The Grand Trunk Railway December 1, 1853

Of late numerous surmises have been set afloat throughout the Province with regard to the operations and character of the Grand Trunk Railway. It has represented, that it was a doubtful matter whether the work would be proceeded with at all; —that on account of the troubled aspect of affairs in Europe, and the consequent scarcity and high price of money, the Directors would not be able to provide the necessary funds, that they (the Directors) were at all events hesitating as to the propriety of constructing the Toronto and Sarnia line, and in favor of amalgamating with the Great Western Company; in which case we would only have the branch from London to this place, instead of a connection with the East by both lines, as has been generally of late expected. These and many more surmises have been going the rounds of the Press, with the necessary comments, according to the particular feeling of the commentators; Great Western influence, as it is said, having been at the foundation of the whole, as it is known that much jealousy exists on the part of the Great western Company towards the Grand Trunk, on account of conflicting interests
We have hitherto refrained from noticing the various surmises in circulation relative to the above, our impression being, that there was extremely little reason to doubt that the Grand Trunk Line would be proceded with, without fail, as being a great Provincial work, altogether independent of private enterprise; and we are glad to be able to state that there is no intention whatever, on the part of the Company, to alter their route as originally contemplated between Toronto and this place. Operations it is true, are in some measure suspended, in the meantime, but we learn that it is the intention of the various Contractors along the line to go to work in earnest, upon the opening of spring. There is likewise little reason to doubt the the Great Western branch from London to this place will also be built; it has even been stated to be already under contract, and the contractors bound to have it completed during the ensuing year.The branch from Hamilton to the Falls is in operation; and the main line from that city to Windsor is expected to be in a condition for travel by the end of the present month.

With regard to conflicting interests of the Grand Trunk and Great Western lines, we have not been able to see the full force of the objections advanced by the advocates of each, in the same light as that in which they have been viewed by many. The eastern terminis of the two lines are materially different, and the distance between the lines in some places even greater than that between Toronto and Hamilton the only point where there is any close approximation being at this place and its immediate vicinity. The tendency of the Great Western line will be to travel southward by the falls and, and throught the State of New York; that of the Grand Trunk to lead the travel eastward,
through our own country; and viewing the matterin this light; we think every man who has any desire to add to the importance of our own nationality, must naturally cherish the desire to see the latter enterprise completed with all possible expedition. We have, however, no desire to desparage or detract from the merits of the Great Western lines, because we believe it will conduce materially to development of that section of the country through which it runs. And, as far as we are concerned, we think there ought to be no reasonable objection why we may not have two strings to our bow, if the one can be furnished without endangering the usefulness of the other, which, in this case, we believe is quite practicable.

Another reason for the completion of both lines may be found in the scheme which is now under contemplation, of connecting Port Huron, immediately opposite this place, by a line running due west, with Grand Rapids on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan, immediately opposite Milwaukie. When this line is completed, a large proportion of the Western travel will be by this place, and either by the Grank Trunk line or that of the Great Western as the interest, convenience, or taste of the travelling community may dictate.