The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1873-01-07
For the Spirit9
WOodsfieid and Barnesviile Rail-.
# road, n

# road,
The last issue OF the Spirit contained
an article upon the project of railroad
from Barnesyille to woodsheld, by Som
erton. The article is certainly a commen-
dable one, and in a spirit that looks like
business. The writer recommend, an
other route from the Somerton mills
down the creek, some FIVE miles, to the
fork, thence up the north branch of Cap
tina and up branch that beads at Barnes
vile. This route no doubt would be q
very practicable one as to the coustruc-
/ |tion OF the road but whether It would
be expedient, all things considered is an
other question.
The route in contemplation, and which
has in part been surveyed, is an excellent
one to within about four miles Of Barnes
vile; from the county line to this point
the cost Of grading will be comparatively
cheap, the greater portion being on an
nearly even surface, requiring but little
cutting and flling, From the summit to
Barnesville it will require considerable OF
cutting and filing. This expenditure
would, however, fall far below tue cost OF
constructing six or seven miles Of addi
tional length to the road, '.as the earth
work of a railroad costs almost nothing
for repairs, while those OF its perishable
superstructure are very grest, and pro-
portioned to its length, as is also she cost
| in fuel, wages, wear and tear OF engines.
of running the road, it will often BE aa-
vantagcous to make large expenditures
for the former element of cost, in order
to lessen the length of the road. and cou-
sequently the annual expenditures for the
latter" rs,s.
Suppose the total cost Of the roadto be
SIS, 600 per mile, the interest OF which is
5000; the annual repairs of the super.
structure $500 per mile; and the expense
of engines, &c, $500 per mile; the total
annual expense would then be 81 600
which is the interest Of nearly S34, 600
which sum might prof 6tably be expended
to shorten the road one mile, or nearly
SO so to shorter ii one foot of length
The greatest departure from an air line
drawn from the point where the rosd
would have to cross the county line, to
Barnesville, as now surveyed, is at 70
cum and Burcher's Rill, which is nearly
Ii miles easterlv or to the right; from
thence to Barnesville the departure is but
little over q half mile The new route
proposed would be still greater depart
ure at Yocum and Burcher's mill, of from
four to five miles, and would necessarily
increase the distance from five to six
miles, OF more.
| Which Of the two roHtes would accom-.
modate the greatest portion of Somerset
township and insure vote in favor of the
road2 The shortest practicable route
should be selected. That a good and
practicable route can be found. there is no
doubt. Let it then be fixed fact that We
will have the road, go at it in good faith
all along the route, and by our actions say
that we mean business, and ere another
year shall roll round we shall see the hap.
py result OF ourlabors, the road a success
q lively business in our midst, stimulating
every avenue of industry, enhancing the
value Of our property. infusing new life
and energy into every branch of bust,
ness, and make US an enterprising and
prosperous cor4amunity. n.