Annual reports of the president and directors and the chief engineer and superintendent of the Wilmington & Weldon R.R. Co., with the proceedings of the general meeting of stockholders

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^N"NTJ^L REPORTS
OF THE
PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS
AND THE
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS
OF THE
If
ilitiittgtoii, {him \ liijii^ta
o
AND THE
^
iel
RAIL ROAD COMPANIES,
WITH THE
PROCEEDIMS OF THE &ENEEAL MEETIH6 OF STOCKHOLDERS,
November 17tli, 1875.
WILMINGTON, K C:
THE MOENING STAR STEAM POWER-PRESSES.
1875.
OFFICERS FOR 1875.
Wilmmgton, CokmMa & Angnsta R, R. Co.
HON. E. R. BRIDGETS,
Presidetit.
COL. J. B. PALMER,
W. T. \¥ALTEriS, Esq.,
Vice-Presidents.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
W. T. Walters, S. M. Shoemaker, B. F. Newcomer,
J. D. Cameron, J. B. Palmer, H. B. Short,
Geo. S. Brown, L. D. Childs, W. H. Graham.
J. W. THOMPSON, Secretcmj and Treasurer.
JAMES ANDERSON, General Superintendent.
T. D. KLINE, Master of Transportation and Assistant Sup't.
W. H. TURRENTINE, Master of Machinery.
P. McLaughlin, Road Master.
R. M. WALKER, Road Master
F. H. GORDON, Atiditor.
A. POPE, General Freight and Ticket Agent.
OFFICERS FOR 1875.
Wilmington & WeMon Rail Road Company.
Hon. R. R. BRIDGERS,
President.
B. F. NEWCOMER, Esq.,
Yice President.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS :
W. A. Weight, W. T. Walters,
George Harriss, B. F. Newcomer,
C. H. Brogden, S. M. Shoemaker,
W. H. WiLLARD, A. J. DeRosset,
George Howard, J. D. Cameron.
J. W. THOMPSON, Secretary/ and Treasurer.
J. F. DIVINE, General Superintendent.
JAMES KNIGHT, Master of Transportation.
.T. F. DIVINE, Master of Machinery.
JOHN BARRY, Road Master.
E. F. CASON, Storekeeper.
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
A. POPE, General Freight and Ticket Agent.
I^ROCEEDIISraS
OF THE '
SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE
Wilmington, Columbia & Angnsta R, R. Co.
Wilmington, N. C, Nov. 17, 1875.
Pursuant to the published notice and the resolution adopted
at the last annual meeting, the Stockholders of the Wilming-ton,
Colund^ia and Augusta Rail Road Company convened at
the office of the President, in the city of Wilmington, at 12
o'clock M. on Wednesday, the 17th of November, 1875, to hold
the regular annual meeting.
On motion of B. F. Newcomer, Esq., Col. H. B. Short was
called to the Chair, and J. W. Thompson was appointed Sec-retary.
It appearing that 2,867 shares of the capital stock of the
Company were represented, being almost the entire number of
shares, the meeting was declared to be duly organized.
The annual reports of Col. J. B. Palmer, President, and
Hon. R. R. Bridgers, General Manager and Vice President,
together witli the reports of the Superintendent, Treasurer and
Auditor, were submitted, and the Secretary was ordered to have
350 copies published with the proceedings for distribution.
The election for President being in order, Col. J. B. Palmer
declined a re-election, and nominated Hon. R. R. Bridgers.
Mr. Bridgers received the unanimous vote of the meeting
and was declared duly elected President.
The following gentlemen were then elected Directors: J. B.
Palmer, W. T. Walters, B. F. Newcomer, H. B. Short, Geo. S.
Brown, W. H. Graham, S. M. Shoemaker, J. D. Cameron and
L. D. Childs.
On motion it was resolved that the next annual meeting be
held in Wilmington on the Tuesday next succeeding the third
Monday in November, 1 876,
There appearing no other business, the meeting was declared
to be adjourned.
H. B. SHOKT, Chairman
J. W. Thompson, Secretart/.
PROCEEDINOS
OF THE
FORTIETH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE
Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road Company,
Held at Wilmington on the llth day of November, 1875, Wednesday,
11 o'clock A. M.
WionNGTON, N. C, Nov. 17, 1875.
The Stockholders of the Wihiiington and Weldon Railroad
Company having this day assembled in conformity with a reso-lution
adopted at the last annual meeting,
On motion of B. F. Newcomer, Esq., Governor Curtis H.
Brogden was appointed Chairman and J. "W. Thompson Sec-retary.
The Secretary and Major J. A. Engelhard were appointed
a committee to verify proxies and ascertain the number of shares
of the Company represented at this meeting. The committee
reported 8,599 shares represented, of which 2,867 were repre-sented
by the holders in person and 5,732 by proxy.
Whereupon, it appearing that more than a majority of the
shares of the capital stock was represented, the Chairman de-clared
the meeting duly organized for the transaction of business.
Hon. R, R. Bridgers, President of the Company, made a
verbal report of the condition and business of the Road, and
stated that the annual reports of the several ofiicers would be
published with the proceedings of the Stockholders of the Wil-
mington, Columbia and Augusta Hail Road Company, and be
ready for distribution in a few days.
On motion of Silas N. Martin, Esq., the meeting proceeded
to the election of a President and ten Directors,
Whereupon Hon. H. R. Bridgers was unanimously elected
President, and the following gentlemen Directors: W. A.
Wright, A. J, DePosset, George Harriss, C. H. Brogden, W.
H. Willard, George Howard, W. T. Walters, B. F. Newcomer,
S, M. Shoemaker and J. D. Cameron.
On motion it was resolved that the next annual meeting be
held in Wilmington on the first Tuesday after the third Mon-day
in November, 1876.
