Richmond and York River Railroad.
From the annual statement of the
Treasurer of the Richmond and York River Railroad Company,
A. W. Morton,
Esq., it appears that during the fiscal year ending September 30th, the expenditure for transportation was $42,110.14 and the receipts from that source were $55,142.45--showing an excess of receipts of $12,039.81. Adding to this a claim against the
Government for $8,000, the balance in favor of transportation is something over $21,000. On the 1st of October there was a nett balance of cash in hand of $6,188.89; which with the $8,000 just mentioned, exhibits a balance of upwards of $14,000 in the company's treasury on that day. The late
President,
Ro. Saunders,
Esq., in his report, alludes to the failure of the last application to the General Assembly for pecuniary aid, and the necessity of raising the means to pay the half-year's interest on the
Company's bonds due January 1. He shows, however, that a most cheering improvement has taken place in the fiscal affairs of the
Company.
The vast importance of the work is universally acknowledged, and its destiny shines steadily, although it has not capital enough to achieve its great ends.
Certainly no work in the
Commonwealth is more deserving of legislative aid, and we truly hope that if any appropriation is made in behalf of internal improvements at the coming session, the York River Railroad will be included.
It may be safely asserted that no road in the
State has rendered more important and signal service in the transportation of troops and munitions in this war for independence, thus demonstrating beyond cavil, (as the
President justly remarks,) "its great value in one, at least, of the two conditions which constitute the states of mankind — war and peace — whilst its efficiency in the other admits of sparely more doubt." The road, indeed, to an absolute necessity to the
Government in the conduct of its military operations, while in other respects, touching the interests of a large agricultural community, it presents claims worthy the notice of the General Assembly.
Among the improvements absolutely necessary to the successful working of the road, are the construction of another wharf at
West Point, and buildings for the protection of freight and the accommodation of passengers.
An addition to the equipments for transportation is also required.
We have given this brief statement of the affairs of the company for the purpose of showing the importance of prompt measures for assistance, and we hope that the subject will be duly considered by men of influence.
Those who were once the bitterest enemies of the enterprise will not now deny the justness of the views expressed.
