Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-11-05
THE KENTUCKY CENTRAL

Nillt,
THE KENTUCKY CENTRAL
will be extended to connect with the
l.. e N. system at or near Richmond,
KY, thus establishing a competing
line tothe Cincinnati Southern, under
the control OF the Louisville company.
This will be a great advantage to the
railroad company, and to the city Of
Louisville, as it secures this city per-
feet equality Of rates with Cincinnati.
Besides, it introduces the element of
competition into the Southern railroad
problem, wliohwill be felt at all points
on the line. Competition, though
greatly modified by the nature of the
case, still has an important bearing ON
railroad Development though it when
unrestrained, may act disastrously,
still within certain bounds it acts
b~enefcently. The Louisville and
Nashville company will have, ofcOurse,
to meet the Southen whenever rates
are reduced, quick time made or other
accommodation offered, and such ben
eits will necessarily supply not to one
part only, but TO the entire system.
Great as have been the facilities of
the Louisville & Nashville for moving
freight, there has been a blockade at
thispoint. With a still further exten
sion of its lines will follow increased
rolling stock, better facilities aud
more comprehensive movements Of
trains. All this tends to the upbuild-
ing of Louisville, and gives greater
opportunities to her merchants for
reaching their customers.
In all this there is nothing inimical
to Cincinnati. Undoubtedly the new
line will be a powerful competitor with
the Southern for freight and business
from Cincinnati to the south, but it
will furnish to that city closer connec-
ton and better facilities for doing bus
mess. 1t is possible the projectors Of
the Southern now realize the mistake
they made in building a competing
line with the Kentucky Central to
Lexington, but while it is a misfor-
tune, considered in that connection, it
gives to Cincinnati two southern lines,
one of which is under the control Of
the Louisville & Nashville, and this
is what Cincinnati spent S20,0O0,0O0
to avoid.
The Southern now talks of building
a line to Nashville, which is imprac-
ticable. When the Southern is at
Nashville it is not in the least better
off than when at Chattanooga, and it
would not pay to build that line in
order to carry twice the freight that
goes from Cincinnati to Nashville.
But there is a scheme which the per-
manent lessees of the Southern would
dowell to consider, and that is branch
from Harrodsburg or
DANvILLE DIRECT TO LOUISVILLE,
thus making a bid for Louisville bust
ness. not 10 Nashville, but to the en-
tire south. That branch would be
most favorably considered in this city,
and no doubt substantially aided.
Besides, the counties through which
it would run are rich and productive,
and stand greatly in need Of transport
tation facilities. The projected line
runs through a level country, and it
would cost comparatively little to
build. If practical railroad men,
men with judgment, courage and fore
sight, gain control of the Cincinnati
Southern, this branch from Barrods-
burg to Louisville would be finished
very shortly after the cars were run
ming through from Cincinnati and
Louisville to Knoxville.
The Kentucky Central has contem-
plated this extension ever since the
completion Of the Cincinnati South
ern, and it took definite steps to that
end some months ago after c0nsulta-
ton with the Louisville and Nashville
authorities. The road will be built
to Richmond first, and it will be
opened to that point BY the time the
road is completed to Knoxville. 1t
will then be extended in a straight
line, strikingthe Knoxville road about
Livingston.
Cars from Cincinnati to Atlanta
will run on the Western and Atlantic
from Atlanta to Dalton, then directto
Cleveland on the East Tennessee and
Georgia road, thence to Knoxville.
thus leaving Chattanooga to the west,
and forming a line to Cincinnati as
direct as hat Of the Cincinnati South.
err.
All this tends TO show the rapid de
yelopment ola very rich section ofthe
south, and especially of Kentucky.
Just what benefits Louisville will de-
serve depends upon herself, Healthy
cooperation among The merchants,
liberal support Of the board Of trade,
watchfulness and enterprise; such as
have been exhibited during the past
year, will soon place her abreast Of her
rivals. With a road to Harrodsburg,
and an Independent line TO Texas,
Louisville position will be secure.
The Dying Carlyle.
Baltimore Sun London Letter.l