On motion of W. A. Wright, Esq., the thanks of the meeting
were returned to his Excellency Governor Brogden, not only
for the dignity and urbanity with which he has presided over
the deliberations of the meeting, but for the interest his pres-ence
manifested in the affairs of the Company,
Governor Brogden acknowledged the compliment in a few
well chosen remarks.
After which the meeting adjourned sine die.
C. H. BPOGDEN, Chairman.
J. W. TnoMrsoN, Secretary.
ktsibmt's Mtipoxt
Wilmington, N". C, November lytli, 1875.
To the Shareholders of the Wilmington, Columbia c& Augusta
Rail Road Company
:
GrENTLEMKN I—TliG vcports of tlic (ieaeral Maiiagei-, and of
tlie Superintendents of the Wilmington, ColmnLia c% Augusta
Rail Road Company, and of the Wilmington & Weldon Rail
Road Company are herewith submitted.
It will be observed that the net earnings of the Wilmington
& Weldon Rail Road Company, for the twelve month ending
September 30th, 1875, are $269,509 25
To which should be added interest received, 3,37 1 23
$272,880 48
Amount of interest paid, $1 16,899 ^9
" " Rental Dividends paid, 101,661 00
" invested in Real Estate and
old accounts charged to Profit
and Loss account, 9)207 24— 228,767 93
Net profit to credit of lessor $44, 112 55
The net earnings of the Wilmington, Columbia & Augusta Riiil
Road Company, for the same period, are.. . . $136,158 60
To which add profit derived from operating the
Wilmington & Weldon R. R. for the year, . . 44,1 12 55
$183,271 15
Paid Coupon interest and discount, 282,323 59
Deficit, $99,052 44
Less proceeds of Bonds sold, 23,682 50
Net deficit, $ 75,369 93
10
The freight receipts of the Wihniugton, Cohinibia & Augus-ta
Eail Road show a decrease of 26 per centum on local and aii
increase of 5 per centum on through freights. In the passen-ger
receipts there is a decrease of 16 per centum in local and
an increase of 6 per centum in through travel, from which it
is apparent that the causes Avhich have led to" diminished re-ceipts
are local, and therefore, it is believed, temporary in their
character. For further explanation under this head you are
referred to the very full report of the General Manager.
The l)ills payable of the Wilmington, Columbia & Augusta
Eail Eord Company, which at the end of the fis'cal year
amounted to $985,419 66 (exclusive of the $20,000 for the pay-ment
of which the Charlotte, Columbia & Aiigusta Rail Road
Company is liable) had, up to the 13th instant, been reduced by
payments from our net earnings to $921,348 72.
It is known to the Shareholders that the freight depots and
shops, and engine houses of the Wilmington, Columbia & Au-gusta
Rail Road are on Eagle Island, on the West side of the
Cape Fear, while the depots and shops of the Wilmington &
Weldon Rail Road are on the East side of the river, the two
depots being connected l)y a track over nine miles in length.
It is essential to the economical working of the Wilmington.
Columbia & Augusta Rail Road that its shops and depots shoiild
be removed to the AVilmington side of the river and connected
with those of the Wilmington & AVeldon Rail Road.
While, therefore, the business year opens with such fair pros-pects
that it may reasonably be expected that its net earnings
will exceed those of any preceding year, still, in view of the
great importance to the permanent value of the j^roperty of the
Company of the removal of the shops and depots above refer-red
to, and the building of the necessary docks, etc., and the
expense attending the same, it becomes neoessary to ask the in-dulgence
of the first mortgage bondholders till the changes re-ferred
to are made. Thenceforth, it is believed, there will be
no trouble in promptly meeting our interest and gradually pay-ing
off our floating debt. The increased value of the road will
fully compensate the holders of bonds, for which it is nioi-t-
11
^^aged as secnrity, for the temporary suspension of the payment
of coupons.
Tliere can he no douht as to tlie ultimate value of the Wil-mington,
C()luml)ia & Augusta Rail Tload if we are permitted
to effect the changes and improvements to which we have
alluded, and we would therefore earnestly reconnnend that they
be made.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN B. PALMER,
Pi-esldejit.
\tmral manager's S^port
Wilmington, N. C, November, 1875.
To the President and Dlreetors of the Wilmington, Cohimhia
and Augusta Rail Boad Co7nj)a7}y
:
1 lierewitli submit tlie reports of tlie Superintendents, Treas-urer
and Auditor of the Wibnington, Columbia and Augusta
and AVibnington and Weldon Rail Roads for the year ending
the 30th of September, 1875.
From these reports it will be seen the roadway and rolling
stock have been much improved, and the property increased in
permanent value.
In the construction of the Roads they were not ballasted.
For several yeai-s past on each of them large expenditures have
been made in ballasting ; the work especially on the Wilming-ton,
Columbia and Augusta has been nearly completed. Had
this work been done sooner much would have been saved in
iron and rolling stock. In the future there will be a reduction
of expenses in this item. During the year a Howe tress bridge
has be(3n completed across Fishing Creek at a cost of $13,000.
of wliich $3,000 was paid the previous year. At the close of
the war for want of means a trestle instead of a bridge was
built across the creek. More than once the condition of the
trestle, from high water, has very nearly interrupted tlie passage
of trains. It was thought to be most economical to build a
l)ridge instead of a trestle that required Avatching on every rise
of the stream.
During the year there has been filled on the Wilmington,
Columbia and Augusta Rail Road 400 lineal yards of trestle
13
and 300 on the Wilmington and Weldon Eail Koad, wliicli will
be an annual saving of $1 50 per lineal yard.
Gross receipts of the year $1,254,892 02
Operating expenses 846,224 1
7
Net balance $ 408,667 85
The receipts have been reduced below the usual average by
ruinously low rates at competing points and by great depression
in every branch of business.
The truck and fruit business, which comes at a season when
there is leisure in the Transportation Department, was entirely
cut off by frost to an extent greater than for the past ten years.
