Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-06-04
CANAL TRANSPORTATION.

men at Georgetown and Alexandria
there is feeling Of dependency over
the condition of affairs, and most oil
them are apprehensive of verse to
come. The trade on the canal is
very light and the intelligence re-
Gently obtained has led to the con-
clusion that the work is now hav-
ing a struggle for its life. The
situation does not seem to be APP
preciatod in Maryland generally, ani
even those most deeply interested do
net appear TO have grasped the situa-
ton, which is certainly desperate. |
will endeavor to make the point
plain.
In 1865, after the Chesapeake and
Ohio canal had been thoroughly re-
paired and navigation resumed, there
ensued great rivalry between the
canal and the railroad in tie coal
carrying business, from which source
of revenue the latter derived from
100000 to 100000 per annum.
The canal was almost entirely fed by
the Cumberland and Pennsylvania
railroad, which in 1878 Put nearly
100000 tons of coal on board the
boats at Cumberland, about SO per
cent. of the entire product Of the
Georges Greek region.
The Baltimore and Ohio road then
devoted itself to the work of securing
control Of the Cumberland and Penn
sylvania railroad, and thus monopo-
lizing the Maryland coal trade. Three
years ago they accomplished this,
having secured majority of the
Cumberland and Pennsylvania road
stock as we'll as a majority of the
Consolidation coal companf. This
company owns the great bulk of the
coal property in the region, and it
was nearer to market than any other.
The Baltimore and Ohio, having now
absolute control, commenced the work
of freezing out all its rivals, and be-
ing both a coal owner and coal car
rier, sent the coal into the market at
prices Which promised ruin to all its
competitors. Very soon the freezing
out process began to have its effect,
and the stock Of the various compan-
les declined in value until it ceased
to he in demand, Finding themselves
driven to the necessity of securing
relief from some other quarter, the
Maryland and American coal com.
panies set about the work of securing
the construction of another railroad
IRON the mines to the canal, whereby
they could ship their coal at saving
OF % cents per ton, and have a route
independent Of their great rival.
About that time, the people Of Cum
berland were clamoring for relief from
the oppressive freight rate they were
compelled to pay the Baltimore and
Ohio road, and which had for years
stiaed every enterprise that was in
augurated in the town. With the al
most unanimous consent of the people
the city subscribed and gave to the
Pennsylvania railroad in Maryland
SEA, 900, on condition that they would
build nix miles of road, and establish
connection between the city and the
great Pennsylvania road.
These two railroads were projected
about the same time, and they were
huilt to the sui l,bs Of the city Of
Cumberland. There the Baltimore
and Ohio, and its dependant, TIE
Cumberland and Pennsylvania rail
road, stopped these two roads. They
united upon a single road to enter
the town and find terminus. At
every step the Baltimore and Ohio
and the Cumberland and Pennsylva-
MIA roads fought the new line. Every
conceivable obstacle was interposed,
crossing INSTRUCTED, injunctions sued
out, and suit after suit brought in the
courts, the determin -tion being that
no rival road should gain foothold
in Cumberland. The courts have de-
cided every important point in favor
of the new road and confirmed the
action Of the jury that condemned the
crossing OF the main stem of the Bll-
timore and Ohio railroad. The courts,
however, have been set at defiance, and
no relief has been found by the new
road.
The principal owners of the Georges
Greek and Cumberland railroad are
the Maryland and American coal
companies. These stockholders have
millions of dollars invested in their
coal, their railroad and its rolling
stock. The road is practically idle /;
its cars and engines are motionless.
If this state of affairs can be kept
up by an obstructive policy the Balti,
more and Ohio Company may expect
to see the stock Of the companies and
ofthe new road doprecate to very
low figure, then step in and buy it
up. That accomplished, the Balti-
more and Ohio will sell Consolidation
coal at fguere so low that no compe-
ttion can offer. The effect upon the
New Central and Georges Creek coal
companies would at once be perceived,
their stock would tumble, and the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad with its
millions will gobble it all. Then it
would indeed be sole possesgor of the
Georges Creek coal region. The canal
would be abandoned, millions of dol
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