The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1873-11-19

at q considerable premium on the aggre-
gate OF accepted bids, rather than had 1t
drag It's slow length along tor nearly two
years and fail OF last. But much as We
lament the present ELAINE and impotent
conclusion" we do not feel called upon to
indulge In harsh criticism upon those who
had the work in charge. Somebody
had to start the work and induce
the public to take an interestin It, and
nothing was more natural than that those
who first moved in the enterprise and
subscribed to its stock should become the
guardians Of its progress and destiny.
They have acted In good faith no doubt
towards the public and have really built
the road as far as they have gone for less
money than Engineer WALTER SMITH
expected 1t would cost, but not for, less
we presume than 1t could have been com.
pleted for had the whole twenty-five miles
been at once let out to first class parties Of
high responsibility and well known ex-
perience rs railroad builders. These were
the sort Of parties that should have been
sought and found Just as soon as the two
counties voted to build the road. The
failure to do SO was o great mistake and
misfortune, and one that we can all now
fully appreciate. But still, notwithstand.
ing the blow that has come upon US, we
do not by any means feel discouraged;
We know that in the nature OF
things the road will be completed,
and no doubt during next spring
or summer, for 1t is virtually ready
now for the rails and can be entirely com.
pletedl at; q trifilng cost. Just asssoon,
therefore, as the present monetary strin.
gency eases up so that business will re-
sumo It's wonted channels we shall no
doubt see the present company borrow
the money or make some other arrange.
ments that will result in the completion
OF the road. .n a EEL.
P.s. Sinca the foregoing remarks were
written we have received the following
letter from LEWIS APPLICABLE, Esq,
President Of the Pittsburgh, Wheeling &
Kentucky Railroad: "
To the Editors OF the Intelligencer:
The Board Of Directors of the Pitts
burgh, Wheeling & Kentucky Railroad
Company, in consequence Of the financial
condition Of the country, nccessitating the
frank svowal on the part Of the Pitts.
burgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad
Company oi its inability at present TO
complete It's contract for superstruction
and lease Of this road, have come TO the
conclusion that 1t is best for the interests
OF all concerned to suspend work upon
the road for the present.. A iull state
ment OF the transactions Of the Company
will be presented at the earliest practica.
bic moment to the stockholders for such
action as they may deem appropriate.
L. APPLRaATE, Ffest.
In addition to what Is said in this card
by Mr.. Apr1EaATE, we learn from one Of
the Directors Of the Company, who re.
Gently visited Pittsburgh TO confer with
the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & st. Louis
Company in regard to the situation OF the
road, that the President Of that Company
positively stated to him that even were the
road fully completed and ready to the ut
termost to be turned over to his Compa.
ny, according to contract, that neyerthe.
less the Company would be unable 10 pro-
ceed with their agreement and put the
iron and rolling stock on the road.
1t was therefore useless, he said
to spend any more money on the
road this fall with the expectation Of
thereby securing ita early completion
This announcement determined the direc.
tors Of the road to suspend further opera
tions. Had the interieW. resulted in anv
assurance from the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati
s. st. Louis Company, that that Company
would receive the road promptly upon
the completion Of the contract on the part
of Pittsburgh. Wheeling & Kentucky
Company, the money would have
been raised here in Wheeling and
the work pushed through to COM
pletion. 1t Is because no such as.
surance could be given, and because
on the contrary Of the positive assurance
that the road would not be ironed and
equipped for some months TO come that the
Company determined to do what they
have done, suspend any further opera.
tions and make an assignment for the
benefit of their creditors.