The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-04-17

-tU 81
calculated tosecnre, to this city, and the i'm.
portant interests identified with it, such
just, impartial, and generous regard and
treatment as the magnitude and value OF
these interests demand.
"And whereas this body deems 1t fit. under
present circumstances, to declare, what the
history Of the State amply Yerifes, that
neither the public sentiment or the busi-
ness policy Of this community has ever fos-
tered, and scarcely tolerated, any spirit OF
hostility towards any other city or district
Of the State; but, on the contrary, has gene
rously forborne all unnatural rivalries and
diligently pursued and sought Its own pros.
perity and growth by the legitimate develop
ment of resources and means which nature
and the enterprise Of our citizens have
anorded and procured, and which embrace
within their reach and benefits the territory
OF q large portion of this as we'll MS of ada.
cent states south and west Of us.
AND whereas in this development the lines
vi punnc transportation, either by rail or
water which our business communica-
tlon with the world Is secured, to almost all
OF which this city in one form or another
has iaTge'y contributed, are necessary and
vital elements therefore, :, ' :
"Resolced, That especially those lines of
transportation touching this city, which are
alike needful and contribGtory TO the mutual
wants and interests Of ourselves asa com.
munlty and OF the districts of country and
OF other cities and towns to which they. exx-
tend and are extending in and out of the
State. are entitled TO our active and sustain.
ing care and our earnest cooperation in eyery
effort for their improvement in condition and
efficiency in operation.
Resolued, That among these lines of
transportation that of the Richmond and
Danville and Piedmont lines are to be re-
garded as among the most important and
valuable to the State, and especially so to the
prosperity of this city and her just protec.
tion against unjust diversion Of her trade by
other and competitive interests, now o dan
ger most tormidably accumu!ating in the ex-
tension of new and the organization of old
lines with which we have only an indirect
and secondary communication.
Resoloed, That the increased usefulness
and value Of this line to itself, and not less
so to this city, materially depends on the
success of efforts now being made 10 i'm.
prove and perfect its communications at ter
mipal points with its connecting lines.
''Resolred, That. in the opinion Of this
Board the resistance which has been made
to the change of gauge Of the North Caro-
lima road, thereby preventing the establish.
ment of prompt and satisfactory line of
communication between this city aud points
North and West of this city, with the en-
tire Piedmont and remoter districts south and
southwest of Greensboro, and is q serious
and damaging influence as well to the trade
and interests of this city as of large por.
tion of the people of the southern and
southwestern States. That conformity of
gauge between this line with its
connections at Greensboro is legiti-
mate and necessary to the just and
fair development of every industrial and So
cial interest throughout the country, reached
by the influence Of this line and its connec-
tions from Richmond and New Orleans in
elusive. This conformity being secured, this
Board, under existing circumstances, ex-
presses its preference that the present gauge
of the line to Greensboro be maintained
if change can be effected between Green's
boro' and Charlotte TO correspond; but in
default OF this, the alternative of changing
the gauge of the Richmond and Danyille
and Piedmont railroads we are of opinion
should be adopted.
"ResolUed, That copy OF these resolutions
be sent to our senators and delegates in the
General Assembly, with request that they
endeavor to procure such legislation as may
be necessary to enable the Richmond and
Danville Railroad Company to effect such
change Of its guage as its interests may re-
quire."
Colonel Buford, in reply to questions
asked by General Peyton Wise, said that in
the event of the change the Danyile road
would command the trade at Danville.
Then we will have business that renders
us independent Of the draft which the
Lynchburg and Danville road may make
upon us; and if the change is adopted we
will require the transfer, and it will be
equivalent to diversity of gauge. 1t will
be to our interest, however, to preserve the
integrity of the line and be on friendly
footing with that road.
This question assumes broader and Sc
sious aspect when we remember that they
may 60 down behind US, and Danyll!e, and
run their road regardless of US.
General Wise inquired whether, if the
Legislature would grant this change, when
it would be made and at what point.
Colonel Buford replied that the change
could be made simultaneously as far as
Greensboro in twenty-four hours. Thc
change of gauge is not so serious as that OF
changing the locomotives and cars. 1t costs
from 1915 to S400 to change each locomo-
tive. ...-
General Anderson said that he Was not
disposed to take any part il the discussion
of this great and important matter, as he
had come As representative OF the people
of Richmond to hear the views OF the
Chamber of Commerce. BE could not,
however, say that he would always bind
himself to vote as the Chamber directed.
Mr.. LoYenstein explained for Judge Ould
his position in the matter, after which the
resolutions were adopted without dissent
ing vote.
OTHER BUSINESS. ..
The President laid before the Chamber
from Senator Holladay call
ing attention to clause in the tax bill ta1-
ing the purchases of merchants, etc. Re
ferred.
Colonel W. fl. Palmer presented the fol-
lowing, which was agreed to:
"Resolped, That our senators and dele
oates in the Legislature be requested to use
their best efforts to secure the passage OF
Senate bill No. 18, to provide for more
snecific reports of the transportation of pro-
duce on the railroads and canals OF this
State.'"
On motion of Colonel Palmer, the follow
ing was sgreed to:
aResolSed. That q committee Of three be
,ppointed from this body to confer with the
railroads centreing in this city to ascertain II
II is not practicable to bring about COM
by which through connection
rom the South to the North can be made"
Tho chair apnointed under this resolution