New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-10-13

N eptcIdA AHccbiuS Uk euo SHouiuOt Wo~
held last evening TO consider the practi-
cability of constructing railroad connec-
ton between New Orleans and Texas.
Mr.. Hadden, having been called to the
chair, declined the position, and asked Dir.
Bnssey to preside, who called the meeting
to order, but upon the arrival of j. H.
Oglesby, ESQ.,, president vacated tie chair
for that officer.
Mr.. l.. II. Gardner introduced resolu-
ton for the appointment of three members
90 committee to meet other committees,
to be appointed by the Cotton Exchange
and Merchants Exchange respectively, in
conference upon the best means Of securing
railroad to Texas.
Mr.. Gardner proceeded to explain that the
anxiety of the city tOc such connection
had been SO prolonged and so often disap-
pointed as to compel come measure OF indie
pendent action without awaiting longer the
delusive assurances which had go often ex-
cited our hopes. He indicated that the con-
nectiOn should be made from some point On
the river at or near PlaGuemine, and the
money applied to extend the road directly
into the heart of Texas. SO as to intercept
the present tendency Of trade to other mar
kets.
He was Of opinion that the most feasible
plan OF raising the moanS for this work
would be by submitting an ordinance to Be
voted on by the people of New Orleans, au.
thoriz;ng a special tau to be imposed on tho
real estate OF the city for an amount not
exceeding s. 100000, TO be- applied to this
work unuer the direction of directory OF
men known TO and coutided in by the cit!-
ZenA.
Mr.. Cyrus Bussev seconded and snp.
ported the resolutions OF MI. Gardner.
which he said had been suggested by him
some years ago, and added the opinion that
mass meetings OF the people OF NV Orleans
should be held tor til" puspose ~ securing q
majority in favor Of the eitv subscription.
Mr.. Seixas followed. ii, support OF the
resolutions, he was aware that a vote would
be taken ut tho next election upon All
amendment prohibiting the city from in
ereasing. on any pretext, the amour. OK her
obligations. The situation Of our commerce
was such that the city would perish with
out access to the sources Of trade t" be
opened BY tho proposed road. Already
much trade from Northern Louisiana, ar.
kansas and Texas was seeking other mar
kets through want of outlet in this direc-
ton. He had no doubt the people Of New
Orleans would approve tho proposed tax.
but even il the city should be forbidden to
give the aid required. an expression OF pub.
lie opinion in favor OF che work would
accredit it to capitalists. and its credit
could be negotisted on more favorable
terms.
The president, Mr.. Oglesby. suggested
that the proposition involved in the resOlu-
lions and statement might he postponed for
The expected action Of the Mobile and
Texas Railroad Company. lie had lately
been assured hy the representatives OF this
company in New York that they were de.
termined, SO soon IS come preliminary diff
culties in regard TO the title OF tho road
could be adjusted, 20 resume its construc-
ton Immediately and press It to completion.
1t was understood that the conflict OF inter
ests which has embarrassed the AdMinistrs-
ton of tho company and arrested the pro
grese of the work had been adj listed and
that harmonious and vigorous action might
now be expected. He was assured that the
company had now ample means to redeem
these assurances.
The president was disposed 70 regard tho
discussion Of the motion 20 appoint the
committee as out Of order, but saw NO 'm'
propriety in the proposed action.
Mr. Hadden remarked that in the event
any special tax should be imposed by the
city for the purpose indicated in the Tesolu-
tions, the taxpayers should be allowed Ger
tifcates of payment, which might be funded
in the stock or securities OF the railroad.
The president announced . committee o:
three ON behalf Of the Chamber TO meet
other committees referred 20 in the resoiu-
tons, to consist of Messrs. l.. H. Gardner.
chairman, G. W. X. Bayley. w. NJ. Burwel!.
On motion. the Chamber adjourned.