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 crimination was indicated, in regard to any particular work. No thought of jealous rivalry—no dream of future disappointment, or difficulty, was allowed to mingle in their exaltation at the auspicious event. But the act was not welcomed, by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, with the same satisfaction and pleasure. Indeed, by many of the stockholders, it was looked upon coldly, and, by some, positively objected to. Serious doubts were entertained, for a time, whether it would be accepted by the company." On July 28, 1836, however, the stockholders assented and agreed to the provisions of the Eight Billion Dollar Act.

The directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road gave their assent to the law of 1835 on July 25, 1836. In addition to granting them the right to build their road up the Potomac Valley, the law allowed the city of Baltimore to subscribe to the stock, and, accordingly, Baltimore subscribed immediately for three million dollars worth of stock. Therefore within a year the assets of the road were increased by six million dollars.