Page:Historic highways of America (Volume 13).djvu/112

 and equally important effect will be the Baltimore and Ohio rail road. While the one will have stemmed the torrent of the Mississippi, the other will have surmounted and reduced the heights of the Alleghany It is not in mortals to command success, but if a determination to yield to no obstacle which human exertion can overcome can ensure success—success shall be ours."

Then, descending from his seat in the pavilion, Charles Carroll lifted a spadeful of earth from the designated resting place of the foundation stone, which was then set in position. Within the stone was placed a copy of the charter of the company, the newspapers of the day, and a scroll containing these words:

"This stone is deposited in commemoration of the commencement of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a work of deep and vital interest to the American people. Its accomplishment will confer the most important benefits upon this nation, by facilitating its commerce, diffusing and extending its social intercourse, and perpetuating the happy union of these confederated