The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1882-08-15
LETTER FROM COLORADO.
Especial corrcspondsncc.l

Especial Corrcspondencc,l
Denver. Col. Aug, 10 1882
Leaving Washington about three
weeks later than thisoriginal schedule
thine yonr correspondent hastened
though to this Rocky Mountain me-
tropolis without taking as much note
of the journey as first intended. 1t
was great relief to get away from the
heat Of the Capital and from following
the routine proceedings Of "a dilatory
and incompetent Congress into the free
air Of the West and the rapid motion
Of railroad train. And it wonld
have been still more enjoyable had
there been time to spend few days
by the way in leisurely visiting Chr
cago and the other wonders along the
route. Yet no matter how rapidly
one travels, if he is Of an inquiring
turn, and is accustomed TO keeping
both eyes and ears open. he will see a
good deal aud learn something Of in
ierest concerning the country though
which he passes. Perhaps the most
delightful railroad ride the writer ev-
er enjoyed was that over the Chesa-
peake and Ohio to Cinciunati--the
new route to the West of which We
have lately heard so much. The seem
cry Of this route surpasses anything to
he found east Of Colorado. 1t is not
only picturesque, but in some instan-
ces grand. and the road is in every
way excellent, with all the improved
facilities which render travel agreea-
BILE and safe. 81
But we will not set out to eulogize
the railroads in general, for many Of
them do not deserve il, and they are
abundantly able to take care Of them
selves. 1t is difficult to travel in these
days without observing thu enormous
increase Of this great interest and i'm
bibing in SOME degree a realizing sense
Of the Importance the railway problem
is assuming in our political economy.
1t is only u question of TINS when
Congress will be compelled to aban-
don its presents slothful policy with
reference to the various phases Of this
snbject and take up the cudgel Of leg
istation in behalf Of the people.
While the railroads ara among the
forces in the industrial development Of
the country, the power which they
vest in the hands Of their controlling
officials is a dangerous one, and tho
tendency to consolidation and com.
bination, which is becoming greater
year by year, builds up mononolies
which are the natua enemies and op-
pressors Of the people. They yearly
grow more Indifferent to public opin-
ion and independent Of the public well
fare, The total earnings Of all the
railroads oftlle country for the year
1881 was over $725, 100000 or near
ly double the total revenue Of the
United States Government Employ
ed by all these roads are over 1900
900 men. The power welded by the
united corporations constrolling sucl
a mighty force and possessing such az
enormous revenue will soon render
them we'll nigh Independent OF law,
and OF the men who are supposed tc
make them.
| The rspidity with which new line,
arc being constructed, especially il
| the West. is astonishing. During the
first six months ofthis year over 5
600 miles Of track have been laid Ii
tho United States, and it is estimated
that more than that number Of miles
will be- completed in the other 81,
months, so thatthe tolal construction
for the year will not fall much sbor,
| Of II 900 miles. Last year it was .
| 35S miles. There 4 are now fou,
through lines between Chicago ant
Denver. all most completo in their ap
pointments and magnificent high
ways in every respect No fault car
be found on that score. But on
would mutually expect. that SO mucl
competition would produce low rates a
well as luxurious accommodations. Ye
it does not. The new line is no soone
ready for business than II enter
the Did combination, or "pool," t,
keep the rates up to a point Of extor
ton, almost, and divide the proceed
among themselves. A meeting Of til
managers of these lines was held her
in Denver only few days since t,
adjust the details OF this division
But wha: ever these roads do the,
can be no more arbitrary and unjus
! combination than that now existing
among the eastern trunk lines, whicl
is so origid thalthe usual CONCESSIONS 70
excursion parties, etc.,are not allowed
The once liberal and progiessiv
Pennsylvania road is a moving spiri
in this pool with Vanderbilt AM
Gould. When Tom Scott was at tn
helm this company had some respec
. for public sentiment and the rights 0
its patrons. Under the present man
: agcment tits conducted on the hoI
! plan, and both public opinion an
= public interests are wholly iguoret
{, But have written enough about raj
a roads for the present, though not ha
! as much as might be written. On III
d way out here met commercii
Q traveller who is something Of wa
4 and thus related the experience ofhiu
self and companion on the way west o,
er the Baltimore and Ohio. They wei
the sole occupants Of the smoking Of
and tried to converse, but the roa
was so rough they were pitched froI