Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-11-29
RAILROADS.

Railroad Developments IN the south.
The rapid extension of railroads
throughout the South has never had a
parallel in its own history, and is carce-
ly excelled even in the great Northwest.
In one respect, at least, the South stands
ahead of any competition-in the ecOnO-
my of the construction of its roads, the
strength of their financial management,
and their sound reputation in the lead
ing moneyed centers. This we may
truthfully state, with'but few exceptions,
is the general estimation in which
Southern railroads are held here. We
attribute this very largely TO the fact
that, in a great degree, the people them
selves, in the several States where roads
are under construction or completed,
have put their own shoulders to the
wheel, and helped along the a Of pro-
gress. They have taken stock by grant
ing the right of way, by working out con-
tracts, by furnishing timbers, and SUBJ
scribing money. They have not first
sought to issue a large amount Of Wild
cat stock, based upon promised security,
to throw upon the markets at whatever it
might bring. The consequence is good,
strong, healthy, paying roads all over
the South, and more in rapid process of
construction. The attentive reader of
our columns from week to week cannot
fail to have been struck with the marvel
lous rapidity with which new lines have
been opened and new routes projected.
This development has been strikingly
/ manifested in Arkansas and Texas,
heretofore two of the States least pro-
vided with railroad facilities. Within
an unprecedentedly short time a perfect
network ofrailroads has been construct
ed in these two States, and now the
visitor to them has no difficulty in reach
ing any important point within their
borders in a few hours pleasant travel.
The same is true, to a greater or less
extent. in all the Southern States, and
still the good work goes on. The South
ern people are at last becoming thor
Oughly aroused to the importance Of tb-l
I DEVELOPMENT Of all their mathe first
sources. and they kDaand cheap trans
step is to seeuEafes. Now let them be
portationgh to insist that these facili-
lEes be cheap-that is absolutely neces-
sary to secure the full advantages of the
great increase Of railroad lines through
out the South.
The Ripley Earrow-gadge.
RILEY, MISS, November >, 1872.
EDITORS APPEAL-You request me TO
inform you whether or not the Ripley
railroad comes up to the expectations Of
its builders, and whether or not it is able
to transport all the freight and passen-
gers to the satisfaction OF the public. It
affords me very much pleasure to be
able TO inform you that in all respects
the road is a complete success, and its
capacity TO transport freight and passen-
gers reaches far beyond that which its
most sanguine friends anticipated. We
are nov doing all the business, both
and passenger, with one little
engine, weighing only twelve tons, and
could transport five times the amount of
and passengers, if we could get
them. You must not, however, con-
that because we doall the business
with one engine that the business is
very light, for 1 assure yOuthat all kinds
Of business seems to have been revived
and improved with new life. Property
has increased in value since the COM
mencement of the road at least three
hundred per cent. Notwithstanding our
road was built in great haste, and per-
completed in a shorter length of
time than any road ever built,
have never, since its COM
failed to make as much
as one round trip every day, Sun
lays excepted. With the amount
If rolling-stOck we now have on
.he road, We could do ten times
The amount of business that is now of
.ered; and so far as the capacity of the
road is concerned; it reaches far beyond
-he business offered; and is but little if
any behind the brOad-gauge. The en-
ire cost of the road, including all the
amounted to exactly thir-
-een thousand dollars per mile. That
.he road will be built from here to the
iulf, / think is beyond question. Our
passenger coaches are beautiful, and
comfortable, and capable of seating
passengers. We have three
passenger coaches, fifteen flats, five
boxes, n express and one baggage
ar, and two engines. One engine
fourteen and the other twelve
.ons. Up to this date, we have had no
accidents of any kind; and hope to con-
inUe to " enjoy the same blessing
1t is within the reach of any COM
to build such a road, if they
Gould only be induced to unite. 1t would
ifford me great pleasure to receive a
visit from the APPEAL; and when it
.omes, I will take pleasure in making
Is heart forever dream, while travelling
N the Dolly Warden railroad. Respect ;
ully, your servant. W G. FALKNER. ;
n. B.-The brosd-gauge fellows call !
,urs the Dolly Warden road, by way of
fun at US; but | do not care; be-
SC far as my information extends.
Dolly Warden was a very respeeta-
lie young lady any way; and l wish
hem to know that ours is a very re-
pectable railroad, too. FALKNER. ,