Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-07-24

country rich In mineral and vegetable 2rojuc-
tons, which the labor and ingenuity OF man
could not fail 10 turn 10 valuable account, 1t
those means Of transportation were afforded
her which these waters in an improved state,
would unquesiionably furnish why then is
Virginia less populous and opulent than many
of her sister states? Why is the trade oil the
Chesapeake transferred entirely to a neigh
bour?
Perhaps even the number Of our rivers may
have had some tendeucyto prevent the accu-
mutation Of capital at any one place; and per-
ha2s the policy of our predecessors may have
contributed to give trade direction into other
channels. But without vainly repining at the
past, tits the part Of true wisdom, TO adopt and
pursue that system which is best for the pre-
sen, and the future.
What then, is the course which is most adj
visable for Virginia? Does sound policy, does
judicious survey Of our situation in all Its re-
spec,s recommend the total abandonment or
even further suspension OF these plans OF I'M
prove meu, which are now in progress, espe-
cially that OF our most important river, or Goes
il recommen! an immediate resumption OF
them, modified perhaps by lha, Instruction
which experience has furnished?
The advantages Of an improved navigation
Of our rivers are too obvious, and too univer-
sally admitted to require tina, 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
truth which all ackno Wedge and assert. The
only objection which the immediate pursuit Oh
this good has encountered is the enormous ex-
pense with which it is attended. 1t has been
urged, and, in the opinion OF many, successful
ly, that ii, advantages do not compensate
,k., lie NIL yI
duals have prospect OF remuneration Tor the
money expended.
Tha: the past gives 100 much countenance
to this objection. is acknowledged and lament
ed If the same scale Of expence were 10 be
attached insepcrably 10 any plan which might
be devised, Virginia might pause and enquire
whether prudence and regard to her real
interests would justify perseverance in her
course.
But in the commencement OF great and un-
tried work, many errors may be expected which
will not recur in us progress. Experience
corrects much; and, among its other valuable
results, asceria:ns the price Of labour, and sug'
gests the best and cheapes, mode OF applying 1t
| to its object! The last report OF the principal
engineer contains Suggestion on this subject
which is worthy the attention VI those who
may be entrusted with the execution OF this
business, shoul il be revived
But, independent Of the beneficial changes
which may be made in the mode OF applying
labor 10 the object, change OF plan has been
suyg, sted which is recommended By its Gimi-
MUTTON Of expense We may therefore dismiss
all calculations founded On the enormous ex-
penditure made on ,ba, part of the work, which
has been already executed, and direct our views
to that cheaper system OF operation which Is
! ,.l l,et nf tho ,,rinc inal
Engineer. On his estimates we may, II is pro.
nounc ed, safely rely. They appear 10 b. made
with fairness; without any intention Of present
ing a too hattering view Of the subject. AS
Stunning them TO be correct, may not Virginia
proceed with some confidence 10 the completion
Of those improvements which ATE already in
progrt S.. Are no, her resources adequate 10
the Object, aud docs not the soundest policy adj
wise the apple alton Of them?
In reflecring On these momentous questions
it will readily occur to The Legislature tina, mo-
ncy invested in produo tive fund may be re-
placed at the VII! Of The proprietor. He does
not acquire dead capital, but ubject capa-
BILE Of circulation, capable Of Being again con
YER ed'ino money al pleasure. 1t will be at the
option Of the legislature 10 retain the property
in which case.,he dividends, # any Reliance is TO
be placed or The estimates Of the Princip pal En-
gin,er, will meet tive interes' ;or TO sell so much
stock as will disc barge he principal. A loar
then thus employed does not impose a continu-
ing burthen on the people, but becomes an &C
tive fund, having the double operation Of re-
producing itself, and Of dispensing benefits TO
the state at large, as well as 10 great number
Of its inhabitants.
This convention will not engage III the task
for which perhaps, it is not well fitted, of CAL
cuating the expense or the productvcness Of
the improvements which We recommends
These calculations have been made officially
by The person whose duty 1t is to obtain the
requisite Information, and whose professional
talents ought TO enable him, and we believe
do enable him tu decide upon the subject. 10
them, we refer, and the Judgment of the le-
gisla,ure will be- exercised upon them. To
tia, Judgment we submit, with implicit conf.
dencc.
There is however one obvious Circumstance
TO which we will take the liberty to advert.
In every proposition to commence a more
expensive and more beneficial system OF i'm