| From the Wilmington Journal |
| April 21, 1864 |
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| No Trains |
| We understand that under
orders from the War Department, all passenger trains are to be
discontinued for sixty days. The roads are to be monopolized by the
Government for the transportation of mails, troops, and stores. We trust
that this will put an end to the practice, long prevalent we are told,
of rail road officials and others, forwarding freight on private
speculation, while government freight was setting along the line. There
has also been a great deal of unnecessary travel which must now be
discontinued. It is often the case that the trains are crowded with
women and children, on some picayune expedition, while the wayworn
soldier has to stand on the platform, ready to be sacrificed the moment
an accident occurs. Our railroads are wearing out; and it is time the
government should exclude from them all useless travel and freight, and
make them, what they ought to be, military roads. The success of an
entire campaign, yea, the very fate of the country may depend on the
rail; and the people should realize this fact, and cheerfully renounce
the cars for the once, even though they have to resort to "shank's mare"
or blind horses. Sumter Watchman |
| If we understand the matter,
the passenger trains will only be stopped in cases where Government
freight has not been forwarded as rapidly as it should have been. We
learn from a reliable source that the Government is giving material aid
in the transportation of grain and provisions for the City of Richmond,
and other places. We learn that corn has been sent by orders from
Richmond to the County of Columbus, where it is much needed. We would
here suggest that similar arrangements could be made for Wilmington, if
proper steps were taken in the matter by the proper persons. Will our
Commissioners act in this matter? ther is nothing like trying. |
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