Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-03-17
THE QUESTION OF CHEAP TRANS.
PORTATION
From the Memphis appeal.

From the Memphis appeal.
a very significant article appeared
In the Paris IRtelligencer of the 5th
inst, upon this interesting question
which is now so much agitating the
public mind, and which so much affects
the pecuniary interests Of the whole
country. Whilst We may not indorse
all the views of the IntelIigeacer, we
commend Its conclusions, which we ap-
pend as an extract, to the thoughtful
consideration Of the parties interested.
Cheap river transportation, and cheap
transportation byrail arenow demanded
by the great agricultural, mechanical
and commercial interests of the country.
Whether Congress should take hold of
this matter is the question that may
create some doubt. No government
aid can be given IN a more unexcep-
tionable manner than the plan sug-
gested in the Iatelligencer. This arti-
Gle, from the Iatell;gencer, indicates a
careful study of this subject, and whilst
many may differ from the views ex-
pressed In some particulars, yet they
should receive that attention which
their importance demands. How, and
to what extent we are to have cheap
transportation, whether by action of
the State Legislatures or by action of
Congress, or by the action Of the PEG.
pie themselves in building other and
cheaper lines to compete with those
now in operation, is a subject of all-ab-
sOrbing interest. 1t is for this reason
that We give this article from the In
telljgencer as follow:
1--WE offer the following as the only
sure, safe and satisfactory solution
that presents itself to our mind: 1t
consists in the simple and practical
idea of cheap competing channels Of
transportation. A grand national sys-
TEN of narrow gauge roads to be ex-
tended in every direction where cheaper
transportation is demanded, and espe-
cially between the West and the At
lantic and gulf seabord. This can be
done, and done speedily, without cost
ing Congress or the States any money.
Let Congress loan TO every company
its endorsement of the bonds issued By
such construction company whenever
they have a certain amount of good
and reliable stock subscribed and Sc
cured, to an amount sufficient to insure
the speedy construction and equipment
of such roads. The roads agreeing to
transport the mails and other gov
ernnment freight at stipulated
rate, and these being sufficient
to pay the interest of the
bonds. The roads agreeing further
more to scale of freight charges
which would satisfy the country, and
these rates to be uniform as to dis
tauces and not discriminate for or
against any place or class. No divi-
dends to be paid to stockholders until
the interest be secured and ample pro-
visions made for sinking fund ade-
quate to the retirement of the bonds at
maturity. In addition, the several
States through which the national
routes passed, grant such aid as would
materially hasten their construction to
be secured also by lien upon the road.
Thus all the roads needed could be fit
ted in few years, costing the State
nor Congress nothing hut the indorse-
ment of each, and the country relieved
of this intolerable burden OF which it
so Justly complains. If any better
plan is found we will most heartily in
dOrse it. We do hope the grangers
viii in their subordinate lodges, their
State and national councils continue to
agitate this question until a solution is
found which will meet the difficulty"
The EROTUiIe Press and Herald of the
18th says: On Thursday afternoon, while
Frank James, lad of about fifteen years,
was working in a mine at lockwood, a
large lump of coal becoming looSened, fell
upon him, causing such severe injuries that
the boy, after lingering in great pain for
several hours, died early on Friday morn
ing. Frank was the son of Mr.. Horace
James, residing at lockwood.