The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-12-19
4 xsfss RrYEg AND KASAwHA COMPANY,
I prauwpsn. e A.. Decem ber Is, 1873:

.ions on the several propositions for aid
fron, the city OF Richmond 70 the James
River and KanawiIa Company In iss efforts
to build araiIIpad from Clifton Forge TO
Richmond, much was said as to the Cincin-
natl Southern railroad. IL was stated that
the Deople OF Csncis5uati had found grave
cause 10 regret the expenditures OF the city
In its behalf; this the credit OF the city naa
been greatly i.npaiIed by reason OF THESE
expenditures. and that the result nad
neither Jus lifted or was likely 20 JUSTLY .ne
sauguine exnectations OF the friends and
promoters OF the road.
D.mbtinp at the time whether those VINO
made such statements were well InIofn
as to the subject upon which they under
took to speak with confidence, and desiring
TO know the facts in the case, appiled TO
Major Dannis ShanahaD (of the urn OF Ma
son, Shanaban & Hoge. contractors on the
Buchanan and Ciifton-Forge railway, ano
also on important works In Cfncinhati,] lot
such information "a be might De aoie ~
give. His reply, covering cer'ain let.eis
from Others, was received only after fiaai
nnfayorabIe action by the Board OF Alder
men.
Although the information thus derived
IL too late 10 have any effect whatever upon
the question OF aid from the city OF Rich
mond. have thought it perhaps matter
OF sufficient interest for publication. III
Won so regard it be pleased to GIVE space ID
vour columns for this communication. Inc
letters are as follows:
CINCINNATI, OHIO, December S, 1879.
afo;or J. w. Johnston, President James
River and KanaWha Company:
Dear Slr,-I regret exceedingly my Ii
ability to reply to your letter Of the 29ln
November at an earlier period, but the fact
is that am engaged in work OF grea: diff
fcul,v, and after the Iabors OF the day ind
myself in no condition to write.
In reply to your inquiry, must say It IS
mistake to suppose that the investment OF
the city OF Cincinnati in the construction OF
the Cincinnati Southern railway is unpop-
ular with its citizens. On the contrary, the
measure is sustained by at least three
fourths of the leading businessmen OF the
city. In fact, do not know citizen en-
gagged in trade OF any magnitude in the city
who does not look forward to is compile
ton as one Of the great means OF recover
| Ing much OF the trade which Cincinnati has
| lost through the hostility OF railroads in the
interest OF her rival, Louisville.
There are some individuals here possess.
ing considerable wealth in real estate, and
whose in comes are derived from rents, and
portion of the Gern an population OF the
city, who do not approve OF the eXpendl'
lures. The former complain OF the In
creased taxation. which has reduced the'I
i'm come to some extent, and some or the
German population are .aDprehenslVe thai
the increased taxation will not be offset by
the increased trade opened up by this road
controlled by the city. A majority OF the
citizens of all ciIsses with whom l bave
been thrown in contact arc exceedingly III
ycrable to the enterprise, and give II cor
dial support, and, OF my own knowledge,
know Of no serious condemnation OF Tie
enterprise .by any perSons, excepting That
have heard it said that some Of the classes
enumerated above have been unfavorable to
the Investment. The road, not yet finished
seems to he doing very satisfactory pusl-
ness, and the citizens generally look Tor.
ward 10 its completion with great hopes and
much satisfaction.
enclose you two lctters-one from W.
T. Dandridge, whom you know; be was
formerly assi>tant-enginecr on the Valley
railroad; and another from Fl, W. Brown
president OF the Chamber Of Commerce OF
this CITY.
There is no difficulty in getting an en-
preston OF opinion from all the leading
merchants Of the city favorable TO this en-
terprlse, but really am so busy day and
| night that bave not moment OF leisure
to spare for The purpose. Wishing you
success, remain very truly YOURS,
| u. SHANAHAE.