The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-10-24
Tho chicago 1,n,,rona Convention

krlOtlsm ana personal sacrifice.
Tho Chicago Railrond Convention.
An interesting account appears in the
last number Of the Carolina Spartan of
the proceedings of the railroad conven-
ton held in Chicago on the 9th instunt.
Its object was to devise ways and means
OF building grand trunk line from
Chicago to thsSouth Atlantic sea. coast.
Large delegations were present FROM
Illinois. Indiana and Kentucky, aud
smaller representations from Georgia,
Tennessee. North and South Curoliua.
Or. Raymond, OF Indiana. The prcsi-
dent of the "Chicngo and South Allan
tic Railway Company" was made tenn
porary Chairman. He stated that lie
had gratifying assurances from one of
the largest banking houses in the United
Stltes that it would back the enterprise
with sufficient funds to complete it and
lasure its success. if the people along
the line would do their part. Gov. Ma
goflin, of Kentucky. was chosen Prcsi-
dent, Con. Harrison, of Anderson,
Vice-President. and Maj. Duncan, of
Spartapburg. Secretary. from this State.
Upon the call on the delegates of the
different States to state tho character
and resources of the country through
which the line would pass in their sec.
tion,i and the amount of aid which they
would contribute to it. General Cling
man, of North Carolina, presented the
advantages of the French Broud route.
This opened a discussion as to its rela,
tive merits and those Of the. Rabun
Gap route. General Clipgman was gus
tanned by Major Gulick, of Columbia,
J.iH. Eyins, Esq, and Major Duncan,
OF Spartanburg, and Colonel T. 3.
Jeter, Of Union, all Of whom mai Mntaincd
that the French Broad was the shortest
and cheapest line from Chicago to tho
sea. The claims of the Blue Ridge or
Rabun Gap were supported by General
Harrison. Judge Murray aud Major
Whitner, of Anderson, and by DR.. Low o
and Professor Smith, of North Caro-
lima, MIR. Erwin, OF Athens. Georgiu,
and Mr.. Wilson, of Marysyille, Tenncs-
see.. In tie course of his remarks,
Judge Murray urged that Charleston
was untitled to be q depot for the grain
aud -four of the Northwest, which
would come over this great highway,
because Of the dampness Of its climate.
He afterwards urged Port Royal as the
proper terminus of the road. Charles.
ton WAS not represented in the ConYen-
tion.
The great speech Of the OCCASION was
made by Hon. Mr. Rae, the Vice presi
dent Of the Chicago and South Atlantic
Railway. He assured the Convention
that the eminent bankers, Drexall &
Co., were ready at any moment to fur.
nish one-hulf the capital necessary to
BALD the whole road, whenever they
lad security that the people along the
line would furnish the other half, and
that they had already S3. 900, 600 sub
SOAAoSu ~ pukAu 4Luo IOaQ LO tu6 OulO
River. Gov. Magoflin gave assurances
that Kentucky was. ready TO meet the
demands OF this proposition, and fur
nish one'half the money required to
build the road across his State. Gen.
Clingman and Major Dnncun gave like
assurances for North Carolina. Mr..
Ephraim Clayton, of Asheville, North
Carolina, who was q member of tho
Convention, and whu has completed a
contract Of forty-f miles on the Rich
mond and Atlanta Air Line Railroad,
protfered to grade tho road from Spar
tanburg to the foot OF the Blue Ridge,
and take the whole Of it in stock.
A splendid banquet was given at the
Sherman House to the members Ct tbe
Convention, By Cyrus a. Mccormick.
Esq, OF renpor fame, who is also most
favorably known Tor hs munifoent con.
tributions since the war to institutions
OF learning in the South. J