The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-06-25
Tho CIt,'s Opportunity.

Wheeling Is facing All important crisis
In her history. In the march otprogress
abe has rcacheda point where she can.
not stand still. She must go forward, or
fall back. " is time for action.
For many years there has been in the
minds Of philosophical men an idea OF
great city with all tho equipments Of a
modern town. Meetings have been
held to ugitate the project Of d belt rail-
road; leading men and newspapers have
advocated union abroad station.
But all these plans fell fiat, and tho com.
munity had settled down to the convic-
ton that projects Of such magnitude
were visionary dreams. Tho town rolled
aleepily on in the old rut, till one day
she was jol.cl out with a suddenness
that aroused her thoroughly. Practical
men offered 10 build the belt railroad,
and they have done It. Compared to
what the work is costing, compared to
what It is worth 10 Wheeling, tho
amount contributed by Wheeling md
Ohio county 10 bagatele. One dream
was realized.
When the came men proposed to give
to tho city what her people had for
years longed for in al impracticable
way, there was reason for rejoicing.
There was every confidence that the
Union railway station would be built,
and the work already done by its pro.
jectors was sufficient guarantee that it
would DO credit as well as conve-
nicnco to the place.
But circumstance arose which
blocked the way for the liberal and en-
terprising men who were already pre-
pairing 10 carry out this great plan.
Without any desire to criticize the COM
missioners who valued the Norway Tack
Company'spremises, it does seem strange
that property valued by its owners, not
go long ego, at $4,000, should have en-
HANGED in value till it is worth $3.50.
But unless the Circuit Court is appealed
to-and that means delay, and may not
result in gain-the award must stand.
In nutehell, the situation is Just
this: Thirteen thousand dollars stands
between the public and the realization
OF lta hopes. The company offered 10
pay So, 600 for the property. The i'm
provcments to be made included u
double tract, steel bridge across the
creek, Il strong and solid wall along the
north bank OF the creek from that
bridge to Market street, and modern,
ornamental, convenient railroad station,
almost in tho heart OF the city, for the
use OF all roads.
L. The problem for the public is, can we
afford to allow discrepancy OF $4,000
to defeat plans Of such moment?
Had the city sufficient money to build
along the creek the proposed retaining
wall, that would be u wise investment,
For sightliness, for sanitary reasons, for
the protection OF the banks, that wall is
n necessity. Thirteen thousand dollars
would not pay onc.third Of the cost OF
tho wall alone. Where can that sum
pc pctlcr expended IMAM IN securing
go vast an improvement?
Tho work contemplated by the com.
pany in connection with the union
station involved an Expenditure of
over S325,0O0 = considerably more
than tho public would contrib.
ute were 1t to give this $4,000. Is
it wise to stop that expenditure for
paltry sum?
AS said before, this is a crisis which
demands prompt action. The course to
take is plain; the time to take it is now.
The Importers Protest.