NP, DE 5/8/1862

From the Daily Express (Petersburg, Va.)
 
May 8, 1862
 
The Governor's Message
Executive Department
May 5, 1862
 
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Delegates:
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The Railways -- Express Freights
   Our railways and their machinery are subjects for serious consideration. We have neither the material for the reconstruction of the roads, no the mechanical skill for the reconstruction of the machinery, nor can we procure them from abroad under existing circumstances. These questions, therefore, address themselves with unusual force to the consideration of the General Assembly.
   I recommend that the speed of railway travel shall be regulated by law, as the only means of preserving our improvements from absolute and early destruction. High rates of speed tend greatly to accelerate the wear and tear of both the roadway and machinery. Passenger trains now pass at the speed of about sixteen miles per hour, and freight trains at a speed of about twelve miles per hour. This speed should be reduced to ten miles per hour for passenger trains and eight miles per hour for freight trains, unless in cases of great public necessity. Such an arrangement would prolong the existence of both roads and machinery.
   I am informed by gentlemen of experience and observation, who have given great attention to the subject, that the life of an English or Welsh rail cannot be safely esteemed at more than twelve years; three-fourths of the rails in Virginia have been laid down at least 8 years, and that nineteen-twentieths of them are of English or Welsh production, made for sale, and received without inspection as to quality. Such is the present evidence of wear in the rails, that it may be safely affirmed, that if iron could be imported, every railroad company would be purchasers to the full extent of their ability to pay, and many would attempt to negotiate on time, such is the pressing necessity for new rails to repair the dilapidated sections of the roadways. The weight of trains should be diminished, and all freight with the passenger trains should be prohibited. Immense quantities of freight are now transported at the speed of passenger travel, under the name of "express freight," to the great injury of the railways, and to the benefit of no one except the stockholders of the express company.
   I recommend, therefore, that these suggestions be reduced to laws, so that all rail roads may be placed upon the same footing. The necessity of legislation is apparent, as we must have uniform laws with regard to speed on our roads, and uniform laws in regard to express freight, to avoid complaint against the roads that may be willing to adopt the arrangement.
   Our rail roads gone, we shall be seriously embarrassed; and I therefore call the attention of the General Assembly to the subject, as one worthy of the most serious consideration and prompt and decided action.
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