This business, which usually paid the Eoads $12,000 annually,
has not yielded this year over $4,000. Naval stores, which
gives the AVilmington, Columbia and Augusta Kailroad the
largest item of local freight receipts, has been reduced in pro-duction
more than one-fourth; there has been a diminution of
9,677 barrels of spirits of turpentine and 41,065 barrels of rosin.
The price of that product has been until of late so ruinously
low as to give the producer no net returns, which has greatly
reduced the merchandise freight to the local stations. The
white oak stave business, which heretofore employed many
laborers, has been suspended. Only one of the eleven saw-mills
on the line of the Road is now running. Of the several
shingle companies only one continues to do a bussines on a
large scale. In previous years the ton-timlier transportation
required a train ; now it has been nearly suspended.
The great reduction of receipts has been in the local business
in the items named, which will return again on the revival of
business. The through business has been well maintained and
compares favorably with former years. While forest products
have had a diminished, production with a diminished price,
those of the soil have been more abundant.
It is hoped that such arrangements have been made as will
secure rates ior the coming year that will pay greater profit on
competing freights.
The country along the line of Road has had one of the best crop
14
years ever known—nuule with smaller advances on the crop
than any since the war. The prodncer has grown more of his
snpplies, which will leave less demand on the cotton crop. A
better feeling seems to pervade bnsiness circles; all seem to be
more hopefnl. with tlie belief that the bottom of the financial
depression has been reached. The opening fall trade shows an
improvement on that of the preceding year. The ontlook for
business gives pronn'se of a better year than the one just closed,
while tlie rigid economy of the past two years leaves the pro-dncers
less invidved than when they sold all they produced and
bought all they consumed.
In our system of accounts whatever is paid during the year is
charged to operating 'expenses ; eonstructiou account is closed.
Although the expenditures increase the value of the property,
still they are charged to operating expenses. TVliile the system is
very Siife it often makes the net profits appear less than they
really are shown to be for the year.
For the "Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta Rail Road, in
the previous year, 1,614 tons of iron were bought; this year
803 tons were bought, both on time. During the year $5 1, 1 32 40
has been paid, which is, after deducting old iron, $30,12732
more than the purchases of the year or the annual average
requirement, yet it is charged in the operating expenses of the
year. Two parlor ears have been completed, on which $8,146 70
has been paid ; tilling trestle and ballasting have cost $4,cxx:),
all of which adds to the value of the property. Also there is
$10,560 less of debts in the Superintendent's Office than at the
beginning of the fiscal year, showing $10,560 paid for previous
years and $54,449 },- f^^r betterment of property—all of which,
added to the apparent net, makes it $193,607 92.
On the "Wilmington and AVeldon Rail Road there has been
paid the sum of $30,432 41 in like manner for iron, $10,000
for Fishing Creek bridge, $12,500 for parlor cars, $4,000 for
trestle filling and ballasting, and $935 25 paid on wharf. These
payments, made for the improvement of property'and for pre-vious
year's iron, added together niake $57,867 66, which gives
the real net for the year for both Roads $520,984 S^.
15
We l)egin the new year under nujre favoralde eireurngtanees
tlian ever l)efV)re. It<jadwa_v, motive ])owei" and rollinLT stock in
a good and improved condititjn ; require no new cars nor loco-motives,
and $12,000 less new iron, with an unusually small
amount of outstanding bills to i)ay in the incoming year. "VYith
the same business the balance sheet will show enough to meet
interest and rent after the payment of all expenses. The agri-cultural
prospects along the entire line are constantly improv-ing.
On the Wilmington, Columlna and Augusta Rail Road,
although not so good a crop year as the preceding, there has
been an increase of 6,660 bales of cotton in local shipment, and
a full supply of grain has been gnjwn. The common opinion
is that trade is reviving and it will \)C a better business year
than the one just closed, which thus far is fully sustained by
the opening trade of the fall months.
The cost of operating the Roads can be diminished some
$10,000 to $12,000 in the cost of fuel by buying cheap pine
lands and let by contract to cut and deliver the wood on the side
of the Road instead of buying it. There are at least three
miles of trestle that can be filled for less than the average cost
of two years' repairs, saving, after the same is done, not less
tliaii 87,500 per annum in trestle repairs—substituting perma-nent
for temporary work. A very great saving can be made
by having one freight depot and one shop for the two Roads,
one freight agent, several clerks and watchmen, one foreman
in machine shops and one in the car shops, with the cost of
running a stationary engine saved by the consolidation. If
arrangements for this purpose were made on the east or city
side of the Cape Fear river, on the property of the Wilmington
and Weldon Rail Road, five and a-half miles of track, two of
which is trestle, and running the cars over it would be saved.
The part to be taken up is six and a-half miles, but one mile
would be required to be Ijuilt from the Union Depot to the
river. It is difficult to make an accurate estimate of the cost
of removal of shops and other changes necessary to bring about
this consolidation, but a considerable portion of it would be
met by the iron, cross-ties, spikes, (fee, that would be taken up
16
and saved on the six and a-half miles of track now in use on
the west side';of the river, which would then be dispensed with,
and in view of its great importance to the permanent value and
productive capacity of tho Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta
Rail Road, I would earnestly recommend that steps be taken at
as early a day as possible to bring about the change, feeling
assured that it would result in a saving of $20,000 to $25,000
per annum in operating the Road.
The new wharf of the Wilmington and Weldon Rail Road
is ample for the present for accommodating the trade of steam-ers
and sail vessels for the two Roads, and will enable the com-mencement
of the work of consolidation at any time it may be
considered advisable.
In conclusion, I do no hesitate to say that a better business
with better net resuhs will be done the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
R. R. BRIDGERS,
General Manager.
fViij^txinUnbmt*B %tfoxt
AVi'iMixGTOx, Columbia. & Augusta Rail Road Co.,
General Superintendents Office,
WiLMixGTOK, jST. C, November i/tli, 1875.
