Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1803-12-03
EFor the AleaaaaIri0 Dasly davea.tiser.
Mr.. SNowDEN,

last. who stiles himself Poaasr. (" And Is
Ponder really at loss to know what IS
the matter? Is he ignorant OF the late
conduct of the board OF directors, and does
he not know that even a worm wiaen ffod-
den on will turn and wrlthe,? Does ne IN
deed believe that the Alexandrlans are such
tame, passive beings as TO submit to any
thing? If he is really inf0rmed as to late
events, it will be but kind to give him a
short little detail, and with apondering he
will be surprised at notbing more than the
temper and patience, which the Stoclhold-
sers exhibit upon the. occasion. A law had
passed the legislature Of Virginia authors
ING a Turnpike from Alexandra, to Little
RIVER. A discretion is given to- the Stock
holders through their directors, to fix the
route Of tl1e. road between these points -
A majority ofthe Stockholders atthat time
were citizens of Alexandra. They con-
template the undertaking as a great COM
naercial measure, but with their interest as
Alexandrians and Stockholders, is intimate-
sly connected the great interest, and accom-
mediation of the public. Theyrepresent in
their persons the mercantile interest and
information Of Alexandria. In October
last, they supposed they discovered strong
symptoms of a disposition IN some of the
directors to come to a decision, IN which
that interest was deeply involved. Their
attention was thus drawn more particularly
to consideration of the subject. They
presumed their situation, and Opportunities
enabled them to form an opinion upon ge-
neral principles, as to the adoption Of a
Northern or Southern route. They ven.
ture modestly to express it. Indulge us
with a postponement of the decision; give
time for reflection. No necessity exists
under the law to decide nozv. Pause lit
tie. What is theirreply Let their suisse
quent conduct answer They refuse post
ponement, and adopt a Northern route by
the Courthouse against the opinion Of two
Of their colleagues, at least as well qualified
to decide on the interest Of Alexandria as
they were, and this opinion supported by
majority of the Stockholders, representing
the collected mercantile information of the
town. They do not stop here. The an
nual election Of directors had been post
poned from September to December. In
about month the powers of these direc-
tors would cease. But the evil might be
corrected by g new election. This must be
prevented. Let Us go to work upon the
upper end Of the route, eypend money,
make contracts, cut down trees, and clear
a road from Little River to the Court
house. BY these measures we tie the Stock
holders neck and heels, and increase the
difficulties ola future change, however ne
cessary, and proper in their view. And
what is now demanded by these directors,
and their friends? What are their COM
plants and threats The Stockholders
feeling the injury, as well as the indignity
offered them, can only look forward for re-
dress to the approaching election. They
take measures for this purpose. A meeting
IS called, and then forsooth they are asked
for a postponement; and for whom? For
the very men who had refused short de-
la. for reflection few days before. Suf-
dcient had appeared to justify, nay, to call
for chang. The Stockholders discover
some little sensibility, and are preparing
for Monday next, when they are seriously
askedby Ponder "what is, the matter with
the Merchants of Alexandria.' Why
this strenuous exertion to Mado what has
been done" g The constituted authority
has decided upon the route, and fixed 1t to
oby the Courthouse. Why not support
what has been done by the constituted au-
thorities.' And shall insult Be. added to
injury? What! shall the Stockholders kiss
the rod, wherewith they have been beaten?
Shall they be asked to re-eleet nsen 10
office who have SO recently discovered
a opposition, to resist, and disregard the
wishes OF their Constituents, however
clearly expresseda Are they willing to