ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RAILROAD COMMISSIONER, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1878. PROVIDENCE: E. L. FREEMAN & CO., PRINTERS TO THE STATE. REPORT. To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, at their January Session A. D. 1878: The undersigned, Railroad Commissioner, has the honor of presenting the following report: Owing to the amendment made to the Railroad Law, at the last Jannary Session, reports from this department are hereafter to be made annually, instead of semi-annually, which change I consider to be very desirable, because it makes a uniformity in all the various departments of the State, and will, undoubtedly, prove the more economical way. The great depression in all business matters is as perceptible in our railroad business as in any other, and must necessarily be so. During the year the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Railroad Company have so far completed their road as to be able to run regular trains for both passengers and freight. On the 4th of September I examined it and found it to be thoroughly built. I, however, made quite a number of suggestions in regard to further safety at the crossings. I have twice during the year attended a meeting of the Honorable Town Council of Warwick, to protest against the granting of another grade-crossing. This plan was before them for several meetings, at which all the points were fully discussed, and the subject of granting the petition was finally referred to the town, where, at the town meeting, it was defeated by an overwhelming majority. There is a good bridge over the track quite near the place where this grade-crossing was asked for, and in view of this, and also in view of the great danger attending every grade-crossing, I could not see any necessity for the one proposed. I have also attended a meeting of the Committee on Highways of the Honorable City Council, of Providence, to whom was referred a petition to so extend a highway as to cross at grade, the tracks of two prominent railroad corporations, in one of the most dangerous localities in the city. I protested against the granting of the petition, as unnecessary and uncalled for, and attended by too great risks, and the final result was, that the petition was not granted. I now present a detailed report of the condition, and business of each of the railroad corporations, which, under all the circumstances surrounding other business, make a very favorable report, with only a very few exceptions. -_ New York, Boston Providence and Boston and Provi. Hartford, Provi. Providence and and Providence Worcester Rail- dence Railroad dence and Fish- Springfield Rail- 1877. 30, 1877. Sources Total receipts. Capital stock actually paid in.. $3,000,000 00 82,000,000 00 $4,000,000 00 82,037,939 98 $517,150 00 1,163,000 00 500,000 00 500,000 00 2,055,500 00 500,000 00 None. 1,438,000 00 794,000 00 f 269,238 97 4,733 34 78,150 00 118,420 39 101,031 01 168,360 00 29,303 26 78,150 00 118,420 39 101,031 01 221,035 00 29,163 26 Total amount of receipts from passengers. 380,486 44 324,106 98 843,357 29 414,061 56 37,021 41 Total amount of receipts from freight... 313,351 20 564,008 77 509,207 73 418,328 29 48,995 41 Total amount of receipts from all other 159,859 10 21,895 33 20,797 58 65,255 11 2,922 56 853,696 74 910,011 08 1,373,361 60 897,644 96 88,939 38 'Total running expenses, including interest and taxes. 572,849 43 788,736 26 1,125,407 83 g 922,220 56 75,178 31 None. 13,761 07 4 per cent. $6 per share. None. None. None. 41,274 82 d 393,763 29 None. 32,004 44 62,367 24 93,345 70 178,902 89 93,972 25 2,176 84 164,498 36 163,826 96 307,826 34 188,251 66 6,981 12 Total number of passengers. 593,673 1,570,068 3,197,600 1,247,732 104,647 Tons of merchandise transported. 247,576 641,135 631,850 296,681 37,987 26 3 31 41 971 37 3 a One of 3% per cent. for 4 months and 3 of 2% per cent. d Included in this are several accounts changed off and depreciation. s After deducting balances and amounts due trustees. g Including sundry coupons of 1876 paid on presentation. of way.. |
