| From the Rome (Ga.) Courier |
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| December 3, 1861 |
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| 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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