Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-07-02
The CITY and the Country.


Some Of the railroad schedules and con-
nections that have existed for years have
been damaging 10 Richmond and the
country naturally tributary 10 her trade.
The wonder is that the people have so
long remained indifferent TO their interests
and so patiently permitted corporations
g. abuse the franchises conferred upon
them by the Commonwealth.
As long A. city and country folks were
both unconcerned. it was no wonder that
The companies permitted the existing con-
dition of affairs 10 continue; but Of late
there has come a general and positive de-
mand for improved service. What IL ask
sd. what is insisted upon, IS that the farm
rrs 81 Virginia who live midway between
this city and Baltimore shall have the
choice Of visiting or traifcklng with the
TWO cities upon equal terms.
Heretofore IN some quarters there bas
been prohibition against US. Schedules,
connections, and rates all Disseminated in
favor Of other communities. Recent con-
3erences have so easily removed some of
the worst Of these difficulties that il -
amazing TO think that we should have
suffered so long when a remedy was so
easily obtainable Much vet remains TO be
done. but when the great organizations OF
the agriculturalists unite in moving with
the business bodies Of the cities. as they
now have done, 10 correct evils which are
palpably wrong, success IS sure TO crown
their efforts
Richmond asks nothing immoderate.
nothing unjust 10 others. nothing but what
her geographical location warrants. but
she is entitled TO receive from the Virginia
roads at least "a much consideration as
they cheerfully award TO our commercial
rivals. We have the business. the popula-
iion. and the attractions, which joined
10 Virginians' love for their capital,
make it desirable for the country people
20 visit and buy and sell here. Hence 1t IS
that we find pleasure in commencing the
service rendered in this connection by the
Chamber of Commerce. by the Railroad
Commissioner by the Farmers Alliances,
and large numbers of other gentlemen in
the privste walks of life. Already they
have accomplished much. The success
they have achieved will encourage them TO
continue until Richmond and the South
west, and the Valley and Piedmont have
every discrimination existing again st them
removed.
Nor do we believe that the railroad COM
yanies will suffer by allowing our counties
e. trade with our cities. and our cities to
trade with our counties
1t is impossible that they should be
losers, for their local rates are Their high
eat rates. and there must be some advan-
taee in a company having its cars always
within easy reach instead of being scat
tered over all this broad continent.
We hope to see the day-aud If we con-
tinue to grow and prosper il Is not far dis
tant-when OF each ofthe Richmond roads
at least one train will come in and another
go out early in the morning and the same
Sn the evening. By this means the city peo-
yleoan easily take a days run, of bust
ness or pleasure. into the country and re-
turn at night. and a corresponding advan-
tage will be afforded the farmers.
The more We mix the better we shall like
each other.
This il an end the railroad companies
will find il profitable TO promoto.