The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-03-27
NORTHERN NECK RAILROAD.

Some years ago the question OF
building a railroad from Fredericks-
burg to the Chesapeake Bay, going
through the very nrodlctive North
ern Neck, was discussed, and at one
time the movement seemed to give
evidence OF successful termination.
At the crucial moment when every
thing seemed to point to success, war
broke out with Spain and all hopes
for immediate action were cast aside.
The matter has been lying dormant
ever since. THE FREE LANCE has
great faith in the country which this
proposed line would traverse, and we
desire TO urge upon the good people
who live contiguous to this line the
Importance, value and necessity for
such a railroad. People living be-
tween Fredericksburg and the Chesa-
peake Bay have miserable accOmmO-
dation by land fer reaching the great
cities of this section of the country.
1t is true that they have steamboat
facilities, but there is also room for
railroad. A railroad properly con
structed, with up-to-date rolling stock
and with a satisfactory timetable,
would prove to be a blessing to the
people.
The time has passed when mere
resolutions will accomplish desired
results. These are days of action,
and the man who acts, and acts at the
proper time. is the man who succeeds.
No man can hope to establish rail-
road from this city TO the Bay unless
he is blessed with all the capital that
such movement needs, but II every
man in the territory contiguous to
this proposed line will unite it will
only be a question OF short while
before the whistle of the locomotive
will be heard daily between this city
and the Chesapeake Bay. What an
opportunity to develop that grand
country lying between us and the
rolling waves of the glorious Chesa-
peake. During recent business trip
through the Northern Neck by one OF
our prominent citizens he was In
formed by many of the most promi-
nent men in that section that those
people were ready to join hands with
the people Of Fredericksburg in a
movement having for its end the
building of such railroad. 1t is a
question as TO which would pay be-
ter. an electric road or one whose
motive power would be steam, but
this would be a subject for future dis
cussion. The main question before
the people to-day is whether or not
we shall build railroad, and also
how soon it can be done. II our rec
election serves us correctly 1t is a
fact that each and every one OF the
counties lying between Frederlcks-
burg and the Bay have raised, orwlll
raise. a liberal subscription Tor
railroad. Somebody must take the
lead in this movement, and we sug-
pest that our Business Mems Assocl-
alton discuss this matter at its next
meeting. 1t occurs to us that IL
would be wise for some enc to call d
convention at some central POM III
tbeinterested territory, and that each
and every county, Thoughts proper
authorities, mass-meetings, or other
wise should send delegates for the
purpose OF having a general discus
sion OF this question. We have no
doubt that Fredericksburg, although
not the central point in the district
would gladly welcome such aconven-
tion. Let us suggest, finally that
every member OF the Business Men
Association be present at the next
meeting, which will be held on Tuesday
night and let us have a general dis
cnssion of the subject at that time,
forwe should at least make one united
move to gather the harvest that
awaits a successful effort on the part
of our people.