The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-08-08

4
one as will for all time to come, place the
Chesapeake and Ohio Company beyond all
possible danger OF a competing line. on the
soil of either Of the Yifginas, either in low
grades, short distances or safe curves Be-
sides accomplishing these desirable ends, for
the easy and successful operation of the road
and, at the same time, very valuable Objects
for the Company in a financial point of view
Ehe reduced, by adopting his improved line.
the amount OF excavation necessary by prcvi-
nus surveys, about 1900 900 yards, aud, also
reduced the masonry about $4,000 cubic
yards
To overcome the natural obstacles in the
path Of a railway across the lofty mountains
Of Virginia to master the deep, almost bot
temless passes, and wild aud rushing torrents
which seem to madden at human approach,
and deny human ingenuity. required com
binatlor d Professional skill and comp.eheu-
sive, practical Judgment, (to say nothing Of
the most pasied6 temper and christian endur-
ance, that makes the engineer in such rare
work an exceptional character. The design
was stupeBdous 10 programme and proper
tons, and involved interests, not only IL e
most extensive character but of cocti7
mental magnitude. But in every quality re-
quisite for the important duty, Col. Whit
comb was not only equal to. but the consum-
mate master of his task. No emergency ex-
ceedcd his ability. or surpassed his thorough
understanding of the duty devolviug upon
him. He faithfully, energeticay and most
creditably performed ali the labor assigned
/ to him, and to the entire satisfaction of the
4 Company in whose service he then was, and
still is engaged.
And now. after.twenty- lone years of patient
and Jealous toll in behalf of what with him
seemed, at times to be 'slabor of love-" as
we'll as duty, daylight is about to break in
upon him He can see, in the near future,
the realization of his hopes ana wearyins la
bors in the speedy completion of his favorite
road. The cars are laundering along the
rugged mountains and river banks where he
has SO OTTER bivouaced in his solitary march
es Choking for the best line" and soon a
through train will attest that lis anxious days
n hol r have passed
When this shall be witnessed as it will be
at no very distan day. with ali who shall pass
over the Chesapeake and Ohio ilmay, aud
witness the triumph Of his patient industry
and mastery skill, the name Of WHITcoMB
will be remembered as worthy of being in
scribed high upon the pinnacle which assigns
to perpetual remembrance the names of the
! first and worthiest of American Engineers.
/ 1t may also be claimed for Col WHIT
COMB. as one of the merits of his character
as displayed in his present york. that no
grand trunk line Of railway in Our country
/ T. >; sc
. ton, has been economically bnilt as the
| Chesapeake and Ohio Railway In fact, TAX
king into consideration the superiority Of the
work done, in every respect, it may safely be
stated that no other. mountain roasl, in any
State, can show so favorable construction
account to its stockholders.
Aside from the pride which every Virgin
| ian should feel in the well-earned reputation
Of citizen so distinguished in his profession
| as Col WHITCoMB. there are other reasons
which should very justly commend him to
their grateful esteem. During the negota
tions between the authorities OF Virginia,
and capitalists from other States, upon the
subject Of completing the Central railway
/ from Richmond to the Ohio river, when OBJ
stacles seemed to interpose at every step, and
threaten defeat of all propositions, the coun-
sells Of Col. WHITCoMB, his lucid exhaus-
tive and convincing explanations OF the prae
ticability Of the route over the mountains
the immense resources to be developed by the
construction Of the road its commanding inn
portauce as road destined very soon to rank
among the leading through lines Of the conn-
try, its peculiar value to the future progress
and prospe ity of the State Of Virginia, were
most potent in influencing the contamination
Of the negotiations which have made prac
tical reality cf the Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
way.
Col W'iaao1uo during his long continual
ton with this important work, has given it
his whole energies, and to its general affairs
he has devoted the best years of his life. 1t
is but natural, therefore, that he should feel
a deep interestn the snecess OF an enterprise
with which his name will forever be most
honorably associated And, as the day OF
jubilee" is almost at hand, it is but just and
proper that appropriate mentions should be
publicly made, and we'll deserved credit given
to the Chief Engineer, whose indomitabe
energy, never firing labors, excellent practl-
cal judgement and acknowledged profession
al skill, have contributed so much toward he
successful construction and completion Of one
Of the best, as we'll as one Of the most profit
able lines Of railway on the continent, as it
is unquestionably destined to become, and
aided in giving TO Virginia what will, in the
future be the greatest, the most reliable and
enduring element Of her prosperity.
-KENAsAW.