NP, RC 12/3A/1861

From the Rome (Ga.) Courier
 
December 3, 1861
 
The Coal Question Again
   Why have not the Presidents and Directors of the several railroad companies, whose roads terminate at this place, had a meeting before this time and regulated the shipping tariff on coal, so as to enable the citizens of lower Georgia, South Carolina and South Alabama to procure their supplies from the rich and undeveloped mines in East Tennessee! Is it not singular that these men should manifest so little interest in the welfare of a cause and Government which they profess to love so dearly? We are informed that the Directors of the Mississippi Central Road have made a move in the right direction, and reduced the freight on coal nearly fifty per cent.; but one road alone can do but little in this matter, unaided by the co-operation of others. Why has not a single step been taken by the managers of the Georgia State Road {Western & Atlantic RR}?
   We are credibly informed that the citizens of lower Georgia are absolutely taking out their grates, and preparing to burn wood, because they find it impossible to procure coal.
   Now there is coal enough within twenty-five miles of Chattanooga to supply the whole of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, for years to come, and yet, owing to the inordinate greed and short-sighted policy of our railway companies, Pennsylvania will have to furnish these States with coal again, so soon as the war is over. Is Gov. Brown willing to assist in bringing about this state of affairs in the gallant Empire State? Then let him instruct the Superintendent and Directors of the State Road to lower the tariff on coal, so as to induce capitalists to open our immense coal fields in this country and lay the foundation far a complete independence of Yankeedom. What sense is there in undergoing the privations of our present war for independence, when, so soon as peace is made, we shall have to become tributary to the North, in making it the market for our prime necessities of life, and that too, when we have all those necessaries in great abundance in our midst? Surely, it seems that these railroad men are not at heart allies of the Lincoln Government, they will do something to prevent such a state of affairs.
Chattanooga Gazette

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