NP, RD 9/15A/1862

From the Richmond Dispatch
 
September 15, 1862
 
Senate
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   Mr. Lewis, from the Committee on Post-Officer and Post Roads, to whom was referred a resolution inquiring into the cause of delays on the great Southwest mall route, reported a communication from the Postmaster-General, stating that the delays were caused by the refusal of Robt. L. Owen, President of the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad Company, to run the schedule which had been adopted by the Government, and in use to the 26th of March last. The reason assigned for the refusal was the condition of the road and the rolling stock. The Department had endeavored to make arrangements with the several roads forming the route to act in unison, and obviate the difficulty by running two trains daily, making "close connections;" but thus far the terms of such an arrangement had not been settled. The Postmaster General closes his next report by saying that unless such an arrangement be effected, or the Department invested with power to compel the railroad companies to adopt the necessary schedule, he could suggest no other means of avoiding the delays alluded to. The arrangement alluded to was agreed to by the Presidents of all the roads between Richmond and Atlanta, except the President of the South-Side Railroad.
   The committee recommended, that the Postmaster General renew his efforts to effect the arrangement spoken of, and in case of failure, that he report the same to Congress, in order that the proper legislative steps may be taken in the promises.
   The report was laid on the table and ordered to be printed.
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