The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-05-27

Beulahviile kim William county, Va
Editor OF The VirKinian:
In q late issue you copy an article from the
Roanoke Evening World, headed Poor Old Rich
mond" and proceed, Justly as 1t seems to us
in the counties to severely nag Richmond for fail
ing TO subscribe the $4,000. asked by the cham
Der OF commerce to the proposed railroad to the
Northern Neck OF Firginia-and that not Il gift
hu: q Subscription TO the stock of said railroad
which we believe will IN time pay Il dividend.
besides the vast traffic It will pour into the city
from II section unknown TO Richmond In way Of
trade.
Mr.. Editor aid you ever know of a safer and
liberal business proposition presented to
the public Here IS gentleman (Mr. WARD. of
unqueStioned character, accomplished civil n
Fineer Of large experience as railroad builder
and successful promoter, a Virginian by birth
educauon. endearments and property interests.
proposes to the people OF the counties through
which the road VIII pass TO give him the right
of way and a subsidy Of twenty-five cents per
acre for each tract of land within six miles of
the railroad line not TO be paid however. until
the road is nut In operation. This the citizens
have practically done. And he says further to
the city of Richmond, through It's chamber OF
commerce. subscribe $150,ooo TO the stock OF this
road, with the positive assurance that the road
will be- built or the subscription will not be col
lected, and the boastful rich city hesitntes. or
refuses to accept this liberal proposition when
1t means 80 much TO its business more to Rich
mond than to the counties, through which the
road win run. What can the trouble be in Rich
mond? We are amazed and puzzled to know.
When we attended the meeting held at the Jetfer-
SON Hotel. we thought the $4,000 would be made
up certainly in week The trouble can't be- as
the Roanoke World contemptuousiy remarks, that
Richmond Is poor" II can't be because the
/ counties tall to show disposition 10 have the
road and wish 10 be linked with Richmond by
trace and social intercourse. For over fifty years
this has been cherished wish. Every scheme
during the period named has been favored and
fostsred by us But this one, more feasible and
fair than any heretofore presented, has to such
sxtent enthused us and kindled our hopes. that
We are heartily willing contribute to build 1t.
The writer has interested himself In procuring
rights OF way and subsidies for this road through
this county, and l never knew public propo-
I - ina viii a
liberal response. Large and small landowners.
white and colored, have willingly signed the OBJ
poor people who own but few acres have cheer
fully agreed to have their little lots cut Ia half
! II receseary for the road bed. One Of them say
ing IL the line hits my little home. VIII move
my house. And this is the situation, ! told,
+ ia King and Queen Essex. and the counties on
the Northern Neck So Richmond can't excuse.
her slothfulness, unwillingness, by thinking we
dc not want the road and wish to do business
with her We Virginians TO the and
prefer tc trade, and help city. Nor can
Richmond excuse herself on the plea of lack OF
wealth. and capital, So we must paraphrase the
heading Of the Roanoke World by writing short
Sighted Richmond"
In conversation lately with d very Intelligent
citizen OF Northumberland county he said Il
wish the people OF Richmond city could see and
know what country have across tho Kappa
hammock river. If they knew, / sure they
would rot hesitate to help build this road He
said also that he was q native OF Accomac county:
that before the New York. Philadelphia, Norfolk
railroad built to Cape Charles that the lands
scarcely any marketable value, but they are
valuable and held at a high price and the road
paying dividend. He said further that the lands
or the Northern Neck We're as naturally rich as
the Eastern Shore lands were poor. How long
viii Richmond daily about this scheme that
means much to her. Why don't tile ner cha nts
manufacturers. bankers and capitalists to-
getner ana subscribe the requisite amount d let
MIR Ward go to work and build the roady AL
ready valuable time has been lost which may
conplicate his plans Fer his contract with as
is that he Is 10 put 1t In operation in three
years from January l. 1911.
r r =. RYLAND
Beulshve, King William Co. Va, MAY IS. 1911