Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-02-23
Rock6ridge, Va.
COM.MU.McarED.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT OF VIRGINIA..
If may judge IRON the Information TO be deri-
vei from the public papers, at this time, conside-
rabe difficulty attends our progress in this business
We have many well written essays on the sub
ject of Internal improvement; especially those
written by some of the people of James River,
under various Signatures, for which we acknowledge
our obligations to them. But 1 would beg leave
To communicate to them that they have wholly
| omitted TO treat of that branch of the subject
which, at this time, has greater influence con-
siderable portion of Virginia, than any other; viz:
The distribution of the public patronage, the fund
Tor Internal improvement. And make this COM
municaiion from hope, and desire that these
writer's will, in their future numbers, favour Us
With their opinions on this subject.
The local circumstances OF Virginia, being such
as not only to admit but, also invite and require
improvements in almost every part; when the fund
Tor Internal Improvement created by our go
yernment, general rule for its distribution was al
the same Time esablished that is, every section OF
the stale, applying Tor the aid of government,
should, at the time contribute 3-5ths of the
capital requisite to execute the work proposed 10
be undertaken: The Assembly iha, created the
fund gave pledge as far they could, that it
should be distributed in this way And yet in a
lew years, very great portion of the fund.- as well
that which We had IN possession, as that which we
have in expectancy, has been applied entirely in
different way; allowing section of the coun-
Try what Is expressly denied TO anoher Let
those who are writing upon the subject Of immov-
ing James River and approve of these partial ap-
Plications OF the fund, show US the wisdom, JUS
ice or policy, ofdepariing from the general rule
and adopting the that has been pursued
| We have talked much about equality and re-
publican ioIm OF government. We have labour-
ed to make the public burihens and taxes press e.
qually on each individual and every section of the
state. But we shall have laboured TO little pur-
pose, 1t The distribution OF the public funds is with
out rule or measure-if the party that is upper
most, may not only exhaust the public treasury,
and apply the funds 10 particular section of the
state, contrary to a just and general policy that
has been adopted, but for the like partial purpose
may involve the whole state in debt that will re-
qure 20, 80 or 100 years 10 make payment
g But the honor OF Virginia requires that we
should finish what we have begun Honor when
rightly understood has never been at variance with
wisdom and justice. Do the James River people
want funds! Let them contribute their proportion
as do other parts OF the state, and they will have
In hand 3-5ths OF the whole amount they have
eXpendedN DO they want information and eco
nony In conducting their public works. Let
them subscribe their 3-5ths of the stock il will he
the readiest way OF obtaining these desiderata aso
II will contribute more than all the reports of
Engineers Boards aud Committees of the house of
Assembly added together: for where your treasure
is, there also will be your thoughts Is unanimity
wanting in their councils? Do Justice lore mercy,
walk humby.
As to the utility Of good roads and canals, there
is nc more doubt on this subject, among agrcul-
turists, than Of the utility of good crop of corn
The only point of controversy is, who shall work
it? LOCKER m
By James River people is intended 10 desic
A to b., H.. - Il
ditures that have been there incurred by the state
and not those who have had no other share in the
business than 10 pay additional toll for more un
certsin navigation.