Hon. R. R. Bridgers, General Manager Wilmington, Colum-hia
and Augusta Rail Road
:
Sir—I respectfully submit my annual report of the operations
of this Company for tlie fiscal year ending September 30th,
1875.
THE EARNINGS ARE
From through passengers $76,714 95
" local passengers 71,349 66—$148,064 61
" freight 406,101 03
'• express 3.518 52
" U. S. mails 25,882 13
" Government transportat'n 1,379 59
" minor sources 8,650 79
Making total receipts from all sources $593,596 67
Equal to $3,140 72 per mile of Road.
THE EXPENSES ARE
By conducting transportation.. $130,865 75
" motive power 91,973 61
" maintenance of ears 43,464 32
" maintenance of roadway. . . . 147,201 90
" general expenses 40,932 49
Total $454,438 07
From which deduct the following extraordinary expenses:
Excess paid for iron compared
with previous year $30,127 32
Outstanding bills for material,
&c., reduced 10,000 00
New cars built 8,640 00
Filling trestle and ballasting
road-bed 4,230 00
New section houses, &c 1,452 00—$54,449 32
—
Making the actual operating expense $399,988 75
Leaving balance in favor of receipts, $193,607 92
Being 67.4 per cent, of the gross income.
18
Dnriiiii; t'le fiscal year 42,15010118 of local and 52,331 tons of
tlirongli freight have been carried, making a total tonnage of
94,48 1 tons. A comparison with the previous year's business
shows a decrease of 26 per cent, in local and an increase of 5
per cent, in through freight.
We have carried 46,385 local and 19,715 through passengers,
which is a falling off in local of 16 per cent, and a gain of 6.2
per cent, in through travel.
EOAD DEPAETMEXT.
The repairs and renewals in this department have been well
maintained during the year. Eight hundred and two (802)
tons of new iron rail and 53,216 cross-ties have been purchased
and used in the track. About fifteen miles of the road-bed has
been well ballasted with sand, many of the defective banks
widened and filled uj) in proper form. The ditching has also
been attended to so far as our limited force would permit. All
the trestles on the line of road have been well kept in repair.
The timber used for this purpose amounts to 287,000 feet.
Thirty new frogs and two steel crossings have been put in the
track—one at the crossing of the Camden Road, the other at
the South Carolina Rail Road crossing near Columbia. One
new section-house and warehouse has been built at Eastover,
and five small shanties at various points on the line, for the ac-commodation
of Road hands, have been erected during the year.
The sum of Si 47, 201 90 has been expended in this depart-ment
as follows
:
jSTew iron, joints, chairs and fastenings $54,726 00
Paid for cross-ties 1 5,7 1 3 3
'
All other repairs and expenses 76,762 59
Total $147,201 90
It will be seen from the above statement that a large propor-tion
of the expenditures in this department has been for ma-terial,
thus increasing the value of your property that amount.
I can safely report the Road is now in better condition than
ever before.
19
MACHINERY DEPARTMENT.
No additions have been made to the number of our locomo-tives
during the year.
On the 27th day of February last engine No. 23, attached to
the day passenger train, when about fifteen miles east of Co-lumbia,
was thrown ijito a trestle, by running over a large ox,
and was considerably danuiged, causing an expenditure for re-pairs
of $2,963 23. The engines Nos. 6, 10, 11, 14, 18, 21 and
23 have been thoroughly repaired. All others are in first class
order, except those reported otherwise in the tabular statement
of your Master Mechanic, a copy of which is herewith submitted
:
Number of miles run by passenger engines. . 218,860
" " " freight engines 215,759
*•' " " road service engines 1 8,63
1
" " " switching engines 53,353
Total mileage , 506,603
Average number of miles run to one cord of wood. . . . 49.56
" " " to one pint of oil 40.42
Cost of repairs per mile run 3-84
" fuel per mile run 4-44
" stores per mile run 44
" engineers, firemen and wipers 5-57
Total cost per mile run 14-29
CAR DEPARTMENT.
Since my previous report one new first-class coach has been
built and a second-class one nearly completed. Passenger
coaches Nos. 9, 11 and 12 have been repainted and varnished.
No. 5 second-class coach has been rebuilt and changed to No.
14. Three sets of new coach trucks have also been built and
$2,865 16 expended on repairs of Pullman's sleeping cars.
In the Freiii'lit Department three new box and four flat cars
have been built to replace others worn out or destroyed. Three
sets of new^ tender trucks and two new tender frames were also
furnished for the Locomotive Department. Ten new push cars
and twelve warehouse trucks have been built and furnished the
Road Department. Six hundred and fifty new wheels have
been used in repairs during the year, as follows
:
20
On passenger, mail and baggage cars 146
On sleeping cars 90
On freight cars 236
On engine and tender trucks 178
Total 650
In addition to the above 325 old axles have been renewed on
the ends and refitted in our shops.
The continued depression in the naval stores business, as well
as every other industry from which we derive our local trade,
has caused a reduction in our revenue, while the through busi-ness
shows a small increase. This condition of things seems to
indicate the necessity of perfecting our through connections
and furnishing every facility and comfort to travel so that we
may not only maintain but increase this business.
I am pleased to report that during the year our trains have
l)een run with great regularity, and, with one exception, an en-tire
exemption from accidents. No damage or injury has oc-curred
to any passenger travelling over our line.
The employes generally have conducted themselves in a most
commendable manner.
Respectfully submitted,
JAS. ANDERSON,
General Suj)erintendent.
•tiperittt^nirent's B^p^JJ^t
Wilmington and Weldon Rail Koad Company,
Office of General Superintendent.
"Wilmington, N. C, November 17th, 1875.
Hon. R. R. Bridgers, President^ &c.:
Sir—I have the honor to submit my fourth annual report of
the operations of this Company for the fiscal 3'ear ending Sep-tember
30th, 1875 :
RECEIPTS AI^D EXPENDITURES.
