The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1873-06-06
Marietta as a Manufacturing City
HOW TO BECOME ONE.

HOW TO BECOME ONE.
| A gentleman of this cosntv tells as, that in
conversation with Major Campbell Wallace, a
few days SINCE on the subject Of the Western
g. Atlantic Railroad and the rown-McRea
contgosersy, Major Wallace said it was ex-
tremelv unfortunate that the public mind had
so far been absorbed in the mere personalities
of their quarrel as to lose sight of far more
important subject-one affecting the general in
terests of the community. The Western and
Atlantic Railroad, as a monopoly, was the vital
question interesting the suffering public, not
only of Atlanta, but of the State, except that
portion which now happily has competition
through the South and North Alabama Rail
road
He said the people of Marietta and Cobb
county would have been or had the chance of
being, relieved Of that monopoly it he had con-
tinued in the Presidency Of the Georgia West
ern Railroad-not having Thoroughly inyestiga-
ted the matter he was not prepared to say how
far the complaints of irregularities and imposi-
lions made against Governor Browns manage
ment were well founded-but that it was his
plan and intention, had he remained at the
head of the Georgia Western, to offer to the
citizens of Marietta and Cobb county, at the
proper time, a branch road from Mitchells gap
to Marietta. with same rates OF freight and all
the privileges of schedules that pertained to
the main line, provided our people would make
liberal subscription of stock to be expended
for that and no other purpose. He said he had
no doubt but that Col L. P. Grant and the di-
rectors would carry out that intention, at the
right time, if our people only move in the mat
ter with energy and lberality. The adyan-
tagas were mutually beneficial to the people
and to the Railroad. Our people would then
have competing lines of experimentation
always insure fair rates, good treatment and
Increased dispatch in business. The greatest
point gained, however, would be the immense
manufacturing interests that would spring up,
| as if by magic, when we had cheap coal and re-
/! liable transportation. Let our people consider
| this
We have no means of knowing the amount
| Oh IIallSpOTlHLtOU W lEOiu iOpeat oAe
from data gained from observation, and con
versation with our leading merchants and 9th
ers, we are confident, that net less than four
thousand cars, loaded with coal, corn, cotton,
bacon, wheat, -four, hay, fertilizers, and gener-
al merchandise are annually received at and
shipped from this depot--the legitimate trade of
Marietta and Cobb county. Now, without
counting anything for an increase of commerce
by multiplying facilities, this county would
make money i, subscribing for one hundred
and twenty-five thousand dollars Of the stock Of
the Georgia Western Railroad. That amount
would give us terminus of the road at this
place. with all the advantages Of cheap through
transportation in every direction. 1t would
lantic Railroad to the granaries and meat
houses of the great West and reduce the price
of coal one half by opening to us the Alabama
coal fields in competition with those of Tenn
Moreover, it would connect US by another and
as short a line, with Atlanta and the Railroads
leading thence TO Augusta, Charleston, Port
Royal, Macon, Savannah, Brunswick, Column
bus, Selma, Montgomery. Mobile, New Orleans
jim short, every point whereto Railroads and
steamships lead.
This subscription of stock, say we never gel
dividend on it (Which is neithera reasonable,
nor probable contingency would cost the citi-
zens of Marietta and of Cobb county an annual
payment of ten thousand dollars, interest.
Now, suppose there be saved five dollars only
of freight on each of the four thousand cars it
at present requires to do our business. in that
item alone, we will have gained double the
amount paid out but the saving in freight would
be much greater. Marietta uses now about
twenty five hundred tons ofcoal. Competition
would reduce the cost Of that article alone, at
least three dollars per ton; and nthis, we gain
seventy FIVE hundred dollars more If we had
another line running to Atlanta, as short quick
| and safe, every body knows that competition
alone would reduce passenger fare from one
dollar to fifty cents at once.
But these are all minor considera tons when
| compared with the great fact that clteap fuel,
/ with two Railroads vigorously competing for
! our trade aud transportation, thereby insuring
| low rates and abundant supply, together with
/ our unsurpassed climate and excellent water,
invite capital and enterprise to our community.
| Factories Of cotton, and wool, fonndries Of
| iron, etc, ETC., would spring up with marvel
lous rapidly and in place offour thousand cars
supplying our annual wants, It would in few
years, and very few at that, require twenty
thousand per annum.
Reflection OH this subject has convinced us
that it was no idle talk with Major Wallace
but looking to lie ]. terest Of the Georgia West
ern Railroad alone regarding the welfare
| and prosperity Of his old home and. friends-i
is no wonder that experienced railroad man
of his acknowledged saGacity, should at q
glance see the great and true interest Of his
Company in the proposed extension of the road
to the heart of our thrifty country.
Will our citizens think on this thing and give
the public the benefit of their reflections. We
shall have more to say on the subiect-perhaps
| in our next issue.