Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-08
'EFor The Phenir Gazette.

LF0f me FReaiT GdzeHe
Messrs EDlToRs: The Common Council, as
well as paany of our citizens, were not only anx-
iops, but very pressing upon Congress during
its last session, to get both the law. which au-
tborised road from the line OF the Corporation
10 that Of the District, towards Wiley's tavern,
amended, and power given TO the Corporation
to aid in the work OF making the road, by means
of taxation The Legislature of Virginia also
complied with our wishes, and amended the
law arthorising road from Wiley's tavern TO
the District line. Gentlemen who took then
some part in this business, and who, from being
Bank Directors, were supposed to have the
power TO control the destiny of the Town, had
themselves made Commissioners for receiving
subscriptions to these roads. Having given
this short account of the result OF the labors of
last winter, would enquire what have these
Commissioners done? They are considered, at
least a majority of them, as leading men OF the
town. have not heard of their doing any thing
as yet,except holding one meeting. They have
power given them, which they seem not dispose
ed TO exercise: if they do not mean to act, they
ought to inform the public that such is their
determination. have heard, in conversation
with some persons, that at their meeting they
appointed two Of their body to correspond with
the Directors of the Leesburg Turnpike Road
Company;--if this be so, what has been the result
of this correspondence But have heard, what
has most surprised me, that the Commission
ers are inclined to delay opening the books, un-
til it is ascertained whether the great National
Road may not be laid off on the south side of
the Potomac, and, if so, pass along on or near
the line Of our contemplated road. hope the
Commissioners have no such object in view: if
they have, it will, by such great delay, occa-
sion defeat of the road we have in view. Its
very uncertain when the route ofthe National
Road will be laid out; and, if laid out, it is
equally uncertain where il will be; and further,
if II be on the south side of the Potomac, and
pass on or near the contem plated road, it is
more than probable, if not certain, that 1t will
not be made for years to come. 1t will not be
arash prediction to say, that no citizen now
itNtpS III 1AlSlAautiiat WIZ 10 O'SA tHN oS,S VI
thirty years, viii live to see this expected Ma
tional Road made.
1t does seem to me, that the Commissioners
have no right, upon these uncertain grounds,
to suspend opening the books, and omit doing
what the law requires of them. If the books are
opened, and the stock subscribed, let it be left
to the Stockholders to decide whether they viii
wait for these contingencies The longer the
work is delayed, the worse it will be for the
town. The people in the country, and abroad,
will lose all confidence in the attempts we may
make. Now we have the power to act, and
why delay doing what is in our power? 1t
really has the appearance as if the Commission
ers were luke,uarm in the-businsss. tits hoped
the Common Council will take such steps on
this subject, as, by their charter, they may be
authorised to adopt. 4.