The Washington times., 1903-02-04
RAILROADS READY
TO SPEND VAST sum
Plans Aggregating EXpendi-
ture of $27O,OOO,OOO.

The vast sum Of $270, 900 600 viii be ap-
propriated for railroad improvements in
this country during the present year
This estimate. which is a conservative
one. is based upon estimates reported 10
various boards Of railroad directors. OF
this sum $40 .OOO. 900 will be spent by
three railroads that are identified with
the interests Of Baltimore They are the
Wabash the Pennsylvania, and the Bal
timore and Ohio.
The expenditures on the Baltimore and
Ohio are in line with the plans for a
total reconstruction of that property.
The work was put under way several
years ago. and thus far some SS0,000,00u
has been spent. The further expendi-
lures will 90 toward increased equip
ment. track strengthening. grade reduc-
tions. and some new construction in
Ohio. which VIII reduce the distance 10
Chicago.
The Wabash viii use its funds to build
its way 10 the Atlantic seaboard, It has
a costly task on its hands in its attempt
to get into Pittsburg. and besides this il
has many miles OF new construction to
carry out,
As VIII be seen. the contemplated eN-
penditures of the Pennsylvania Company
are more than twice as great as the Van
derbHt lines. In addition 10 the vast tun-
mel and terminal operations to be con
Quoted in New York city, some $1,000.
600 VIII be spent in Pittsburg. and 55,7
00OOCO has been set aside for the new
station in Washington. The elevation Of
tracks. Philadelphia terminals ard the
Trenton bridge viii call for at least Sc
000 GOO
It has been estimated that the plans
Of the New York Central terminal
changes at New York viii call for about
S25 600, 600 OF the amount stated in the
table The balance will be expended on
improvements of various kinds on he
main lines. including the abolition OF
grade crossings.
The Frisco is pIannfng expenditures
along lines similar to those of the Wa
bash-that is. its funds will go largely
into new construction. It has an
nounced Its intention of securing a
foothold in New Orleans. probably
/ through a new line from its present ter
minus at Memphis. and has planned
large terminals IN the Crescent City.
It viii give New Orleans another
[ through line to Chicago and st. Louis.
The Pacific roads OF the Hartman
system are planning large expenditures.
with the aim Of reducing the distance
10 the Pacific Coast over their routes.
On the old Central Pacific division of
The Southern Pacific siX-mile tunnel
viii be bored through a spur Of the
Sierra Nevada near Auburn, in Placer
county. Cal This work. with the re-
| dUction OF grades and Strengthening Of
tracks laying OF heavier rails and bal
lasting. is expected TO cut down the
/ time between Chicago and San Fran
/ cisco to sfxty-four hours The improve
ments will be extended over the South
/ eru and Union Pacific properties.
The moneys set aside by the Atchison
and the Missouri Pacific Will go into
/ feeders and new lines and into cut-Offs
and equipment Much OF the Atchison
new work viii be done in Oklahoma One
cutoff is planned 10 shorten the line
between Chicago and San Francisco by
about 200 miles
On the other roads. as we'll as on
those men iOned specifically, large sums
VIII go into additional equi pment.
Thousands Of freight cars Of all kinds
are under order by the roads, and old
locomotives are giving place 10 expen-
sive ones Of modern types.
IN Canada it is estimated that some
$3.50 coo OOO is 10 be spent for better
ments 10 roads and for new construc-
tion By the Grand Trunk which has
planned q new line to the Pacific CoaSf
The Erie Railroad has made tentative
plans for terminal improvements in Jer-
sey City costing some 50 ,00O. 600 but
these. as we'll as other plans. have been
left out Of the calculation.