Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-12-05

as ,np.ying censgIe eiines upOa tue lag ,neer or
any other officer Of the government by these re-
MARKS. My sole motive in making THIN Is. to
bring about proper responsibility, and to afford
a check over the public expenditure: and lest,
nigh, by possibility, be misin,erpre,ed. will take
upon me here To say, that l regard Virginia ~
having in the person of her Principal Engineer, a
gentleman of the most unsresi;onab.e talents; one,
who unes TO diligence in the discharge of the dn-
ties of his station, an arden, devotion to the pub
lie interests and to extensive theoretical know
ledge, sound practical views.
In presenting to you the reasons which have led
me To urge upon you the Improvement, forthwith,
Of the James and Jackson's rivers, as far as Cow
ington, have not overlooked other considerations
of high moment. The improvement of the main
river would be the sure precursor to the improve
ment of it's numerous tributaries, watering as they
do, extensive and fertile districts. 1t would lead
in time also to the union Of the head waters of the
Shenandoah with those Of the North river; one Of
those tributaries, whose approach would seem
to promise TO the efforts of man, an easy conquest
over nature, while the execution of the work, at
| tended as II would be with the perfect imp owe
ment OF the Shenandoah, would furnish bond of
union betm cen the Potomac and the James, and
| afford TO the former the choice of two valuable
markets for the products of his industry. In add
ton TO this, 1t is generally supposed that the
connection OF the eastern and western waters is
entirely practicable; but that in order TO effect the
union, IL will be necessary 10 incur an expenditure
| so large that nothing short of full assurance of
success would justify the undertaking. This i'm
provement, as recommended, will serve i'm mea-
sure to develop the benefits of that great work in
iurtherance OF which great object, the extension of
| the Kenhawa road to the mouth of the Guayan-
dotte or Big Sandy might be considered as auxi,ia
ry by bringing into familiar inter course with
us, the citizens of the bordering states II will
necessarily awaken The attention of several of the
I S.afes IN ti.as NH
be beyond the resources of one state, which do
| not believe, may, in The iullness OF time be ac
| complished by an union of States. Thus woula a
bond OF conneXien be furnished which could mo,
fail 10 be productive OF benefits 10 all that il u,b,
embrace, and the work be effected in a leeitmat.
mode by compact between several states, without
violating the constitutional rights of either. \Yhe
Their this scheme, that other which has been the
subject OF s'ch minute examination with the En-
gineer corps OF the United States and promises
| connecting the waters of the Potomac with those
! OF the Ohio shall, after full examination. be nre-
ierred, remains yet to be decided. Or, whether a
stiil preferable route may be ascertaned to ex-
| Isl between the waters OF New River and those of
the jackson, or the Roanoke, are questions of deem
interest A borough exploration of these differ
eni sections by one 30 well qualified as the Ensi
neer OF the State, 10 arrive correct and satisfac
tory conclusions, would seem to be strongly called
! for.
| 1t would not escape the attention OF the I,esis
ature, that considerable portion of the territory
| OF the State lying beyond the All-ghany and EN-
| bIacing great extent of rich and fertile soil re-
mains TO certain degree, in state of nature ard
| abours under disadvantages Of he mos, depIorabl
| character. The wants of that country are limited
and lew, and may be satisfied small expense II
requires mat one, or at the most, roads should
| be opened Tor the convenience of travelling One
OF those roads is now in progress, and has been
| u 4 l. l..
| during the past season. Ii leads from some point
on the Ohio river in Tyle county, through the in
termediaie counties, 10 Staunion; and forms a pro-
minent link oil connection between the extreme
w est and the Capital of the State: while the other
taking an opposite direction, might have it, South
| ern extremity located at the mouth of the Little
| Kanawha, and lis Northern at Winchester Other
parts of the State undeniably require the attentive
| regard OF the Legislature; and, no doubt, will. in
due Time, receive their full share OF the Dublic nal
! ronage nave the more particularly hal refer
| ence TO the country lyiag beyond the Allegheny
| because OF the very slions claims which con.i-
der II as having Oh the public. VIII it be credited
by one stranger 10 his condition., that the citizen
OF that extensive and in many parts fertile coun-
| try, Is almost debarred from The possibility of
reaching the seat OF government, without, in the
| first Instance, leaving Virginia and avaing him
sci! OF facilities furnished by other S.ates5 With
the knowledge OF this TACT, does il not cease 10 be
| a matter Vi surprise that the tide of emi,ratinn
should flow sill further West, AMI that fertile dis
| ricts IN our own ae should remain unse,,led1
| These roads, if constructed at public expense.
| charged with slight toll, would soon reimburse
that expense, and be after source of profit.
Ibey require, al hrst little than to be opened
and gTaduated-and considering the mountainous
raci which they would traverse, and the scattered
condition OF the population, would, in my indg
ment' constitute just exception to the general
rule adopted in reference to the Fund for Internal
| Improvement.
/ III have overlooked otler measures called for
by the present condition of things, and affecting
other parts oil Tue community, such oversight will
| be suppliedby your vigilance. augur most favora
bly, oi your deliberations, and trust that their re-.
suit will speak language which shall, no, be mis-.
understood. You will have announced 10 the Com
gTess ofthe United States, not only tina, you es
TEEN Its proceedings yiolatory of The Constitution
but that Virginia rejects its offers of in erietence
| In her domestic concerns, and has both the alen,
and ability to accomplish the desliniss which await
her.
The destruction of the bridge over the Gauley
river, which occurred during the last summer, calls
| strongly for Legislative enactment. It's destruc
ton was the work of incendiaries who have been
| regularly convicted in The Court of Kanawha coun-
| ty, and are now undergoing the punishment de-
| nouneed By the law for high msdemeanor. The
prop'iety OF rebuilding the bridge without delay
and OF placing Inc offence in future on the same
footing with arson, by nhicting similar punish
ment Tor It's commission, Is respectfully suggested
The bridge thus destroyed is represented as having
We'd with that recently finished over HE Green.
ber; which latter not only reflects the highest ere.
dit on the undertaken, hut on tie State Itself
herewith communicate copies OF certain reso- I