The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-02-10
ST. Louis and Richmond.

One AZ least of our st. Louis contempora-
r,es shows hostility TO the central water
line that sayors Of malice. This is strange
The subject is not one for bitter feeling.
Tho Improvement is not projected for public
injury, and is in no sense personal. tshouid
he discussed with deliberatiou and without
prejudice.
But whv should St. Louis, Of all cities, be
an ene,ny to the central linef We cannot
see how i. can possibly injure her, but We
can see how it may greatly benefit her by
opep;nc to her a new way to the Atlantic
a wav By which the obstructive frosts OF
winter and the injurious heats of summer
are alike ayoided-a way which is short,
direct, aud expeditions. Such way
would be a great thing for st. Louis to
have. She could use it or not, accord
inc as her interests dictated. But that
she would use it We cannot for mo-
ment doubt. It's terms and advantages would
be made such as to compel her to use It
such an Improvement would be of necessity
brought to stage Of usefulness to all com
munities whose land it reached. We say
this with positiveness of faith which can
not be shaken, and the event will prove that
we are correct.
The proposed rates Of tolls and charges
1lpon an unbuilt work are matters OF assump
ton and dispute; but there Is no denying
the principle that when work for trans
g.; Rod xx-il1 a -
intended to be used. Its rules and tariffs
must be made to suit its purposes.
With A mixed line Of water end rail, and
the incidental landings, grain is brought
now from st. Louis TO Richmond for &c cents
pcr bushel We submit that that charge is
startling for its chcapness-the route con-
sidered. Dispense with the banding, anu
make the route through one, and can we
not see that the charge will be greatly re-
duced: The beginning is one that is full OF
hope for the advocates Of cheap and faclli-
tated Transportation from the Mississippi to
the sea. When the western connections OF
the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad are conf
pleted the cost Of transportation by the
through route must be reduced and on the
all-wa,cr line, when completed, will be less
still.
So we see no ground for i'll will towards
the line from St. Louis. We hope that the
people of that city do not entertain the feel
ings of the Democrat. But if they do, they
will in time change their feelings and their
opinions. The route through Virginia is che
circulated especially for their advantage.
One great point in this Virginia route in
teresting to St. Louis is that it will strengthen
the inclination of trade 10 hug the rivers
mississippi aud Ohio. That is a good thing
for the river cities. Then it will be open
nj the year round with the exception of
only few days in exceptionally hard win
tiers. 1t will therefore be comparatively free
from delays from frost. In summer its tenn
pcraturc is gentle, and relieves from peril
those things that perish from excessive hcaf.
Then the directncsy and expedition secure
saving in time and money.
Upon every principle the central line is
interesting to st. Louis, as it is to the Ohio
River cities, and merits their support rather
than their hostility. 1t Is strange that they
should for moment think that it does not.