The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-08-11
A PRESSING DUTY.

SlUCe our ldSG ISSUE Cue IFeSlOent
and Chief Engineer of the New Or
leans and Pacific Railway, Messrs.
Wheelock and Green, have returned
from their trip to Marshall and the
Northwestern Parishes. They give
a most fattering report of their re-
ception, and of the interest and en-
thusiasm evinced by the people at
all points along the contemplated
line of the railway. The PROPOSE
tions of the citizens of Marshall were
extremely liberal, nay munifcent;
and from all that we could gather, we
would infer that the determination to
make that point the Northern termi-
nus has only been confirmed by the
results of this visit.
So far then the outlook Of this en-
terprise is most cheerful; and if the
people of the Parishes directly inter-
ested in the success of this great
work will continue to bestir them
selves, and not allow the interest ex-
pressed and the promises given to
eyaporate into thin air, there cannot
be reasonable doubt as to the fu-
ture success of this enterprise, the
most important that could be inaug-
urated in the interests of our people
and State.
To obtain success, however, or ra-
ther to enable the enterprising men
who have charge of this work to
achieve success, certain things are
indispensable. 1t is absolutely ne
cessary that there should be no hold
ing back on the part Of our citizens
in the extension Of all the support,
both moral and pecuniary, that lies
in their power. We are convinced
that the large majority Of our people
are a unit on the question and stand
ready to extend help to the utmost
of their abilities. There may be
some, however, who halt and hest
tate, and won't admit that railroad
will be Of any service. There are
others, we have been informed, who
are unwilling to grant the right of
way until, as they say, they can see
where the road is to run. The wis
dom of such may be likened to the
course Of the beleagured and starving
city, that refused all offers of assist
ance, unless it came by certain road
and direction. Fortunately such in
stances are exceptional, but few as
they are, they work great harm, by
discouraging those who are disposed !
to lend helping hand to the enter
prise. The interests at stake are too
serious to be jeopardized in this way,
and public opinion should bear heav-
ily upon all those who are disposed
TO block or impede the progress of q
work so imperatiyely in the interests
Of all classes and conditions of our
people.
The zeal and activity manifested
BY those who have direction of this
is most praiseworthy, and
should receive the hearty commenda-
ion Of our people. Already a line
between Cotile and Alexandria has
,een run, and though probably some
;hanges will have to be made, it is so
ar advanced, that within a fortnight
he work of grading may be begun on
his end of the route. A second par
y of engineers have already started
n the line from Cotile to Cane River
nd in short time it is thought the
ntire line between this place and
Jatchitoches will be established, and {
eady for the practical work of gra-
ing. On the 10th inst, contracts, !
70 believe for this entire work will |
e given out, and in very short c
ime thereafter, it is fair to suppose, I
re may have the satisfaction to wit 8
ess work fairly begun along the c
hole line. This certainly begins to c
,ok like business, and furnishes a c
triking contrast to the vague prom Y
les with which heretofore, we have '
cen treated by the periodical ven 8
ors of railroad news. To us there t
something exceedingly satisfacto- I
in the simple and straightforward r
tanner in which this enterprise was (
Without waiting to OBJ I
lin charter, without waiting to ask II
grant of lands or bonds from the t
tate, without stopping to evoke the t
elping hand of the Capitalists of t
ne East and West, a few of the q
launch and solid men Of New Or I
cans came together, and resolved, I
nat as the building Of this road was \
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