Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-03

THE RIGHT OF Way.
VIM we Have a union pepo., !.

VIII We HAVE q Union DepOf3
1t is with regret we have witnessed the
opposition in the Board of Aldermento the
right of way being granted to the Nashville
and Chattanooga Railroad Company from
its depot by means Of trestle to the LouiH-
vile depot. A candid mind, viewing the
object sought and realizing what results
must ensue, can hardly oppose this right of
way. In the first place, Its refusal viii most
likely defeat two enterprises, either of
which being accomplished will pro-
mote the interest Of orr city.
These are the Union Depot and
what in great measure depends upon it,
the widening of the Church street, thereby
giving us broad avenue, necessary for the
amount OF travel along this thoroughfare.
We have heard of no valid objection urged
against the right of way, no sound cause
assigned, no good reason given, nothing in
fact to justify defeat of the object had in
view. 1t has been said, as a reason of op-
position, that by giving a through connec-
ton the drayage on which large number of
our working-class rely for support will be
in great measure destroyed. This, how
ever, is untrue; for even now the North
western road receives over 81, 900 per month
from tonnage between the two depots. All
freight for points beyond Nashville is ship
ped through our city without being removed
from the car. Any freight destined to Nash
vile has to be drayed upon its unloading
here, whether there be or not be connec-
ton between the roads in the city,, 50 this
objection is futile. Again, every read in
the city has connections one with the
other. The object of obtaining this right of
way is to improve and render safe the
trestles that connect, by making the line
more direct, thereby avoiding delay and in
convenience, the existence of which can
never benefit Nashville. What then in
duces an opposition which is but little and
partially approved by only few persons in
this city? We are not called upon to GRIM
mate the motives of the Aldermen who or-
pose it; we do not say they are actuated by
selfish reasons, or are resisting the consum-
nation of a grand scheme destined to ben-
eft Nashville, by any spirit of envy or feel
ing of jealousy. Malice surely cannot die
tate in the hearts of some this resistance to
the public cry. They who are chosen
to administer the affairs of the city
certainly have not so much of arrogance
meath the official robe that would influence
them in course utterly at variance with
public good and detrimental to municipal
interests. They must be honest in their
convictions, which, however deep and sim
cere, must at last be startled by its error.
Wien crippled and paralyzed the energies
and powers of our city, it will be too late to
reap the harvest which once was offered us.
1t is to be hoped the opposition in the
Board of Aldermen will not exist longer,
but give way to the demands of their con-
stituency. Pride often prevents
a correction of error and re-
traction of wrong, however glaring
the one and heinous the other. In true
men this feeling is subdued by higher
consideration and noble rule of conduct.
We have heard many unpleasant remarks
assigning the cause of the opposition, and
while circumstances evoking them are I'M
fortunate, it is to be regretted that men
have, in what is an injurious, though an
honest, belief, rendered themselves liableto
the suspicious engendering them. A bad
feeling, too personal, has already been en-
gendered, and that is manly spirit which
ignoring selfish motives, acts in accordance
with the dictates of duty obeying the will
of those whom he represents and whose de-
sire is to have for our city a union depot.