The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-01-14
Down THE RIVER.
The wheeling d Parkersbnrs Railroad
The RivaI Routes Through Tyler
County-A Sensible Letter.


County-A Sensible Letter.
SIsTRRsvILLg, January l2, 1880.
Editor IntelllEenear.
have seen several articles in yourpap
in relation to the proposed railroad from
Wheeling to Parkersburg. These articles
seem to be written too largely from parti-
san standpoints. I purpose to present
what | consider fair and square viewsoi
the situation, in the interest Of the road
and all concerned. There are two pro.
posed routes through this county-one,
via Middlebourne, from New Martinsville
to ST. Marys, distance OF twenty-six
miles, and one along the river, via Sisters
vile, distance OF eighteen miles. Thus
you see there is difference OF eighth miles
TO begin with, in distance, which estima.
ted at cost OF S, 900 per mile would make
difference In cost tof S64. .0G0 in favor Of the
straight river route.
But this is not all. The route via Mid.
dlebourne would be selected, il selected
at all, on the ground OF reaching certain
timber interests. This trade would, in
the nature Of things, be decreasing one
from year TO year, as the timber Is cut
and marketed, and after while would dis.
appear altogether. On the contrary, the
trade along the river, counting both sides
Of the river, and especially the Ohio side,
already exists, and Is capable OF an indetl.
mite increase. This trade would all be
sacrificed, and at an increased cost, too, OF
$4,000, by selecting the Middlebourne
route.
Still again, as all persons know, outside
OF the extra $64, 900 for eight extra miles
oil distance, 1t will cost more per mile, for
even the same number of miles, TO build q
road via Middlebourne than along the
river shore, saying nothing Of the lucra-
tive trade along eighteen miles OF river,
drawn from Ohio and West Va. that would
be sacrificed.
From all that see and hear, by actual
conversation with the people along the
river route, am led to believe that their
feelings toward the road have been mis-.
represented in regard both to the right OF
way and subscriptions. There may be
some opposition to the right OF way. ]
have not seen everybody and cannot tell
how 1t Is; but there Is q practically unani-
nous public sentiment, so far as have
sounded II, in favor OF the road, and every
disposition to give 1t substantial aid. /
would like TO see somebody who processes
to have knowledge to the contrary, fur
nish a list OF people, II they can, along the
river route who are opposed to the road.
| think It would bea very thin stindeed.
Messrs. Editors, there's, mall candorand
fairness, but one practical route for the
proposed road, and that is along the shore.
II is the commanding route for business,
as any experienced steamboat man like
Capt. Mcclure well knows. What, there
fore, / wish to suggest TO our Middlebonrne
friends is this, that there be no quarrel
between us. Give us the road, for the
reasons set forth aud rely on US to aid you
to build branch to Middlebourne. Let
us all act together in spirit OF concession
and harmony for the good Of the county.
We cannot have theroad past every mans
door, and we ought 10 build 1t with view
OF securing the most business for tand the
surest remuneration for It's stockholders.
PRo BONO PunL:co.