Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-11

| the union Of the head waters of the Shenandoah
with those of the North riveT one OF those tri-
butaries, whose near approach would seem to
promise to the efforts of man, an easy conquest
over nature, while the execution of the work, at
tended as it would be with the perfect improve
ment ofthe Shenandoah, would furnish bond
of union between the Potomac and the James,
and afford 10 the farmer the choice of two yalu-
able markets for the products Of his industry
In addition to this, it is now generally suppos-
ed that the connection Of the eastern and wes-
tern waters is entirely practicable; but that in
order to effect the union, it will be necessary to
incur an expenditure solarge that nothing short
OF full assurance. of success would Justify the
undertaking. This improvement, recommend
cd, VIII serve In measure, to develope the
dement's OF that great work, in furtherance Of
which great object, the extension of the Kanaw-
ha road to the mouth of the Guyandotte or
Big Sandy might be considered as auxiliary by
bringing into more familiar intercourse with us,
the citizens of the bordering states. 1t will ne
cessarily awaken the attention Of several of the
western States to the subject, and even if found
to De beyond the resources Of one state, which
do not believe, may in the fullness of time, be
accomplished by an union Of States. Thus,
would bond of connexion be furnished which
could not fail to be productive Of benefits to all
that 1t might embrace; and the work be effected
iii legitimate mode by compact between Sc
veral states, without violating the constitution
al rights Of either Whether this scheme, or
tina, other which has been the subject Of such
minute examination with the Engineer corps
OF the United States, and proposes connecting
the waters of the Potomac with those of the o.
hio, shall, after full examinations be preferred,
remains yet to be decided. Or, whether still
preferable route may not be ascertained to ex-
ist between the waters of New River and those
Of the Jackson, or The Roanoake, are questions
of deep interest. A thorough exploration of
those different sections by one so well qualified
as the Engineer of the State, to arrive at correct
and satisfactory conclusions, would seem to be
strongly called for.
1t would not escape the attention Of the Le-
gislature, that considerable portion Of the ter
ritory OF the State lying beyond the Allegheny,
and embracing great extent OF rich and fer.
tile soil, remains TO certain degree, in state
OF nature, and labours under disadvantages OF
the most deporable character. The wants Of
that country are limited and few, and may be
satisfied at small expense. 1t requires that one,
or at the most, two roads should be opened for
the convenience of travelling. One Of those
roads is now in progress, and has been marked
off in part by the Engineers OF the State during
the past season. 1t leads from some point on
the Ohio River in Tyler county, through the IN
termediate counties, to Staunton; and forms a
prominent link of connection between the ex-
IRENE West and the Capital of the State: while
the other taking an opposite direction, might
have its Southern extremity located at the
mouth of the Little Kanawha, and It's Northern
at Winchester Other parts Of the State unde-
niably require the attentive regard OF the Le-
sislature; and, no doubt. will, in due time, re-
ceive their full share of the public patronage.
| have the more particularly had reference TO
the country lying beyond the Allegheny, be-
cause Of the very strong claims which eonsid-
| er it as having on the public. Will 1t be cred
| tied by one stranger to his condition, that
the citizen of that extensive, and in many parts
fertile country, isalmost debarred from the pos
sibility of reaching the seat OF government,
without, in the first instance, leaving Virginia
and availing himself of facilities furnished by
other States? With the knowledge OF this fact,
does it not cease to be matter OF surprise that
the tide Of emigration should flow still further
West, and that fertile districts in our own
State should remain unsettled? These roads,
if constructed at public expense, charged with
slight toll, would soon reimburse that ex-
pense, and be ever after source OF profit
! They require, at first, little more than to be
| opened and graduated-and considering the
mountainous tract which they would traverse,
and the scattered condition Of the population,
would, in my judgment, constitute aust ex-
ception TO the general rule adopted in reference
to the Fund, for Internal improvement.
If have overlooked other measures called
for by the present condition of things, and at
| fectinp other parts of the community, such
/ oversight will DE supplied by your vigilance.
agur most favorably of your deliberations, and
trust that their result will speak language
which shall not be misunderstood. You will
have announced to the Congress OF the United
States. not only that you esteemits proceedings
violatory of the Constitution, but that Virginia
rejects IFS offers in interference in her domestic
| concerns. and has both the talent and ability to
accomplish the destinies which await her.
The destruction of the bridge over the eau
lev river, which occurred during the last sum-
mer, calls strongly for Legislative. enactment
Its destruction was the work OF incendlarles
who have been regularly convicted in the Court
ok anawha county, and are now undergoing
the punishment denounced by the law tor high
| - OF building