The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-19

means follows that would be the length of a
road projected on an air line. Such a road
must necessarily be modified by the country
over which it runs-if hilly-especially if cut
! up by short, abrupt hills; then the curves and
reflections necessary to overcome thess IL
locating road Of ordinary grades, would add
at least ten per cent to its length. Estimating
then the increase at ten per cent the length
of such a road would be four hundred and
eighiy-four miles.
| 1t then becomes a matter Of much impor-
| tance to inquire what il the character OF the
country over which an air line road between
these two points would pass Without in
| gu ring into this in Louisiana, it will be seen
that on entering Texas in Shelby county
an air line road would have to cross tire Sa-
bine River and lis tributaries; in Rush and
Smith counties it would have to cross the nu-
merous tributaries of the Angelina and the
man counties it would have to cross the innu-
marlble streams that flow into the Trinity
River from the norsh-thus showing that such
a road would pass directly across the drainage
or the country. Surely, in this enlightened
age, no one viii seriously advocate the adoption
Of a line of this unnatural character.
The distance from New Orleans to Marshall
on the pr, jected road has teen computed TO
be 338 miles. This road, after leaving Alex
andria, follows The valley Of Red River for
some distance, and, running practically on
level, the curves and reflections are SO
slight that they adj but little 10 the distan e.
From Marshall to Dallas, over the Pacific
Road, which is already constructed, the dis
lance is 147 miles, which, added to 333 miles,
makes the whole distance on the projected
route from New Orleans to Dallas the same as
computed on the air line route, when re-
duced to location.
But the time has passed when distances on
railroads are measured by miles. Now they
are measured by the time occupied in running
over them. The air line route passing direct
~ across the drainage of the country, must
be subjected to succession OF high
grades and sharp curves thus greatly imped-
ing the rapidly Of motion; while the route
by the river, as now being located, following
the natural drainage of the country, is almost
level, and having but few and gentle curves,
is susceptible Of the highest rate of speed.
Thus it will be seen that when the two
routes are compared, solely from railroad
point, the route selected by President Vince
lock and his board has greatly the advantage
over an air line road. But when viewed in
reference TO the great object of railroads.&c.
develop a country and secure trade-the
TWO routes would scarcely bear comparison,
for the air line road passes over poor, hily
country, and would only have quickening
influence on the country south of such q
coute-the road from Dallas to Marshall al |
ready having exercised lis influence over the |
country lying north Of such a location.
Fad an air line route been selected, then it |
would have been necessary to construct q
branch road OF some fifty miles to connect at |
Marshall with the road to Texarkana, or aban-
Ion the trade Of Yves; Arkansas to other !
titles. The location Of the present road |
max ng Marshall its objective point, secures
his trade without the additional cost of |
)rapch road.
These various considerations were doubt
ess duly weighed by the Directory in their
making selection Of route, and most
wisely did they decide for the future of New
orleans.
The uniting of the waters Of Red River
With Marshall will at once open highway
" vast trade to Now Orleans from sections
f country that at present send to her but q
noiety of their trade. The rapid prosecution
f this work is the presage of brighter day
Or New Orleans. Let her solid men give
heir counsel and their aid to an enterprise
hat promises so much, and soon all will be
'e!l.