The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-01-31
RAPPAHANNooK BOATS

In his second communication on
fhe subjeot of 3 river boat TO Do
found on orr fret page Mr. Beverley
axis TEE FREE LANoE for figures 90
a,hstantfefo the assertion we mado
that but for the heavy shipments on
the lower RappahsnnOck the Weems
steamers from Fredericksburg would
not be self-sustaining. We did not,
IS distinctly stated in our first edi-
torial on this subject, contemplate
entering into q discussion OF the sub
;eat. but offered our columns to 9TH
ers Who might desire to do SO. We
viii again repeat that THE FREE
LANoE aud the people Of this city
would rejoice as much as Mr.. Bever-
ley and his people if some such plan
as suggested by him could be put
into operation. We stated some
points which from present prospects
seem to as insupersble barriers to
carrying ont his ideas, though We
shoald be very glad to find that in
this judgment we had erred.
We will answer Mr.. Beverley's
questions through desire to throw
more light upon the subject. We did
not speak "advisedly," if by that is
meant we were familiar with the in-
side business management Of the
Weens people or had been informed
upon the subject by them. We spoke
from the experience Of travel upon
this line. At no time-not even when
there was but one steamer q week
from fredericksburg = have the
freight or passenger tariffs amounted
to very much until after leaving Tap
pahsnnock. Any one travelling upon
the line knows that q conservative
estimate would locate three.fourths
Of the freights received by one Of
these steamers rs between Tsppshsn-
mock and the mouth of the river. II
Is hardly probable that 8 steamer
only one-fourth loaded could make
the trip to Baltimore without fnan
eial loss.
AS to another point that Mr.. Bev.
erley makes-one boat and one crew
to do the work-we hardly think any
experienced steamboat man would |
think Of such q thing That would |
mean abort two trips q week, and no |
allowance for substitutes in event of |
mishaps.
Doubtless Mr.. Williams wonld con-
sent to run schedule as suggested
BY our correspondent il some one, as
no AYERS, could be found willing to
ildemuify BIN against loss. We have |
Known Mr.. Williams to make similar
offers.
TIE FREE LANCE was misundeE-
.AStood when 1t is stated that we think
the three boats 3 week, promised by
tie Weems people, to be better than
the schedule suggested by Mr.. Bever-
10Y. We emphaticslly stated that
his was q model scheme ard would
be difficult Of improvement. It was
only . question Of praetieability, and
improbability that q company could
be found TO carry ont the plan.
We do not underestimate the peo-
pie Of the upper Rappahannock or
their resources. 1t is not necessary
to reiterate our eulogy Of them to
make this clear. We believe the
country capable Of development and
In the course Of q few years would
sustain such q line Of steamers as
first suggested by Mr.. Beverley. We
should like to see them instituted
ezan .oE, and think weeopld promise
support of the people Of this city. I'll
Is not with us q disinclination in the
matter, but q condition that confronts
you, and as our views were asked for
we gave them, and because we are
not il the least visionary, but look
1t facts, we are unable to brush away
this condition.