AR, SC 1/1/1863 S

Annual Report of the South Carolina RR
as of January 1, 1863,
Superintendent's Report
 
Report of the General Superintendent
South Carolina R. R. Co.
Charleston, December 31, 1862
 
To the President and Directors of the South Carolina Railroad Company
 
Gentlemen,
   I have now the honor of submitting to you my Eighth Annual Report as your General Superintendent.
   Upon reference to the Statements and Tables from the Auditor's Department, it will be seen that the Earnings from all sources for the past year reached the very large aggregate of $1,840,214, exceeding by over $240,000 the highest figures of annual income. As contrasted with 1861, an increase is shown equal to 58.40 per cent. of the earnings of that year, though it should be borne in mind, however, that during the greater portion of that period the demands of the Government on the Road for Transportation were exceedingly light, while this year the accounts in that quarter form very nearly thirty per cent. of the entire receipts from Passage and Freight.
   The several items of the earnings of 1862 are in about the following proportions:
Say Passage 53.7 per cent.
Freight 43.9 "
Mails 1.7 "
Minor sources {.}7 "
100 "
   Without intending to refer to the causes which have tended to produce such gratifying results, it might be as well, perhaps, not to omit to state the fact that a slight modification of our Freight tariff in September last, reducing all classifications to the local basis, has, doubtless, not failed in having its intended effect for the short time it has been in operation. This change, so imperatively demanded by the necessities of the times, might have been made to contribute much more largely to the earnings, and at an earlier period, but for a desire to avoid as long as possible increasing the already greatly enhanced cost of transportation of many of the necessaries of life, and would not have been adopted at all except as a measure of self-defence against the rapidly increasing cost of labor and supplies of every character.
   The Operating Expenses of the Road are but $91,000 in excess of those of 1861, while the ratio to the earnings are but 36.90 per cent., thus making them 13.77 per cent. less than last year.
   This reduction is entirely owing to the impossibility that has been experienced, and still exists, of adequately supplying our several departments to the full extent of their wants and requirements, and it must not be regarded in anywise as the result of any unusual attempt at economical management. Those wants still continue large, but it is not possible, at this moment, as it has often been the case during the year, to supply many of them at any price, and but for this circumstance it would not be permitted us to present an apparently so favorable exhibit in the cost of operating.
   The great difficulty of procuring materials and supplies (often of the most ordinary description), which we have had to encounter at almost every step, has necessarily rendered the service of the Transportation department unusually hard and perplexing, and it is not presumed that its work has at all times been performed with that promptness and expedition with which it might have been done had it not been at times crippled in its means and frequently but scantily supplied in important particulars. The year has closed, it is true, showing a very handsome yield, and to all appearances leaving our property in about as good condition as it was at the commencement; but to place too much reliance upon these appearances, would be to deceive ourselves into a belief of our ability to meet demands in the future to which it is impossible we can prove equal, without a commensurate improvement in our resources of supply.
   Our repairing forces both in the Locomotive and Car shops have been kept constantly at work, and no effort has been spared to keep our Rolling stock ready for all emergencies; but in spite of our utmost exertions, it would at times fall short of expectations, and expose us to the charge of unpreparedness and inefficiency.
   By reference to table No. 8, it will be seen that no additions have been made to the Motive power since 1860,and that there are now remaining of the number reported on the 31st of December of that year 63, the average term of whose service is nearly eight years. Frequent and often times extensive repairs have been required by a large proportion of this stock, and it is rather a matter of surprise that with our restricted means and curtailed facilities it has been preserved to the present time in a condition of comparative efficiency.
   In this connection it is proper to state that our entire available repairing force could not at all times be confined to the legitimate objects of its employment, on account of the important and pressing wants of the Government for the construction of work which we considered ourselves under the highest obligations to undertake whenever required. This circumstance, together with the great difficulty of readily procuring our usual supply of materials, and the removal of a portion of our tools and machinery to the new shops in Columbia, unavoidably prevented our bestowing entire attention and concentration of skill and labor upon our own immediate interests.
   The Shops in Columbia are approaching completion, that is to say, the section of the plan which it is contemplated to carry out as it may become requisite. The portion referred to as nearly finished is a building of brick 140 feet in length by 60 feet wide, comprising all the necessary appointments of a complete repairing and finishing shop, furnished with tools partly from our works in this city, and some from recent purchase. This establishment when in full operation will materially contribute to our relief, and afford us increased facilities for the reparation of our engines.
   Our car power has to a measurable extent, suffered the same fate that has overtaken our Motive power, and principally for the same causes. The necessity of permitting our trains at times to pass into the hands of other Companies has frequently embarrassed our operations and inflicted serious inconveniences. It was not, however, to be avoided, and the emergencies of the occasions consequently enforced submission. Tables Nos. 6 and 7 set forth the particulars of the stock on hand at the close of the year.
   It will require constant and unremitting attention to keep it up to a full state of efficiency, and in doing so there is no reason to apprehend at present more difficulties than we already have had to contend with.
   With some respite from outside orders it would be possible to effect this object easily, and probably add to the stock 15 or 20 cars the ensuing year; and by employing an extra construction force, probably put on the Road at least 100, which is about the number needed to bring up the stock to a business equal to that of the past year.
   With Motive and Car Power somewhat impaired, the Road department has experienced that kind and degree of injury always arising from such a cause. To no serious extent, however, have injuries been inflicted, and it is a fortunate circumstance for us, that notwithstanding all the drawbacks we have encountered in the transportation of so many human beings, and such an immense amount of tonnage during the past year, this department has suffered comparatively so little.
   The Road be and Superstructure are in a very good state of repair, and the condition of the Rails is generally much better than might have been expected under existing circumstances. Renewals, however, in many localities are very necessary, and should be effected at the earliest possible moment. It was our good fortune to procure a small quantity of Rail iron, of a pattern somewhat heavier than our own, which has been put down upon the track where most needed to the extent of about 10 miles.
   The great difficulty experienced in procuring a supply of certain materials of indispensable necessity has been regarded as sufficient authority for the adoption of any available channel through which to procure them. Accordingly a contract has been made upon favorable terms with a party considered responsible for their procurement, and it is hoped that relief in this respect is not far distant.
   It is respectfully recommended that authority be given to procure as early as they can be had, 10 Locomotives, 100 Cars, and 3,000 tons or Rail iron, and such a supply of materials for all departments as will afford us exemption, at least for a year to come, from the straightened condition through which we have been struggling for some time past.
   It is particularly due to the Officers in charge of the several departments that I should express my sense of obligation to them for the intelligence and ability with which they have upon all occasions, and often under the most trying circumstances, conducted their important operations; and it is with much pleasure that I again avail myself of the usual medium, to bear public testimony to the unremitting devotion to the company's interests, and of placing on record my appreciation of the praiseworthy efforts of the employees generally, in the faithful performance of their always arduous, and oftentimes dangerous duties.
   All of which is submitted,
H. T. Peake
General Superintendent

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