RECEIPTS.
From through passengers $106,778 63
" local passengers 103,770 32—$210,548 95
" freight 403,746 81
" express 7,118 58
" U. S. mails 33,812 73
" Government transportafn 910 27
" miscellaneous sources 5,158 01-$661,295 35
expenditures.
By conducting transportation... $105,836 61
*' motive power 84,116 07
" maintenance of cars 45,938 06
" maintenance of roadway 139,197 88
" general expenses 16,697 48-$391,786 10
Balance in favor of receipts $269,509 25
Per centage co.st of operating road, 59J.
ROAD DEPARTMENT.
This important portion of your road is in better condition
than it has been for many years.
During the past season we have purchased and put in the
track 1,200 tons of new (56 pounds to the yard) rail, making
1 3f miles. This, deducted from the balance of old original iron
remaining in the track last year, leaves us with about 28i miles
of the old rail still in use.
22
We have continued to ran the gravel train through' the entire
year, ballasting about forty miles of the road-bed, which will re-duce
the expense of keeping up this, the most important part of
the Road. The work of ditching and widening the embankments
has also to a considerable extent been carried on. There has been
about 800 feet of trestle filled in at Fishing Creek, and several
other smaller ones completely filled up, thereby not only placing
the Road in a better condition in this respect, but also reducing
the amount of heavy timl)er which we have been necessarily com-pelled
to purchase from year to year for keeping these trestles in
proper repair. This item alone would in a few years pay the
entire expense of running the gravel train.
The Howe truss bridge over Fishing Creek, wliich was com-menced
last year, has been completed at a cost of $13,000.
Ten thousand dollars of this amount was paid in the present
year ; the other $3,000 appears in our previous year's expenses.
This In-idge is a splendid piece of work and well sustains the
reputation of the builder, Mr. D. M. Renno. •
The expenditures of this department show an increase over
last year of $23,257 ']6^ which is more apparent than real. The
purchase of iron in the previous year was made on long time
(in regard to payments for same), this year on short time,
thereby causing the payment of $30,432 41 more than belonged
to the year. If the same time had been allowed on the present
year's purchase this excess would have fallen in the coming
year's expenditures. Taking this into consideration, and the
$10,000 paid on account of Fishing Creek bridge, the cost 0*
maintaining the Road has been considerably less than the year
before.
MACHINERY DEPARTMENT
Is in good condition, with the exception of some of the tools
in the different shops, which are old style and much worn after
years of constant use. I do not think it economy to continue
their use.
All the locomotives and cars are in excellent order, repairs
throughout having been fully maintained, and I am confident
that our motive power and rolling stock are to-day in "better
23
condition tlian ever before. Xo locomotives have been pur-chased
during the year. We have one in sliops rebuilding to
take the place of an old engine which is completely worn out.
The two passenger coaches that were commenced year before
last (work on them at that time suspended on account of panic)
have been converted into parlor cars and are now nearly com-pleted
and ready for service. These cars when finished, in-cluding
everything, will cost $6,250 each, or $12,500 for the two,
and in regard to neatness and durability cannot be excelled by
similar cars in use upon any road, either IS^orth or South. ISTot
only will they be an important addition to our passenger equip-ment
in way of comfort to the travelling public, but will also
be the best advertisement we could possibly have given our line-
Below please find statement of passenger and freight ecpiip-ment,
as per Master Car Builder's report
:
PASSENGER EQUIPMENT.
First-class passenger coaches. .11
Second-class passenger coaches 8
Mail, baggage and express cars 3
Mail and baggage cars 2
Express cars 5|
Postal cars S\
Paymaster's cars 1
jS^eW parlor cars nearly finished 2
Total 35
FREIGHT EQUIPMENT.
Box cars . .219
Platform cars 129
Gravel cars 20
Total.... 368
Note.—Last year we reported five postal cars, this year only
three, two of them having been sold to the Wilmington, Columbia
and Augusta Rail Road during the year.
TRAI^SPORTATION DEPARTMENT.
The passenger business of this department shows, when taken
in comparison with last year, a very slight difference. The
freight, I regret to say, does not compare so favorably. The
lumber, naval stores and early vegetable business, which here
tofore maintained the receipts of the summer months, has
through the entire season been light. This is the result in the
lumber and naval stores trade of a general prostration of almost
every kind of business. The vegetable and fruit business des-tined
for the Northern markets, from which in former years
we derived no small amount in way of freight, were, I may
say, almost totally destroyed by the cold weather, damaging our
24
business not only so far as the outward freight was concerned,
but also reducing the amount of inward merchandise which in-variably
follows as the proceeds from sale of Southern production.
For the coming year I am glad to say we have every indication
of a large increase in revenue from this business.
Our mail pay shows a gain of $7,867 73 over last year. This
is caused by the increase in weight of Government mails car-ried
by us.
The express business continues very light, notwithstanding
the increased facilities we have given that Company for the
transportation of their freight.
Although the entire receipts from transportation show a fall-ing
off from last year, the expenses in this department have
also been reduced in proportion.
Our trains, as in the past, continue to run with great regu-larity,
and the prompt dispatch given to the business is in a
great measure due to your Master of Transportation.
In conclusion, I take pleasure in saying that a cheerful obe-dience
to all orders has characterized every officer and employe
of this Company.
Respectfully,
JOHN F. DIVINE,
General Suj)erintendent.
26
Statement of the Financial Condition of the Wilmington, Co-
Construction and property account $4,260,595 42
Equipment account 532,435 58
Six engines in service on W. & W. R. R.
70,500 00
Land account 1,113 00—$4,864,044 00
Stock in Cheraw & Salisbury Rail Road.
.
15,847 61
" Wilmington Railway B. Co 10,000 00
•' Pioneer S. Boat Co. (p'd on acc't) 4,026 03
" Chester & Lenoir Narrow Gauge
Rail Road Company 347 10— $30,220 74
ASSETS.
