The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-02-11
Proposed Lease of he Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal.

The letter of President Hood of the
Western Maryland Railroad Company to
the Maryland Legislature, in reference to
the lease by the railroad for term of
ninety-nine years, renewable forever, OF
that portion of the Chesapeake and Ohio
! Canal from Williamsport to Cumberland,
is one full of good reasons why such a lease
should be made, if practicable to be done,
or rather, if it can be legally done. This
point we have not examined, but suppose
it is practicable, or the proposition to lease
would not have been made, and the neces-
sary bills to enable the Canal and Railroad
to contract for the lease have been present
ed to the Legislature.
1t is fact that needs no argument, or
presentation of figures of receipts and ex-
penses, to show that the Canal does not
now, and for some years has not, paid ex-
penses. There has been default OF in
terest on its bonds, or default in the run
ming expenses, and the State of Maryland,
whose interest is large, is receiving no re-
turn for her investment. If something is
not done speedily the Canal will have to
be sold and the State will lose all her in
terest.
1t is fact, also, that for some years, the
Canal has been used as political machine;
not SO much to influence elections, but the
rather to control nominations in the coun-
ties through which it runs, and to control
county delegations to State conventions.
In the last contest for the gubernatoria
nomination, the Canal influence played an
important part, and in two counties, at
least, and perhaps in three of the four
through which it runs, was instrumental In
selecting delegates not in accord with pub
lie sentiment. With more business and
less politics the ditch might have been able
to keep up running expenses, but even this
is doubtful. And as it has been more Of
a political machine than a commercial ar
terry, the sooner it gives way to some bust
ness enterprise the better it will be for the
State and the people.
The equipment of the Canal is said to be
inadequate, and will grow less year by year.
If the tonnage is concentrated on the lower
division, from Williamsport to Georgetown,
running expenses and more may result,
while the forty thousand dollars annual
rental proposed to be paid for the upper
division, from Williamsport to Cumberland,
will protect the Canal under the mortgage
of 1873, and furnish in addition $4,000
per annum to be applied to other purposes.
Not only does it seem probable that the
arrangements proposed by the Western
Maryland Railroad Company will be bene-
fetal to the Canal but it will also be bene-
fetal to a large section of the State and to
Baltimore, as well as to the State treasury.
Mr.. Hood does not so state, but it would
seem that coal could be delivered at cheaper
figures from Williamsport to Baltimore, if
the lease is made, than at present, and this
saving would be a considerable item to
Hagerstown, Westminster and other points
on the line of the road. The Western
Maryland's main stem would also be
nearly doubled, and the road, with its
branches and connections now operated by
it. would be elevated into road Of consid-
cradle mileage and importance, and thus
be better able to protect itself against other
corporations. ,z,.
Let the lease be made.