Year: 1859

CHARLES D. KINKS.
Baltimore, 10th October, 1857


1t was only claimed that the Hooking Valley Road
which would involve millions in its construction, if
built would be nealy three miles less than the existing
Cincinnati and Marietta line. Under such
the judcious action of the committee readily ap-
precated.


The statement indicates that without the creation of
this additional line the Baltimore and Ohio Company
would be compelled pay more than cher lust propor-
tionate share through freghtn Under present ar
rangemens this company divides only pro rata per mile
on all through freight passing over the entire lines of
the Central Ohio and all Western connecting roads
The leading charge in this indictment is discrimination
against the trade of Baltimore. What does this mean?
Are great ncontrovertible facts facts absolutely within
the knowledge of all to be ignored basis of at
tack against this Company the great artery of the com
mercal and general prosperity of the city? Is net its
policy most decided to discriminate in favor of the City
Baltimore? Has it not been openly announced-ofcially
declared? Do not all the tariff arrangements of the com
pany pr0re the fact? Is not every merchant in every
branch of business, feeling daily the practical benefits of
this system? Are not premiums of the important differ
in of TRANSFORMATION east and west nc con,
pared with eastern cities thus by this company
to attract increased business this city? not every
Flour Merchant kno,o that difference on the gbt NJ
-four compared with New York. 20 cents per
barrel is allowed in favor Of Baltimore, and thus that
this large nducemen is offered for its this
city?


Again: The trade in Cumberland coal has been nearly
lest to the city and the Road by Encouragement"


What are the facts? Under prosperous state the
manufacturing interest of the country the demand for
Bitumnous coal largely decreased in 1856 The company
urged to provide additional machinery motive
power 10 meet the addtona requirements of this trade
BY larger investment ofcapita these desires were met
the cost OF iron ana general large expenditures working
the Road required cents per ton per mile to make the
transportation moderately remuneratve On the st
October 1856 that rate changed making an advance
The result is stated in the subioned extract from the
annual report of October lst 1857 viz:


The Board is grated in finding the results of the coal
trade so fully endorsing their policy announced in the
last annual report The increased facilities of the Comma
ny, in additional motive power and double track have
ing increase of Ga 103O3 tons or 1917 per cent
the preceding year. THE superior and valuable cbarac
ter of the Buminous coal of Maryland for steam and
manufacturing purposes continues constantly to attract
consumers Highly appreciating the value of this mpor
ant trade the company heretofore will snare mo e
to continue its Development


But the panic ana revulsOn of the past wear
nearly suspension of manufacturing and steamships
lay idle at our wharves The consumption and conse
quent demand thus decreased Was this Ro.rd ras;hI
for this state of things


In order to contribute to the restoration of this import
ant trade TINS company on 1st March last ordered re-
ducon in the freight of so cents per ton The only diff
ference in the opinion of the members of the Board
as 10 te Propnety OF reduction Of 40 so cents pei
ton The largest deduction asked by parties interested
was conceded and coal since that date continues to
transported at IL cent per ton per milea rate admitted
to be minimum charge for such service on all roads
either in this country or Europe


Whilst this Company has thus made constant and ear
nest efforts to sustain this trade policy
prevailed in the management of the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal calculated measuraby to thwart the desired ru
| ton.


The Board of Directors that Company have
Tariff of Tolls which not only produces Revenue
the State, but is not sufficiently remunerative to main
tain the canal in effective condition great Maryland
work for the payment of interest the capital invested
in which the property of Baltimore is largely taxed
is thus used illegitimatey, to build up the trade
Alexandria, Virginia city at the expense of her owl
metropolis proper adjustment Of the tolls on the cana
would prevent suicidal rivalry and produce better result
| for all interests


The final attack upon the stockholder interest in thi
Road is noteworthy During the 80 years of the exist
ence of this great Corporation many eminent merchant
and other leading citizens have represented this
which amounts to nearly six millions dollars Do tn
annals of Baltimore and Maryland exhibit their wort
|
ingy and in their public private capacities hones
and ably promoted the progress and prosperity of the
muny Their Judgment has been that public and prvat
interests in this Road are in harmony and every