Bills receivable 1,199 40
Due from Postoffice Department 6,302 85
" Southern Express Company. .
307 87
" Agents 16,979 69
ex-Agents 9,089 45
" Rail Road and Steamboat Cos. 67,925 59
*' individuals 9,993 55
Wil. Railway Bridge Co 36,044 06
Steamer Isis 13,496 58
New iron rails 65,784 13
Charlotte, Col. & Aug. R. R. loan acct. .
.
20,000 03
Cash 9,972 27— 257,095 44
$5,151,960 18
WiLMi-vGTO:^', N. C, Sept. 30th, 1875.
J. W. Thompson, Treasurer, in account current with the Wil-
Dr. the fiscal year ending
Assets at commencement of the year, as
shown by report of September 30, 1874. $259,587 42
RECEIPTS.
From transportation of passengers $148,064 61
" freight 406,101 03
" " express freight.. 3.518 52
" mails 25,882 13
from United States 1,379 59
"miscellaneous sources 8,650 79— 593,596 67
Amt rec'd from Wil. & Weldon R. R., net
earnings for vear not otherwise applied 44,112 55
Net sales of 24 bonds 23,632 50
Interest received in settlement of acc'ts.
.
2,449 28
—
70,194 33
Increased debt this year 74,368 82
$997,747 24
Wilmington, N. C, Sept. 30th, 1875.
27
lumhia and Augusta Sail Road Company, S&ptemher 30, 1875.
Ccapital stock $300,000 00
First mortgage bonds $3,200,000 00
Income bonds 600,000 00— 3,800,000 00
FLOATING DEBT.
Bills payable l,005,4tfl 60
Due Wil. Railway Bridge Co. (receipts).
.
25,388 48
Due on pay roll 15,745 48
Due other Companies and individuals. .
.
4,672 55— 1,051,226 17
Profit and loss 734 01
$5,151,960 18
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
mington, Columbia and Augusta Rail Road Compamj, for
Septemher '^oth, i875- Ck.
Paid operating expenses for the year ending this date:
Conducting transportation $130,865 75
Maintenance of cars 43,464 32
Motive power 91,973 61
Maintenance of roadway 147,201 90
General expenses 40,932 49— $454,438 07
Land purchased 1,113 00
Balance of deduction from debts due the
Company, charged to profit and loss. . . 2,430 04
Paid for stock in Chester and Lenoir
Narrow Gauge Rail Road 347 10
Paid coupons, interest and discount 282,323 59— 286,213 73
Assets at close of the year 257,095 44
$997,747 24
J. W. THOMPSON, Treasurer.
28
Statement of the FinanGial Condition of the Wilmington
ASSETS.
Railroad and appurtenances, including
cost of construction, &c $3,307,938 38
New equipment 75,890 33—$?,383,838 51
Stock in Wilmington Railway Bridge Co. 10,000 00
Stock in Wil. and Weldon Rail Road Co .
3,900 00
Bonds of this Company 15,000 00
Stock in Steamer Vesta 5,000 01— 33,900 01
Bills receivable 4 960 74
Amt due from Postoffice Department 7,705 50
" " other Companies 11,787 67
individuals 5,139 83
" " Agts in service. . . .$6,666 74
Agtsoutofservice.19,460 97 30,137 71
" " Wil. Railway Bridge Co.. 35,77143
" " Southern Express Co 414 37
" of suspense account 3,066 31
" of Wil , Col. & Aug. R. R. Co. lessee.
.
9,589 77
" of cash in hand 15,159 65— 104,713 8-
$3,433,441 39
J. W. TnoMPSox, Treasurer, in account current with the
Dk. Year ending
To assets at commencement of
the year $133,305 73
TO EARNINGS
From freights. $403,746 81
" passengers 310,548 95
" mails 33,813 73
" express 7,118 58
United States 910 37—$656,137 34
To minor sources of income.... 5,158 01— 661,395 35
To interest received 3,371 33
To net amount of 34 bonds sold. 33,633 50
$830,604 81
29
and Weldon Rail Road Company, Septemler ^otJi, 1875.
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock $1,456,200 00
6 ^ cent, sterling bonds £129.740, at $5 "j? £ $048,700 00
7 " " 44,280, at $5"};^ £ 221,400 00
17 (t gold interest bearingbonds 749,000 00— 1,019,100 00
FLOATING DEBT.
Due to individuals and other Companies 1,518 43
Unpaid dividends 7,222 50
Due on pay rolls 14,874 20— 23,615 12
Profit and loss 323,526 27
$3,422,441 39
F. H. GORDON, Auditor.
Wilmington aiid Weldon Rail Road Company for Fiscal
Septemher 30, 1875. Ck.
BY OPEBATIiJfG EXPENSES :
For conducting transportation $105,830 01
•' motive power 84,110 07
" maintenance of cars 45,938 06
" maintenance of roadway 139,197 88
" general expense ' 16,697 48— $391,786 10
Paid mileage of cars 3,255 11
" for real estate 719 60
" bal. of old claim of Gilbert E. & Co. 354 98
\ " balance of deduction on old debts
closed by profit and loss 4,510 05
Paid am't of reduction of debt this year.
.
27,960 36
" coupons, interest and discount 117,899 09
" rental dividends 101,00100— 219,500 69
Assets at close of the year 104,712 87
Paid net profits for the year, not other-wise
applied, to Wil., Col. and Augusta
Rail Road Co. lessee 44,112 55
Net sales of 24 bonds 23,632 50— 67,745 05
$820,604 81
J. W THOMPSON, Treasurer.
ao
00
'Si
-< 00
i5^ ^
00
oi
Statement of Expenditures of the Wilmington Columhia &
Augusta . Bail Road, for the Year ending Sej)^ ^oth, 1875.
Conducting Transportation.
