Chap. 203.—An ACT to authorize the Norfolk and Western railway company to
construct and operate a branch railroad to the Putomac river and into the city
of Washington.

Approved February 2, 1598.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the Nor-
folk and Western railway company is authorized and empowered to locate,
construct, equip and operate a branch railroad commencing at a point
in Warren county, or elsewhere in Virginia, on the line of the Maryland
and Washington division of the Norfolk and Western railway company,
running thence to a point on or near the Potomac river opposite to or
in the vicinity of the city of Washington, district of Columbia, as may be
determined by the stockholders and directors of the Norfolk and Wes-
tern railway company, with the right, with the consent of the proper
authorities, to extend the said railroad across the Potomac river into
the city of Washington, with terminals in said city.

2. The Norfolk and Western railway company may acquire, by con-
demmation, the lands required for the right of way of said railroad and
the necessary bridges, terminals, stations and depots for its operations:
and may secure the payment of any of its bonds or obligations by mort-
sages or deeds of trust uponall or any portion of the property, rights,
franchises and privileges connected with the said branch railroad.

3. All taxes due the commonwealth by said company shall be paid in
lawful money of the United States and not in coupons.

4, This act shall bein force from its passage, but the general assembly
of the state of Virginia reserves to itself the right to alter or repeal this
act at any time hereafter.