sary legislation perfected, it is estimated that although the
line embraces much bold and costly work; the entire road can
be completed in three years.

I am not sure that I comprehend the precise import of the
second inquiry, addressed to me by the Honorable House, re-
specting "the proceeds from travel, tonnage and freight ex-
penses which upon the'completion of the road will be diverted
from the main stem of the B. & O. R. R., and from the Wash-
ington branch of said road." Supposing, however, that I am
desired to state to. what extent, in my opinion, the revenues
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, from its main
stem and the Washington branch, will be impaired in con-
sequence of the construction of the Metropolitan Railroad; I
have the honor to reply, that the construction of the latter
road is expected rather to improve then to impair those reve-
nues.

The travelled distance between the Capitol and the West
being shortened by 49 miles, it is reasonably anticipated that
a great number of persons who would otherwise not travel
over out main stem on the Washington branch, will then
pass over both in order to take Washington city into tfcelr
route, not only for Baltimore, but for Philadelpia,New York
and the North generally.

As every current of travel draw after it, a certain amount
of business, and as an increase of traffic will enable us to offer

better and cheaper facilities to the public, and thus to aug-
ment our revenues still further in the most legitimate man-
ner, it is believed that the enhancement of profit on the main
stem west of the Metropolitan Railroad, will move than com-
peneate for any loss on the Eastern end, while the additional
travel attracted to the Washington branch will probably be
equal to that portion of its present patronage which may be
lost.

Besides the Metropolitan branch is expected to give a new
and powerful impetus to the growth of Washington city, and
this is an object of much importance to the business of our
main stem, and especially to that of the Washington branch,
as it is also to the City of Baltimore and the State of Mary-
land. Adding that consideration to those previosly stated
the House will perceive, that upon an enlarged and liberal
view of the mere question of profit to be derived from the
main seem and the Washington branch of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, the construction of the Metropolitan Railroad

will appear to be advantagus. It may be doubted whether
its advantages in that respect are so clear and conspicuous as
to have justified the under taking, if it had been prompted by
no other motive; but they ate sufiiciently probable and im-
portant to acquit this Company of imprudence in construct-