Advertising $ 1,526 05
Agents and Assistants at Stations 18,362 48
Agents, Soliciting 19,238 36
Brakemen 7,119 01
Car Cleaning and Inspecting 2,565 09
Car Furniture and Fixtures 3-12 88
Watehnien 3,759 23
Clerks 12,842 40
Conductors and Baggage Masters, 9,879 36
Dispatchers and Yard Masters 1,250 00
Drawback and Allowance, 9,201 74
Expenses of Stations, except Labor. 595 52
Fuel for Stations 178 50
Fuel for Cars 210 00
Incidentals 1,988 74
Lab(jr at Stations 13,167 74
Light at Stations 1,124 41
Light of Cars 1,321 67
Loss and Damage .
.
5,296 95
Mail Service 525 00
Office Furniture 297 91
Personal Injury 1,377 78
Printing and Stationery 7,004 26
Pevenue and Postage Stamps 255 38
Stations, Repairs of, and Pent, 205 72
Superintendence 2,055 28
Stock Killed, 3,841 45
Switchmen 1,756 97
Telegraph Expenses, including Operators 3,526 47
Wrecking 49 40
Total, $130,865 75
Maintenance of Cars.
Cars, Passenger and Baggage, Repairs of 19,084 69
Cars, Express, Repairs of 1,754 70
Cars, Freight, Repairs of 14,253 61
Cars, Mail, Repairs of 1,865 65
Car Shops and Sheds, Repairs of 64 69
Fuel for Stoves 236 50
Incidentals 234 57
Oil, Waste and Packing 3,549 06
Superintendence 1,861 62
Tools and Rejiairs of Tools 559 23
Total $43,464 32
32
Motive Power.
Engineers and Firemen $29,913 73
Fuel for Locomotives 24,294 52
Fuel for Shops 1,261 90
Incidentals 493 62
Locomotive Engines, repairs of 21,492 53
Oil and Tallow 3,851 18
Patterns and Tools, repairs of 1,974 62
Shops and Engine Houses, repairs of 642 34
Shop Machinery, repairs of 488 61
Superintendence 810 00
Waste and Packing 513 45
Watchmen and Engine Wipers 3,048 48
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, labor at 2,956 33
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, repairs of 232 30
Total $91,973 61
Maintenance of Roadway.
Bridges and Trestles, repairs of 17,528 76
Cars, Road, repairs of 284 91
Crossties 15,713 31
Depot Grounds and Buildings, repairs of 1,088 05
Division Houses, repairs of 148 70
Frogs and Switches, repairs of 1,046 79
Incidentals 309 32
Iron Rails 51,132 40
Joints and Chairs 2,582 64
Platforms and Road Crossings, repairs of 25 05
Road Bed, repairs of 4,529 79
Spikes 645 32
Superintendence and Supervisors 2,833 59
Tools and repairs of Tools 758 13
Track, repairs of 34,604 73
Subsistence 12,749 57
Watchmen 1,220 84
Total $147,201 90
General Expenses.
Traveling Expenses $1,001 54
Legal Expenses 2,656 40
Miscellaneous Expenses 2,385 69
Printing and Stationery 171 26
Salaries of Officers 13,815 25
Taxes—State, Municipal and County 20,902 35
Total $40,932 49
33
RECAPrruLATioN OF Operating Expenses.
Conducting Transportation $130,865 75
Motive Power 91,973 61
Maintenance of Cars 43,464 32
Maintenance of Roadway 147,201 90
General Expenses 40,932 49
Total $454,438 07
34
ll
35 '
Statement of Expenditures of the Wilmington cfc Weldon,
Rail Road, for the Year ending Sej)t. 30M, 1875.
Conducting Transportation.
Advertising $ 1,302 75
Agents and Assistants at Stations 20,511 39
Agents, Soliciting 16,792 SO
Brakemen " 5,132 48
Car Cleaning and Inspecting 688 72
Car Furniture and Fixtures 518 79
Car Service 37 50
Clerks 7,5-1:3 37
Conductors and Baggage Masters, 7,735 51
Watchmen 4,U9 03
Drawback and Allowance, 7,988 93
Expense of Stations, except Labor 563 48
Fuel for Stations 140 00
Fuel for Cars 472 50
Incidentals 2,491 -^ 6
Lal)or at Stations • 8,756 79
Light at Stations 970 63
Light for Cars 581 77
Loss and Damage. . .
' 5,540 79
Mail Service 25 00
Office Furniture 40 50
Personal Injury 2,208 40
Printing and Stationery 6,261 45
Revenue and Postage Stamps 218 '78
Stations, Repairs of, and Rent, 1,195 75
Superintendence 1,620 00
Stock Killed, 649 78
Switchmen 727 97
Telegraph Expenses, including Operators 787 34
Wrecking 93 25
Total, $105,836 61
Maintenancp: of Cars.
Cars, Passenger and Baggage, Repairs of $ 20,670 33
Cars, Express, Repairs of 1,575 47
Cars, Freight, Repairs of 13,673 55
Cars, Mail, Repairs of ... 1,577 90
Car Shops and Sheds, Repairs of 1,684 15
Fuel for Stoves 8 50
Incidentals 734 67
Oil, Waste and Packing 2,643 95
Superintendence 2,613 20
Tools and Repairs of Tools 756 34
Total $ 45,938 06
36
Motive Power.
Engineers and Firemen $ 20,733 14
Fuel for Locomotives 22,714 75
Fuel for Shops 2,584 62
Incidentals .^ 1,350 33
Locomotive Engines, repairs of 22,914 56
Oil and Tallow 3,807 64
Patterns and Tools, repairs of 1,583 76
Shops and Engine Houses, repairs of 1,365 67
Shop Machinery, repairs of 519 82
Superintendence 1,070 00
Waste and Packing 238 41
AVatchmen 815 98
Water, Wood and Coal Stations, labor at 3,395 07
AVater, Wood and Coal Stations, repairs of 1,013 32
Total $ 84,116 07
Maintenance of Roadway.
