Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-04-22
Washington and Gettysburg
RAILWAY CO.
ELECTRIC RAPID TRANSIT LINE.
Takoma Park, d. c., April 10TH 1897
The CATocTIN CLARION,
CKAs. E. CAssRLL, Pubr.
ThuImont. Md.
DEAR SIR.

Thurmont. Md.
DEAR SIR:
Your attention is re-
specially called to the above railroad com
pany with view of enlls,ing your aid In the
furtherance of project which for many
years past has engaged the attention Of the
citizens of Washington, Montgomery, Fred
erick, Howard and Prince Georges Counties
Of Maryland.
1t is unnecessary 10 advance any argu
ment to prove that such means of trans
portation is needed. Everybody is agreed
upon that point, but everybody does not
know that an Electric Railway such as Is
contem lated by this company, will meet
every requirement and pay handsome div
idends. haoff1cials of the company have
received many letters from towns along the
line Of way, which demonstrate the almost
certain returns of revenue which will accrue
upon the completion of the road. 1t must
be remembered also that the revenue to be
derived from the suburban traffic to and
from Takoma Park and lis ntishboring
towns to Washington, ID. G. must inevitably
produce enormous profits, as that section Is
developed.
The Railway is in three divisions: From
Washington, D. c. to Hagerstown, Md. will
he the first or Washington Division. From
Frederick City to Gettysburg, Pa. the sec
ond or Gettysburg Division. From Sandy
Springs to Ellcott City the third or Balti.
more Division.
Surveys over most of the route have been
made and the engineers report grade OF not
over five 10y per cent obtainable anywhere
along either Of the lines.
The roadway will be built IN the most
substantial manner, with view to handle
the heaviest Freight and Rapid Passenger
Traffic safely and economically. The road
way will be OF standard gauge, a. 81 inches)
with 80 ID. steel rail, on oak ties, with stone
ballast. The poles will be chestnut, with
iron arms, from which overhead wires will
be strung. The poles will also carry electric
light, telephone and telegraph wire.
The power will be Electric Motors de.
signed for the purpose and such as has been
demonstrated as capable OF moving the
heaviest freight, also Passenger Motors cap
able of maintaining speed Of from IS to 30
miles al hour.
An important feature Of the Electric Rail
way development of recent date has been
successful results obtained in moving loaded
freight cars of steam roads, upon electric
lines The successful use of electric force
on the Belt Line of Baltimore, has put any
doubt that may have existed at rest The
period Of experimentation has passed. Civ.
en- roadway of standard tyre and gauge,
interchange of traffic between Steam and
Electric systems without breaking bulk, is
already all accomplished fact Thus it is
that this company expects and will provide
for an interchange of freight, without break
ing bulk at all junction points with the
Pennsylvania, Western Maryland and Bati.
more & Ohio Railroads.
In planning the road the aim will be to
traverse developing section. with special
reference to the needs Of various towns for
connection with Baltimore, Frederick City
Hagerstown and Washington. D. C. as well
as with the great trunk lines of steam rail
ways with which it will bave many juno.
lions. No attention has been given to the
possibilities Of through passenger and freight
business between the two main cities, Balti
more and Washington, other than by inter
change of traffic.
1t must therefore he apparent to all who
reside or do business along the lines to be
traversed by this company, that An opportu
nifty is now offered for them to benefit their
localities by making this railway an accom-
plished fact. Foreign Capital will do a grea,
deal in that drection-but will not do all -
the people for whose benefit the road was
projected, must give it substantial aid by
liberal subscriptions to its stock, and by
granting rights of way, aud donating ma
terials for construction. If this encourage.
ment is given, the railway so long promised
will be in operation, developing your bust
ness and making your lands valuable before
another year has passed away.
We will be glad to receive any suggestions
you may see proper to make, and TO enlist
your services in calling meetings of the
citizens of your locality for the purpose OF
awakening the people to the necessity OF
aiding in the promo ton of this railway.
Respectfully,
FRANK G. DRANE,
General Manager.