Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-12-22

enumerated, and represents falling oil OF
about q per cent still the whole revenues
of the line in 1884 exceed The revenues of
1882 by $l33, 9O9,6l.
EXPENSES.
The operating expenses of the road have
increased $43,0 ,73 in 1854 as compared
with 1883, and is more largely due To the
following causes: Nearly 900 tons steel rails
being put into the track more than were put
in in 1889 aud making an increase Of
s27 600
An incrrsss, OF 50, 500 for cross ticS rcqrir-
ed for necessary repairs aud putting in i:ew
rails
An increase OF 81 900 in amount paid out
to soliciting agents which is not a legitimate
charge to the expenses OF 1884, as large
amount due to The R & D. r. +. for this
service in 1888 was disputed then aud not
adjusted until 1884, in which year it is en-
trely charged up to the operating expenses.
There is an increase of IS 500 in loss an
damage, stock killed and expenses connect
ed with accidents and fires, all of which are
| unavoidable.
An increase Of 81 500 appears in the re-
pairs of passenger, baggage and mail coaches,
which could not be avoided, for This amount
must increase with the time these cars are
| in service.
The above items of increase summed up
will make more than the increase in operat-
| ing expenses for the year, but many other
items Of the operating expenses have been
| reduced during the year, such as train ex
penses, repairs Of locomotives, amount paid
out for engineers, Gremen, conductors,
brak emeu, car service, fuel Tor engines and
other expenses connected with the moving
| e tn ha tr,r
CONSTRUCTION.
| In 1883 there Was expended in new con
struction $74,977 0l while in 1854 there was
expended $94 ,I63. 10 ap increase Of $40 lS6 Is
which was due to an increase of 80 500 in
bridges and masonry, the principal part of
which is represented in the construction of
| the new iron bridge at James River; $40 900
increase in amount of new steel rails, fast
enings and spikes, charged to construction.
New depot and other buildings which
were essential 50 600.
New coal bins at Manassas Junction
st 800
New trestling 81 700.
These items summed up make much more
than the increase, but many other items OF
| construction in 1883 were greatly reduced
in 1854, such as ballast, new sdings, whar-
yes, cattle pens, land damages, iron rails, Sc.
| EQUIPMENT.
The equipment account in 1854 IS $lOl,
SAT .}3, being an increase of $50 l6l 90 over
1888 which is due TO the purchase of seven
locomotives ut n cost Of SG3 900 and $40 GOO
paid on account the half interest in the
tug and barge transfer between Alexandria
and Shepherds.
For further understanding of the busi
ness of the road during the year 1881, II
statement is hereto attached showing the
business of the railroad during the last live
years.
THE PHYSICAL CONDITION or THE ROAD.
The condition of the roal-bed has been
steadily improved during the past year by
balasting, ditching and widening of en-
bankments The track has been greatly
improved by the substitution of new cross
ties, wherever required, and the laying of
new steel rails.
As will be seen from the report Of the En-
lginecr and Superintendent 262 miles Of
standard steel rails, of heavier pattern
than the one heretofore used, have been
put in the track Of the main line.
The old iron rails taken up have been
used in repairing the main line, Manassas
and Franklin divisions, and in the construc
ton Of new side tracks, aud the residue
sold. 1862 cross ties have been put in
the track, and these, with the amount Of
ballasting done and new rails laid, have
greatly improved the condition of the track.
With the renewals of 1884, the main line
has 1874 % miles of steel rail, leaving rs ,
miles of iron rail yet in the same. As much
of this should he replaced with steel during
the coming year as the revenue of the com
PAW will warrant. The side tracks have
been much heightened during 1854, and as
much more should be done during the pres
ent year.
There is nothing which 50 facilitates III"
movement Of trains aud dispatch of bus!
ness as suf icient side track space at term
nal and intermediate stations; specially is
this true on the Virginia Midland, which i
greatly wanting III proper depot tacllItit+,
and for which purposes cars have to he
greatly utilized.
During the past year, (the latter part of
| the work being closed during current
year. new iron bridge, 757 feet long, has
| been constructed over The James river near
| Lynchburg, and the Engineer and Superin-
tenlent recommends that one be construct
ed over Tye river during the next year.
A large and substantial cpaing station
has been constructed at Manassas Junction,
and the officers report that it has proved 81
great convenience as COMPARED with the old
method, saving both time and expense.
The motive power Of the road has been
greatly increased by the purchase of four
new standard passenger engines and the
construction of one in the Alexandria shops,
two large ten wheel freightengines have also
been purchased. 1t is recommended that
the service of the road would be greatly i'm
proved by the sale or exchange of some ct
the small sized engines now ID use and the
substitution of larger ones.
The rolling stock of the road requires
much attention and many renewals. The
passenger coaches to some extent are becom-
ing old and we'll worn aud it is essential for
conducting first class passenger route that
the line should be equipped with larger and
more commodious passenger coaches Of The
latest design. 1t is recommended that ut
least six coaches should be secured.
The stock business Of the road is feeling the
want of more improved and larger cars. The
cars now in use have been in service for many
Il 70 irtr