The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-03-04
A Matter Of General Interest.

Il
of the Elkton and Middletown railroad,
some interest in the construction of which,
we are glad to see, is being taken in our
community. The enterprise is certainly
an important one to Elkton, and we believe
that if the matter were taken seriously in
hand, by our business men and capitalists,
it could be readily accomplished. 1t may,
it is true, in view of the general depression
in business, and the prevailing stringency
in the money market, seem an unfavorable
time to press local railroad project, how
ever commanding its Importance or we'll
assured its financial success; but, as our
correspondent correctly states. there is an
unlimited amount of unemployed capital
waiting the opportunity of safe and profit
able investment in all branches of business.
Awaken sufficient local interest in the en-
terprise, and let the fact be generally real
lied that the Investment must prove re-
munerative from the outset, and it seems
reasonable proposition that the construc-
ton of the road need not be long delayed.
1t scarcely seems necessary, in the limits
Of newspaper article, to attempt the
demonstration of fact so apparent as the
necessity for the construction of this road,
and it's accruing benefits to the entire Pen
insula, to the city of Baltimore, and to its
Northern terminus, the town of Elk!on.
A simple glance at the map of the PENN
sula, and at the course described by the
p, w. & Bait and Delaware Railroads,
shows that the main feature of the propos-
ed road, and upon which the certainty of
its business success is predicated, is the
fact, that by completing this connection
between the two converging lines of road.
thirty-four miles in distance is saved, and
Il direct line of communication opened,
through which, as it's most profitable chan
mel, must flow large proportion of the
peninsular grain and fruit production
BY this reduction in distance, the construc-
ton of this road solves the problem of cheap
local transportation, SO far as Eastern Mary
land is concerned, and opens to its produc-
ers tho advantages of the best Atlantic
grain market Baltimore from which it has,
heretofore, been practically debarred, by
the expense of long transportation. While
its immediate local advantages are appar-
ent, the still greater consideration still re-
mains, and upon which the certainty of its
business success depends, that this short
railroad link thus completes the chain of
! 10 e
the peninsula by direct connection with the
through lines West and South. 1t is more,
however, with reference to the ways and
means necessary to accomplish an end SO
desirable that we ask attention to the sug
gestions made in the communication refer
red to. AS the first step towards the bust
ness of the enterprise, since the Legisa-
ture is now in session, the re-enactment of
the original charter of the Elkton and Del
aware Junction Railroad should be secured.
This act of incorporation was passed in
March, 1867 and limited the period Of the
commencement of the road to three years
from the date of the charter. This neces
sary re enactment can be readily obtained.
Since the business of the proposed road is
certain, and the investment must undoubt-
edly prove profitable, we think the view
taken by Railroad" is a sound one, that
State aid need not be sought, and 40 oppo-
sition to the road be provoked by the pro-
position to divert from the Elkton and
Massey's road the appropriation of $5S, 900
heretofore made it, since we believe that
sufficient individual subscriptions could be
obtained to such proportion of the capital
stock as would induce the Railroad Com
pany most interested in this connection to
guarantee its success. Railroad companies,
like individuals, have a strict regard for
their business interests. However con-
servative the p, W. & B. Railroad Com
pany may be, the advantages to accrue to
it by the construction of the proposed con-
nection are too important TO be overlooked
by it. Indeed, enough has already been
indicated to warrant the assertion that if
one half of the required capital stock of
the road should be subscribed in Cecil
county and the city of Baltimore that the
balance of the $2000 00 necessary to con-
struct the road, could be readily realized
upon the first mortgage bonds of the com
pany, endorsed by the p, W. & B. Road,
to which Company the road could be
leased, at such annual rental as would
guarantee a remunerative rate of interest
to the holders of both stock and bonds
In this shape there is nothing to discourage
the active men of the county from moving
early and earnestly in the matter, and we
hope to see such general interest taken in
the enterprise as will secure its certain ac-
complishment. We believe it possible and
probable.