The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-03
Tho Transportation Problena.

|. .FREIGHTS DISCUSSED BY sGRASGEkS AND
Observation-Disclosures THAT ARE DAILY
VIOLATED. ~. y.... g..,s. fstg1s -, ..iIf
Blanton Grange and several members OF
the Legislature connected withathe order
met at Grange Hall last night for the discus
sion Of matters Of practical Importance:
The question Of legal restrictions on tolls
and freights, which has been on hand for
several weeks; was taken up.At the last
meeting committee previously appointed
presented the draft OF d railroad bill, con-
tanning numerous restrictions as TO freights
on railroads and other transportation COM
panies. Before concluding discussion on it
the meeting adjourned, and it was renewed
last night. u u ..F1.,,..l
Colonel F. G. Rufln. remarked that what
were called ayested rights" in these rail-
roads would In many instances turn out to
be "vested wrongs" 1t was the opinion
OF an eminent lawyer in this city that there
was scarcely road in the State that did not
violate its charter every day. In regard to
pecuniary embarrassments, he asked why
should they be more favored than an indi-
vidual, who, when he is found to be bank
rupt, is sold out? But, instead, receiver
is appointed; and in several instances the
very men under whose management the
roads were run down were appointed. He
had no doubt that every road in Virginia
could be made to pay a dividend il operated
in the interests of the people and with an eye
to their good. The price OF transportation
on cattle from the southwestern portion Of
the State to market is about ten per cent.
OF their value. He had not examined the
subject as to n remedy, but his business
had required him to examine it as griev-
ance. It cost one third OF the price of corn
| to get it from Dublin to market. He Illus
trated his idea by saying that Norfolk, out
side OF cotton-growing country, was the
second cotton-shipping port in the United
States. 1t is made so by low rates, caused
by competition, and for nhich the local
trade and travel had to pay. .. 3.
Senator Newberry, Of Bland, said that an
attempt would be made to get some such
bill as the one here proposed through the
Legislature. Before the road west Of Lynch
burg was built flour was shipped by wagon
from his county for seventy-tiye cents per
barrel. 1t now costs one dollar per barrel
on the railroad. ... .....
Mr.. Stearns said that no railroad could
send empty cars through the country and
then send an engine to pick them up and
fetch them to it's terminus at the same rate
at which it could carry through freight, and
he proposed to amend the bill by gradua-
ting the charges according to the distance
| travelled.
This bill will be reported to the State
Grange, and from there, if they favor it,
to the Legislature. with memorial asking
It's adoption.
General W. NJ. Elliott said that he was o
farmer, and felt deep interest in every
thing that concerned that class in the State.
He believed that if this measure received
the sanction of the State Grange, and was
presented to the Legislature with their ap-
proyal, that it would receive the attention
which il deserved.
Mr. NJ. w. Hazlewood presented the fol-
lowing resolution
Resotved, That the various proposals in
regard to proposed legislation on railroad
determinations be referred to the State
Grange, with the request that such bill
be framed by that body as will meet the
general appreciation of the country.
Mr.. Hazlewood believed when such re-
solution went up to the Legislature, with
the thousands Of names which could be
gotten to it, the Legislature would not dare
to disobey it.
Mr.. Ira P. Robinett declared that the best
thing, in his judgment, for the Grange to
do was to prepare bill embodying the
features which they desired to Lave acted
on; then let it 60 to the Legislature. He
approved the resolution Of Mr.. Lakewood
Mr.. T. T. .Tredway also favored the reso.
luton, and it was adopted.
The question Of fsheep-husbandry was then
taken up. .... .... ...
DR.. B. Burwell remarked that he was moi
in favor OF the pending law, which allowed
each head of family to have dog free o1
tax. 1t was not a half-loaf, but at least
three-quarters, and the quarter left had
"pizen" in it. ....
Mr. Mann Page favored it as being the
best that could be gotten from the Legis
lature this year. ... ..
On motion it was resolved that the weekly
meetings be discontinued until after the
meeting of tire State Grange.
The subject of grape-culture in Virginia
was announced as the one for discussion at
the next meeting. DR.. McCarty will opet
the discussion. ...