Year: 1869

An esteemed correspondent takes exceptions,
in private and friendly way, to the comments
printed in these columns a few days ago upon the
report Of the Commission last appointed to ex-
anime and report upon the condition OF the
Union and Central Pacific Railroads. Or, rather,
he thinks, that if we had quoted all the Commis-
sion had to say upon the point as TO what, in
their opinion, constitutes first-class road, the
force of our criticism would have been broken,
If, indeed it had not been rendered entirely USE
less.


1t is not, we trust, necessary 20 say that il did
not so strike at the time, else, as q matter OF
justice to all concerned, we would have ether re-
produced the extract undivided at the outset or
said nothing upon the subject. Nor can we now
fully concur in the opinion entertained by our
correspondent; but rather than run the risk of
resting under the imputati0n of even seeming,
whether by design or unwittingly, to be unfair
to the Commission or to either OF the roads re-
ferred to- We give place here to the whole passage
bearing on the point in question. 1t Is as fol-
lows:


The first question that comes before the COM
mission Is what is meant by Congress in its vari-
Gus acts relating to the Pacific Railroads, by the
words first Class railroad


Railroads now ranked as first class in this
country were far from being perfect at their
opening, and have been brought to their present
hieh StdnunS py lhsc CApcHuituIcS, which u
small traffic in the beginning could never have
justified. To require the Pacific Railroad to be
brought at first to the standard other roads have
reached after years of heavy and lucrative busi-
ness would be q waste of money. 1t il evident
TO the commission that this was not what Con-
gIess desired or intended i'm requiring a first
class railroad.


In private corporations had built these roads
without governmental subsidy, it would un-
dOubtedly have been for their interest to build
them at first at the lowest cost consistent with
keeping them in operation, and when built if a
paying business should be developed, to have
gradually made the improvements which in
creasing traffic should render necessary.


But Congress had made large loan and an
extensive land grant, a part of which will be
than private interests would have built-a road
that should be capable OF transporting passen-
gers and freight with rapidity, safety and GER
tainty-a road as good as the majority of those
in the thickly settled States.


In the opinion of the commission, the require
ments of the law will be satisfied, and the designs
of Congress carried out, IL the roads be properly
located, with judiciOus grades, have substantial
road beds OF good width, ballasting which, with
proper care, shall be able to keep the track in
good condition throughout the year; permanent
structures tor crossing streams, good cross-ties,
iron and joint fastenings, sufficient sidings,
water tanks, buildings, machinery, and ade-
quate rolling stOck-the more important machine
the commission is glad to be able to say that, in
its opinion, while some expenditures still need
to be made, these two roads are substantially
such roads to-day. The expenditures needed
Tor completion will be given in detail for each
road"