| From the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph |
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| October 13, 1863 |
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| Okelika & Talladega Railroad |
| While in Opelika last Sunday
morning awaiting the departure of the train for Columbus, we took a
stroll some distance out on the grading for the above road. As far as
we went the work of grading seemed well and substantially done. Since
that time having returned home and paid a visit to several of the
workshops of the city, where coal and iron are extensively used, we
have been led to the conclusion that the future utility of these large
and extensive works, will be in a great measure dependent upon the
completion of the road. Already the want of coal and iron is being
felt and every day lessons the supply of those principal articles of
their consumption, and without a liberal supply they will in time have
to suspend. It is probable that North Georgia could supply any demand
for these articles, if transportation could be secured on the State
Road and other connecting lines. That, however, is impossible, unless
some other great highway for the transportation of troops and supplies
is adopted. |
| The road from Opelika to
Talladega taps the richest iron and coal mines in the Confederacy, and
which can never be exhausted. It is not in the line of general travel
so as to be much used for the transportation of troops or supplies for
the army. It would become a government highway for different and
equally as important purposes, the transportation of materials for the
various workshops in Georgia. Its value to our city cannot be
computed. With it our shops can enlarge the sphere of their operations
and double their present operations, which would give employment to
double the number of operatives, and put in circulation double the
amount of money. The surrounding country could find ready sale for
double as much produce as a produce as at present, and the general
welfare of the city be doubly enhanced. Property would for years
maintain an advancing tendency, and all, from the poorest sewing woman
to the millionaire, feel the benefits of the completion of this short
piece of road. |
| We are aware that many, very
many difficulties stand in the way of putting it in running order. The
grading is but a small matter in comparison with ironing at once and
getting the rolling stock. With a people determined there is no such
word as fail. If the people will its completion, the great trouble is
over. Parties all along the line will be found ready and willing to
respond with money and labor. |
| But the iron, my dear sir, the
iron for the track -- where in the name of reason do you expect to
find that? Make it, sir, make it. What has been done once can be done
again. Erect a rolling mill at the mines, and roll out the iron. If we
can't make the T rail make the flange, and if we can't make that make
the old fashioned flat bar, and use that until the better can be made
or bought. The flat bar has in days past been successfully used, and
in an emergency like this can be used again. There is sufficient money
in the city and country to build and equip a dozen such roads, and
also erect the proper mills to make iron for them, and nothing is
wanting to carry it out but energy. Oh for a Howard to take the lead
in this enterprise pregnant with importance to our city. |
| What is our wealth for, if not
to be used in benefiting the country and increasing the wealth and
prosperity of those around us. We must not shrink away from these
enterprises because all things necessary for their completion are not
ready at hand. We must do as others have done before us -- use what
Providence has put in our way to the best advantage, and if we fit up
that road in a crude and substantial manner, it will be far preferable
to letting the large amount of grading, now ready for the
superstructure, lie useless and to be washed down into the branches,
creeks and rivers. |
| Columbus should step forward
promptly and engage to iron the road with the best rail she could
obtain, and, if necessary, to erect mills to make it. She should not
falter. A million of dollars is nothing compared with the future
importance of the road to the city. |
| Columbus Times |
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