Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-08-07

Ao'O1ae rivers was suggested and re-
commended BY the wisest Of her sons;
by those whose intelligent patriotism
sne may long contemplate with satisfac-
tisn and with pride
Neither the knowledge nor the re-
sources OF the country justified, at that
tune, the attemptt to execute those great
works on scale that would be produc.
tive OF all the advantages that ought TO
De derived from them Increased knowl.
edge and enlarged resources extended
our plans of Improvement. Virginia
entered upon this course with earger.
ness, and pursued it FOR sometime with
animation. She has however in some
measure desisted from The pursuit; and.
il she has not abandoned, has at least
suspended the execution of her greatest
work-that from which the most inpor-
tant advantages we're anticipated. Will
true wisdom justify the continuance of
this policy'
We have only to cast our eve. on the
map of the United States to be assured
that the natural advantages of Virginia
are very great The Chesapeake, one
OF the neblest bays of the world, receives
her magnificent rivers and pours Thorn
into the Atlantic. Independent of other
valuable streams. her northern frontier
is washed by the Potomac, her southern
by the Roanoke, and her centre is pier
ced by the James. These great rivers
penetrate the Allegheny Mountains, and
afford the shortest channel of water
communication with several Of the wes-
tern states. They pass through coun-
try rich in mineral and vegetable pro-
ductions, which the labour and ingenui-
ty Of man could not fail to turn to valua
bic account, il those means Of transport
tation were afforded him which these
waters in an improved state, would I'M
estonabiy furnish. Why then is Yir-
glnia less eopulous and opulent than
many of her sister statess Why is the
trade of the Chesapeake transferred en-
tirely to neighbour
Perhaps even the number Of our RI
ysrs may have had some tendency to
prevent the accumulation of capital at
any one place; aud perhaps the policy
Of our predecessors may have contribu
ted TO give trade direction into other
channels But without vainly repining
at TIE past, it is the part of true wisdom
TO adopt and pursue that system which
is best for the present and the future.
VIVA. then is the course which is most
advisable for Virginia? Does sound
policy, does judicious survey of our
situation, in all its aspects recommend
the total Abandonment or even further
suspension of those plans of improve
ment which are now in progress, espe-
cialy that of our most important river,
or does it recommend an immediate re
sumption 0fthem, modified perhaps by
that instruction which our experience
has furnished?
The advantages of an improved navi-
CATION OF our rivers are too obvious, and
too universally admitted, to require that
they should be shown or enforced by
argument. That this improvement is
in itself positive good, the acquisition
of which is greatly to be desired, is a
truth which all acknowledge and assert.
The only objection which the immediate
pursuit of this good has encountered, is
the enormous expense with which il is
attended. 1t has been urged, and. in
the opinion Of many successfully, that
its advantages do net compensate for
its price; that neither the public ner in
dividuals have prospect of rsmunera-
ton for the money expended
That the past gives too much osun-
tenance to this objection, is acknewl'
edged and lamented If the same scale
of expense were to be attached insepa.
rably to any plan which might be devils
ed, Virginia might pause and enquire
whether prudence and a regard to hsr
real interests would justify perseverance
in her course.
But In the commencement of great
and untried work, many errors may be
expected which will not recur in its pro-
gress. Experience cerrscts much; and.
among its other valuable results, ascer-
tains the price of labour; and suggests
the best and cheapest mode of applying
it to its object The last report OF the
principal Engineer contains a suggestion
on this subject which is worthy the at.
tention of those who may be entrusted
with the execution of this business,
should il be revived.