Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-02-26
pALriMORE AND ONO RAILROAD
Interesting Facts and Figures from
the FOrty-0ffh Annual Report.

AND OHIO kAILkOAD
Facts and Figures from
the Forty-nffh Annual Report.
We are under obligations to Colonel
Sidney B. Jones, general ticket agent,
for copy of the forty-6fth annual re-
port of the president and directors to
the stockholders of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad company for the year end
ing September 30, 1871. 1t is a compact
of sixty-six pages, and con-
tains no superhuous matter. In this era
of steam and wonderful mechanical
achievements no corporation in the
country better illustrates the progress of
the times and the growth and power Of
railroads than the one here mentioned.
We will, therefore, as matter of inter-
est to the general reader, collate and
present in small space some facts and
figures taken from this valuable report.
The total amount of revenue derived
from the main stem and its various
branches for one year was 1885,, 529 AZ,
being an increase of nearly 100000
over the business of the preceding year.
1t is shown that the earnings in compar-
ison with the fiscal year of 1870 have
increased 81 ,4s5, 662 SO, and the work
ing expenses $453,427 6s, making com
parative increase in the net profits of
s., O32, 234 65.
1t will be remembered, continues the
report that at the close of the war it was
the conviction of the board that ifproper
enterprise were exhibited vast trade
could be attracted to Baltimore. 1t was
deemed necessary not only to extend
railway lines but to furnish the most
improved facilities for ocean commerce.
The company purchased from the gov
eminent four steamships in 1865. These
made ffty-eight successful voyages from
Baltimore to Liverpool. The enterprise
became the nucleus of the successful
lines of splendid steamships constantly
plying between Baltimore and Liver
pool, Southampton and Bremen. The
experiment was very costly, and re-
garded as hazardous, but produced mag
nifcent results. Dividends have been
declared regularly from time to time,
and the road has been improved until it
is perhaps the best and most elegantly
equipped railway in the country, be-
sides having large surplus fund on
hand. The company could doubtless
declare dividend of twenty per cent.
every year, but such policy would in
vite the legislatures to interfere with
tariffs of freights and passengers.
The policy adopted for the develop
ment of the trade in -four, live stock,
coal, lumber, etc., accomplished the
important results anticipated. Low and
Uniform rates were established, so that
consumers could rely upon their sup
plies throughout the year at prices which
would not be affected by changes in the
charge for transportation. The tariff on
,oal, for instance, has remained un-
changed since March, 10, 1868, though |
,ther roads have made frequent changes |
n their carrying rates. This trade,
therefore,, has increased to colossal
business. Two hundred iron hoppers,
zach of ten tons capacity, have been
,uilt for the coal traffic during the past
rear.
During the year eleven first-class en-
,ines, nineteen palace and passenger
ars and nine hundred and forty-four
ron coal hoppers and cars for general
onnage were built at the company
FORKS. The equipments of the main
TEN and branches consists of three
hundred and seventy-fve locomotives,
wo hundred and fifty-four passenger
nd baggage cars, and 1894 eight-wheel
orse, stock and other cars. Two great
ridges have been built at a cost Of g.,
37,l56. A grain elevator has also been
uilt, and rolling mill for the manu-
lcture of rails has been put in opera
on.
These and various other magnificent
improvements made have involved enor-
lous expenditures, yet the wisdom of
lch policy is apparent in constantly
Increasing traffic, and the prosperity Of
altimore, Cincinnati and other cities.
IN the sd of last July the Ohio and Mis-
ssippi railroad, three hundred and nine
three miles in length, altered its gauge
ON six to four feet and nine inches, to
orrespond with the Baltimore and Ohio
ne. thus giving Baltimore a direct line
saders with further details. Those al
lady mentioned give an idea of the i'm
tense resources and business of this
igantic railway company, and its ad
Iirable management has demonstrated
hat can be done by energy and a proper
ltlay Of capital directed to the purpose
{ supplying the wants of the people and
lilding up communities, manufactures
nd cities We look to railroads for the
pening up and development of the
of which Memphis is des-
ned to be the entrepot.
Symptoms of CatarFh.
T,,d;snos;t;o,, 20 avoro;sa J;Monltr &c