Ballast $ 25 00
Bridges and Trestles, repairs of 12,707 69
Cars, Road, repairs of 597 22
Subsistence 10,280 21
Crossties 18,443 99
Depot Grounds and Buildings, repairs of 871 52
Division Houses, repairs of 16 87
Frogs and Switches, repairs of 1,701 19
Incidentals 102 06
Iron Rails 44,857 83
Joints and Chairs 728 04
Oil, Tallow, Waste, &c 6 20
Platforms and Road Crossings, repairs of 185 23
Road Bed, repairs of 8,865 72
Spikes 1,838 16
Superintendence and Supervisors 1,696 10
Tools and repairs of Tools 2,199 64
Track, repairs of 32,458 93
Watchmen ^
643 83
Wharves and Landings, repairs of ^. .
.
972 45
Total $139,197 88
37
General Expenses.
Legal Expenses $ 1,41)2 7(5
Miscellaneous Expenses 2,102 05
Printing:; and Stationery IG (»(>
Salaries^ of Officers . . /. 12,170 25
Traveling Expenses 015 40
Total $5^10,007 48
38
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39
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington cfc Weldon
for 3fails, die., from Southern Express Compimy, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
WILMINGTON.
Month.
Railroad at each Agency ; also Receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending September 30M, 1875.
CASTLE HAYNE.
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington cfc Weldon
for Mails d&c, from Southern Exjyress Company^ Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, fm'
Railroad at each Agency / also Iteceipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending Septemher y^th, 1875.
MAGNOLIA.
Statement shoiving the Earnings of the Wilmington ck Weldon
for Mails, ike, from Southern Express Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
Month.
1874.
October
Nov'ber.
Dec...
1845.
Jail
Feb....
March .
.
April . . .
May.. .
June. . .
July....
August.
Sept
MT. OLIYE.
Freight.
332 71
234 71
186 97
138 37
223 03
373 01
295 89
123 65
105 68
104 00
83 27
322 24
Passen
trer.
77 95
134 70
138 35
76 95
85 85
41 45
59 55
61 95
39 25
58 15
97 30
105 35
Total
410 m
369 41
325 32
215 32
308 88
414 46
355 44
185 60
144 93
162 15
180 57
427 59
DUDLEY
Freight.
97 37
35 09
79 10
31 00
97 57
174 01
156 61
114 18
70 28
42 35
37 75
68 61
Passen
ger.
2,523 53 976 80 3,500 33 1,003 92 548 45 1,552 37
44 90
43 35
85 40
62 3(
58 45
39 05
43 55
27 50
32 80
38 20
40 10
32 85
Total.
142 27
78 44
164 50
93 30
156 02
213 06
2(M) 16
141 68
103 08
80 55
77 85
101 46
Month
BLACK CREEK.
Freight.
1874.
Oct . .
Nov .
.
Dec. .
1875.
Jan, .
.
Feb . .
March.
April
.
^lay . ..
June .
July..
Aug..
Sept. .
Passen
ger.
106 30
99 64
89 00
125 42
108 38
220 38
226 47
72 34
56 09
60 79
44 92
139 96
1,349 69 368 85
32 10
72 85
59 60
28 95
21 80
20 10
15 05
18 35
25 15
25 80
30 6(
18 50
Total.
WILSON.
Freight.
138 40
172 49;
148 60
154 37
130 18
240 48
241 52
90 69
81 24
86 59
75 52
158 46
1,718 54
1,874 96
1,283 53
1,459 99
1,520 07
1,684 13
2,874 40
2,006 61
1,078 59
"iiSQ 73
750 20
1,066 02
1,857 61
Passen-ger.
578 40
44^* 27
776 05
411 10
327 90
309 60
342 95
408 50
359 40
352 35
433 30
292 90
Total.
2,453 36
1,732 80
2,236 04
1,931 17
2,012 03
3,184 00
2,349 56
1,487 09
1,226 13
1,102 55
1,499 32
2,150 51
18,322 ,84 5,041 72 23,364 56
Railroad at each Agency j also receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending Sejjtemher 30M, 1875.
PIKEYILLE.
Statement showing the Earnings of the Wilmington dh Weldon
for Mails, cfcc, from Southern Exjpress Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreign Roads, for
Railroad at each Ayeiicy / also Receipts from United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year endinij September '^oth, 1875.
EOCKY MOUNT.
10
Statement shovnng the Earnings of the Wilmington cfc Weldon
for Mails, dec, from Southern Express Company, Col-
Through Ticket Sales hy Foreigii Roads, for
11
Jlailroad at each Agency ; also Receipts froin United States
lections hy Conductors, and for Special Trains and
the Fiscal Year ending Septemher '^oth, 1875.
12
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columbia and
Passengers; also embracing Receipts from United States,
Tickets by other Roads, for the Fiscal
13
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from Freights and
Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and Sales of Throtigh
Year ending September 'dOth. 1875.
BRINKLEY'S.
14
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columhia and
Passengers; also emhracing Receipts from United States,
Tickets by other Roads, for the Fiscal
Month.
15
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from Freights and
Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and Sales of Through
Year ending September 30th, 1875.
16
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columbia and
Passengers; also emhracing Receij)ts from United States,
Tickets by other Roads, for the Fiscal
17
Augusta Rail Road Company at each Agency, from Freights and
Express, Conductors, 3Iinor Sources, and Sales of Through
Year ending September 30th, 1875.
SUMTER.
18
Statement showing the Receipts of the Wilmington, Columhia and
Passengers; also embraoing Receipts from United Stntes,
Tickets by other Roads, for the Fiscal
19
Augusta Rail Road Company at eacJi Agency, from Freights and
Express, Conductors, Minor Sources, and Sales of Through
Year ending September SOth, 1875.
So. Ca. R. R.
Vv "-(-
^95
1
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