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Executive Department {of the State of Virginia} |
| May 5, 1862 |
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Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Delegates
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Since your adjournment, the confederate congress have
passed a conscription bill, which relieves the general assembly, in a
great measure, from the necessity of further legislation in regard to
military matters.
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*****
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Our railways and their machinery are subjects for serious
consideration. We have neither the material for the reconstruction of
the roads, not the mechanical skill for the reconstruction of the
machinery, nor can we procure them from aboard under existing
circumstances. These questions, therefore, address themselves with
unusual force to the consideration of the general assembly.
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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.
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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 estimated at more than twelve
years; that three-fourths of the rails in Virginia have been laid down
at least eight 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 rail road 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. |
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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. |
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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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***** |
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Respectfully, |
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John Letcher |
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