The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-03-31
WEsrEnn MAnrIANn ExrENsIoN no cn,n

WRsrERx MARYLAND ExTRSsIox TO cHAM.
HRRsBuRG. The trade Of the Cumberland
Valley, covering as il does, one Of the most
fertile agricultural districts in Pennsylvania,
Is well worth the consideration Of Baltimore
city. Prior 10 1885 this trade, as far north
as Carlisle, in Cumberland county, was en-
jcyed by Baltimore merchants. The reason
for this was abvious, that city being nearer BY
almost one.half than Philadelphia. Even
aftet the Cumberland Valley Railroad was
opened, offering direct and rapid communi
cation with Philadelphia, II required years o.
patient and laborious effort TO divert this trade
from its legitimate geographical commercial
center. But time and energy has accom-
plished 1t, aud for years Philadelphia has en-
joyed this profitable trade, almost on its own
terms. OF late years, however, Baltimore
statesmen have been visiting this region, and
their employees looking more closely into il
details. Since the close Of the war they have
been more solicitous, especially for It's grain
trade.
For years this fertile and thickly populated
region has been within twenty-five miles o
a direct rail communication with Baltimore
BY Gettysburg, Pa, using part OF the gradeC
road OF the old Tape Worm, crossing Soutl
Mountain by easy grade at Sherman's gap
but it was not regarded.
Since, however, the Western Maryland
Railroad has been built from Baltimore I,
Williamsport, Md, a new impulse has been
given 10 this important subject. A survey
has been made from the Western Maryland
Road near Smithsburg station, through Way
nesboro', in Franklin county, Pa, along the
eastern part of the county, terminating a
Chambersburg, the county seat, and the al
most central point in the Cumberland Valley
Much interest is manifested in this movement
especially in the southern part Of the county
and the people in and around Waynesboro
have given literally, we understand, to the
interest. Ii only wants some men OF standing
TO go into Franklin county and represent tn,
| subject properly, so that the people nigh
realize the great advantage they would have
in a competing line.
Beside the addition to Baltimore interests
this road would open new market for tht
sale of Cumberland coal. Some idea Of th
will be had when we say that it now is oh
tanned North of Hagerstown, Nd, at heavy
freight rate, costing $l.25 per ton from vii
Transport, Nd, to Chambersburg, Pa, dis
lance of about 81 miles. Even at this freight
amounting almost to prohibition, the coal I
sought after and used when steam is required
the Cumberland Valley Railroad using il ii
Ao'So WI hcNbuuN VI It's aultIiol
qualities.
The road now contemplated will bring Bal
timore 80 miles nearer the Cumberland Val
ley at Chambersburg than via Northern Cen
trail to Harrisburg and Cumberland Vale!
Railroad. Such difference of distance il
so short line will be an advantage equa
almost to o control Of trade.
The sea.board cities are the great centres
| for consumption and distribution and Tho
territory nearest any one such centre will Al
certainly send its trade there as water is tc
find its level
To CoLoRED SOLDIERS AND SAILORS Til,
following letter and circular will explain
themselves:
WESTMINSTER, Mp, March q, ls17
Editors Democratic Advocate
GENTLEMEN - am in receipt Of the annexed cir
cuinr from the War Department. which Is of interes
10 eoored soldiers and sailors and beg that you will
gnu Var ltv