Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-08-30
THE OHIO RIVER ROAD
an ENTERPRISE WITH A GREAT FUTURE
BEFORE IT,
Az Important Feeder to Be Put IL Shaps S0cl-Ihe
Graa. Benefits Accr8ng from Tie Line
Tra1s Reported Big.

Precedent Geo. W. Thompson, OF the
Ohio River Railroad Company, paid fly
ing visit to the city yesterday, on business
matters connected with the road. He was
met by a REGISTER reporter during the
afternoon, and in answer to a query as TO
how railroad matters were, ne replied.
Business is very good, both as to freight
and passengers. We have about all We can
do to dispose Of the freight offered, and ct
times are a little pushed to ind extra
cars. Just at present the passenger traf-
ic along the lire 10 exceptionally heavy. "
"What causes the rusl2'
ooh, as TO freight crops are moving,
and business generally is in good shape,
causing great deal of shipping. The big
passenger business is largely caused by the
county fairs along the river. They seem
to be very well attended,
What ia the latest event in the way Of
railroad development 2'
Well. the proposed RaveuswOOd, Spen-
Ger and Glenville road is exciting atten-
ton al present There will be q meeting
of stockholders at RivenswCOi next Mon
day. when il is likely the capital stock
will be increased TO 5000, 0O0, and full
report made on the condition Of the right
Of way, etc. This iswith a view TO having
the Ohio River Company take hold Of the
matter aud push She affair along. 1t Is the
desire 10 get the line under contract as soon
ga possible. The road will be - miles
long, and will be an important and yalu'
able feeder to the Ohio River road. -
The Ohio River read seems to be con-
stantiy improving ss q railroad property
eyes, sir; still. the enterprise is yet IN
its infancy. Ii has q great future before
%. AS the country along the river opens
up, business over the line will become
better and better, and the building OF
feeders into the rich agricultural and Tim
Der counties back from the river will be q
great help 20 us, and a corresponding ben
ef. 20 the psople of the eastern part Of the
State. Ii has already had great effect on
agriculture along the river. Many farmers
tell me they are going to discontinue the
Old-tme system Of agriculture, and will
devote themselves 20 small fruits, veget-
ables, aud other specialtses, yielding large
and quick returns aud commanding a
ready sale. They recognize the railroad
a. the thing which has made this possible,
and it has added greatly TO the value OF
land along the river"
SCI is strange q river railroad was not
built long before the Ohio River Company
was organizsd2'
''Yes, 10 is. Still, there was a very gen
eral belief among railroad men that such o
line would not pay. The competition Of
the riyer-and that is the worst cOmpeti-
ton railroad transportation has to contend
with because Of its cheapness-was feared.
When We announced our intention to build
the line, President Garrett, of the B. IS o -,
predicted We would all be financially
swampsd, but We have managed to sur
viys thus far
"A Pittsbufg connection would be q
gceat thing, suggested the reporter.
Indeed it would, said President
Thompson. 1T would be a very desirable
thing
whats the matter with the water
melon crcp2' asked the reporter, turning
the conversation from one OF the necessa-
ries OF life to another.
The weather has been too vet. The ship
ments are nothing, as against scores Of car
loads in other years. The monetary loss
% the farmers making melons a speciality
Is great.