The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-10-16

y.
Central for the next year are estimated at
III 100000, and OF the Richmond and
Allegheny at $S00,000, making ali inn
mediate gross revenue OF q, 000, 900 to cover
fixed charges OF S620,O00. The territory
10 be occupied is rich in minerals and
already largely developed, and II Is as
sumed that rs these lines extend east and
west their business win keep pace with
the mileage. II so, they would show upon
local business alone gross revenue Of
s3,500,000 with which to meet fixed
charges OF -, 100000. Their through busi-
ness ought to be large and valuable.
THE ROADS PROTECTOR AND GENERAL NAN
LGER.
The originator or protector OF railroad
up the tow-path Of the canal was Mr.. ii.
c. Parsons, the yice-president OF the road.
There are few persons, chiefly his per-
sonal friends, who know what he has done
aud is doing towards the advancement OF
this great scheme; who are familiar with
his efforts in the Legislature OF the
State in securing the passage OF
the bill authorizing the sale OF the
canal to the enterprising gentlemen
and capitalists whose money has built this
great road. Quietly and modestly he
pushed his work with yigor until at last
the bill was passed and became law, and
/ then, drawing the attention OF the m0neyed
men TO the line, it was built, and railroad
in the beautiful valley Of James river is
fixed fact. To him is due from Richmond
and Virginia debt Of gratitude which no
( doubt will be more than cheenully paid.
/ Happy must he lie to-day 10 see so fully ac-
complished one OF the dearest wishes Of his
life, and when the line is fully completed
/ from East to West-from Richmond to To
ledo-he will be satisfied.
Major r. III. Temple was the chief engi-
neer Of the road. lie is noted for his engi-
neering skill and pluck, and has accom-
plished a wonderful feat in finishing the
road within the limited time prescribed by
! law.
| President French has been distinguished
for his financial skill and the ability with
which the money matters OF that company
have been managed.
| Now that the road is finished, it has been
turned over to the General Manager, Mr.
/ Decatur AXtell, a practical and experienced
officer and railroad manager, who comes
| from prominent western line with fine
reputation, and who has shown himself to
/ be thorough gentleman and capable Off
GER. lie will so manage the road as not
only to make It pay, but also to please and
satisfy the people on the line.
Mr.. AXTRILjs SPECIAL FROM RICHMOND.
On Friday morning between 8 and
/ O'Clock Mr. Decatur AYtell, general mana
ger OF the road, accompanied by Judges
| George l.. Christian, L. G. Minor, John r..
/ Law, Messrs. Charles L. Williams, Charles
L. Wortham, c. VI. Reynolds Estate Trea-
surer), Mr.. III. X. EllySOn, and few other
gentlemen, left the city on a special train
| for the Natural Bridge, where it was de-
signed TO meet the New York and Boston
party, spend the night, and return TO
Howardsyille on Saturday morning. The
dav was pleasant one and agreeably
spent, and the party Just large enough
10 entertain themselves acceptably. Mr.
AxtelPs guests occupied for the first time
the new sleeping-car OF the company, which
arrived in Richmond on Thursday. IL Is
known as the Paige sleeping and parlor-
car. is the first one OF the pattern ever
built, and il model for comfort and con-
yenience. II is several tons lighter than
the Pullman sleeper, i'm point OF ventilation
is far superior, and COSTS about one thlrd
the money. The track was found to be in
good order, and the cars glided over the
rails so smoothly that one thought the tram
was upon an old road.
AT THE NATURAL BRIDGE.
The special train reached Natural-Bridge
station about sunset, and later the gentle
men Of the party set ont for the bridge, two
miles distant. where they met President
French and his party, who had come from
New York and Boston rid the White sui
phur Springs. This party LETT New YORK
i'm two special ears on the limited express
train on Wednesday morning, spent the
night in Washington, and Thursday
went on to the White Sulphur
Springs, spending the night there, and ON
Friday came down TO WilliamsOn's, where
they took the Richmond and Allegheny
road, reaching Natural Bridge in the after
noon. On the way down a stop was MADE
at Clifton Forge, where the great arches
were examined, and Major Hotchkiss gave
a geological description OF the formation,
ali the way down. They also stopped al
several other points and examined the great
seams OF iron ore.
DINNER AND SPEECHES.
Late in the afternoon the guests sat down
to dinncr-a very enjoyable aflair-and
satisfied every one that Mr.. Euker KnoW'
how TO keep good hotel.
President French presided, and by hi:
kindly courtesy contributed TO inc pleasure
of the occasion. A number OF eGtempOrt
toasts were offered, and responded to in
J sneeches which were none the less interest
, ING for being entirely eItempOre.
, Colonel III. G. Parsons greeted the guest,
/ in n few pleasant, well-chosen words, and
then the following sentiment was pro
: posed:
, "The Union of the States That Natura
! Bridge. we once thought there was chasn
, between the north buttress and the soutl
buttress, but il we look high enough We
, find they are joined together"
! Colonel Edmund Pendleton, OF LexinS
: ton, responded happily TO this toast in
) speech which would have put the company
: in a good humor IL that had not already
| been the prevailing spirit OF the occasion
1t was not gushing speech, and il was no
t funny speech, but it was good one an'
; pleasant one.
Mr.. French having remarked that amons
: his many birthplaces there was none 10
! which he felt a kindher regard than 10
; Massachusetts, and that there was a repre-
, sentative of that State, an old classmate o
: his own at Cambridge present, Mr. SaWdon
OF Boston, was called upon and responded
most handsomely. In an exceedingly plea
SAINT way he showed that the first ana TN
most important politics Of the country wa
, the politics OF business.
"RIcHXOYD, THE CAPITAL CITY
Of Virginia and Queen Of the James-Rive
|. Valley soon to be welded by the Rich
mond and Allegheny railroad with the grea
laSes. God grant that she may increase il
prosperity and wealth till the world shal
See that in the march OF progress there !
and can be but one Richmond In the held.
Responded TO by Mr.. Charles u. WI
liams Of Richmond. He said: