ac-
count otthe bonds issued for the grading
and bridgingof this road. The history
OF all roads running through q rich
agricultural and mineral country (espe.
cially such valley as this
one traverses), justifies and confirms
me in this opinion. President Scott
says it will pay; reason and common
sense say it will pay. Every intelligent
citizen must admit that we must have
more railroad connections, and that,
too, on this side Of the river where we
can reap all the advantages of their
building, equipping and ru ming, with
the full benefits of the terminus subject
to no doubts or contingencies whatever.
In making this remark | do not mean
to undervalue the projects on the other
side of the river-by no means. If we
can get on our side of the river the full
sole and complete terminus of either or
both OF these roads, let US all say amen.
But build this road up the river first.
The preliminaries are all settled.
Nothing now remains to be done to
insure its completion within the next
year, but Ohio county to say on the
third day Of January next by three
fifth vote, "She wants the road"
Will any one who has the interest OF
our city and county at heart hesitate
one moment? Look around you,
cities OF yesterday, possessing not one
half the natural advantages we do.
outstripping us both as regards COM
mercial centres, manufacturing import
ance and all the elements which char
acterize live and thriving towns.
Laboring men, mechanics, operatives
in our mills and machine shops, mer-
chants. in fact every man, care not Of
what pursuit or calling in life, wake up
from your slumbers! Let not the fear
OF few additional mills Of taxation;
let not the croaking voice of the "old
fogie' (men OF past generation) deter
you from your duty to yourselves, your
families, and to posterity. Let not local
jealousies, business prejudices, or inter
ested motives OF any kind drive you
from that duty which every citizen
owes to the city-the constant desire in
every motive and action to build her
up and enhance her prosperity. Lay
not "supinely on your backs huggipg
the delusive phantom OF hope, until
neighboring towns Of yesterday and to-
day distance you in the race for COM
mercial importance and manufacturing
greatness. VERIrAs.