| From the Greensboro (N. C.) Patriot |
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| July 3, 1862 |
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| Railroads |
| To the Editor of the Patriot: |
| I have observed for some time past, and
have heard others speak of the condition of the North Carolina Rail
Road, as becoming much out of repairs, and getting worse under the
pressure of business which is upon it. The sills are decaying rapidly,
and the rails are out of adjustment, and it appears as if the
section-masters and men are unable, by their best efforts to keep the
Road in repair. The timber on this Road, by my observation, will
require a renewal about every four years. The sills under the rails
number about 400,000, and cost, say fifty cents each. I am told that
over 100,000 have been replaced the past year, and I suppose 100,000
more put under the iron in thirty days would not put the Road in good
repair. |
| The decay of the sills is apparently a
great misfortune to the Company, and it is reasonable to suppose that
the managers of the Road would gladly adopt a remedy. For it is
certain that if the same course in repairs is pursued which ahs been,
it will get no better. |
| I was engaged in building, managing, and
repairing Rail Roads from 1837, to 1854, 17 years, in the Northern and
Western States; and some of the Roads were more burdened with trains
than this Road, and were built on similar earth. I tested the
durability of the sills uncovered as they are on this Road, and found
that four years was the full time they would last. I covered the sills
entirely over, and found that they would hold good eight years. The
reason for the difference is easily explained and as easily
understood, as that some men can do better work on wood than on iron,
and others on earth; and the one who can master and direct all these
classes, is the one fit to be placed in charge of a Rail Road. I do
not mean to give an idea that any one has but done his best to advance
the interest of the North Carolina Rail Road Company; for if they have
labored to keep the original plan of its construction in repair, they
have apparently failed. The Road therefore had defects in its plans
and build; the curves are heavy and frequent change of grade and
narrow Road bed are entailed on its managers; and unless some
experienced person is put in charge to alter them, at whatever it may
cost, which will be considerable over ordinary repairs annually, my
belief is that the Company would thus better their Road; and their
trains for passengers and freight could be promptly run, and by proper
energy of its employees, every article of freight could be as promptly
delivered as if Express companies took it in charge. Why do people
send their goods by Express at double or treble cost of Rail Road
charge? Only because they get prompt delivery. All Rail Road Companies
should as promptly deliver goods placed in their care; and the North
Carolina Rail Road Company can, I believe, put its Road in a condition
to do it. |
| H. |
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