Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-10


thing permanent Or important.
If further expenditures should be deemed ex-
pedient il becomes a matter oil earnest cohs'uet
alton whether dam across the river below Eik
Shoals. with lock on the right bank, WOMB
not in the end be the cheapest; and 1t Is certain
" the best mode of overcoming the a'iiic"i''es
presented by that obstacle :,
The communication by canal or rail ROAD from
James River to the New River or upper haha"-
ha. is a subject too important not 10 occupy pro-
minent place in the arrangement OF 'hese pubic
works.
nv the construction of such road large
and fertile region will be enabled TO SEM 10 'ia
ket much produce to swell the exports OF the
State, and add much to the aggregate wealth. OF
the community,
By the completion of such an undertaking. the
New River. which is now utterly useless though
large fine river the longest in the State. would
become canal contributing to this object the
rich resources of region Astounding IN iron and
lead. and capable of producing hemp. wheat and
tobacco TO a great amount. The distractions to
the navigation of this river principally exist at
and below Richmonds als--no doubt Is enter"
tained tfat batteoux might now DE used upon IL
from the lead mines to that point, thus enabling
| produce to ascend or descend 10 thc contemplat-
ed road-Thoussnds of barrels OF Hour and
pounds of tobacco which will not otherwise en-
! ist would find their way to market through the
| James River.
Whilst reviewing the subject in all its bearings
upon the great interests of the State, II cannot
escape the observation of any, that. all that re-
piou Of country which lies between Parkcrsburg
| and Winchester. is without any commercial lacl.
ities: a road iudiciou,y located in that part OF
| the State would benefit large number OF our TEL
| low citizens, and traverse an extensive ana Ter
tile country. and cannot fail to claim an indul-
| gent consideration. and rank among the OBJECTS
deserving the attention of the Common" eaith.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Is hne improve
mcnt. bringing benefits from afar, and contribut-
ing much TO the value and Improvement OF Nor
folk. 4 town which Virginia will cherish as being
the first Seaport on the Atlaatic Coast. land which
NAV at no distant day. when the commercial in
terests of the Union shall again be consulted,
claim comparison with any other; commerce has
built all the cities in the world; the want OF II
has made the largest the habltatlon Tor bats and
for reptiles.
The enterpris;ng citizens of Petersburg have
projected rail road from that town to the Roam
axe river. which promises when viewed as part
! of the whole system. TO be useful IN forming a
| link of the chain intended to connect the trade
of tie southern region with the commerce OF
James River.
Other improvements of great importance will
from time to time present themselves and will
doubtless obtain the countenance of the Lcgisla-
| turc.
| To expedite the plans of Improvement which
| the wisdom of the General Assembly may think
expedent to resume or adopt 1t Is respectfully
suggested that the State might be benefited by
| undertaking them exclusively upon her own re-
understanding it the duty OF the Principal
E,s:..----..r.ar T.. ,vrr u,,I placing the
| same under his direction and control.
| received a communication from John Mccoy
Esq member of he Board of public Works.
under date of tie 9TH If October, announcing
| his determination to resign his appointment IA
| member of the Board As the labors OF that bo-
DIV will commence on the first of January next
it may be well, at an early day 10 appoint sue
cessor.
The military force of the STATE is strong and
| increasing; the greatest harmony amongst the
| officers exists every where-thO' some legislative
enac iments may be necessary. for lis better dis
cpine and prompt and effective action. The
arms and ordnance are in excellent order, and
can be used whenever necessity requires. with
out encountering expense DELAY. The strength
of this force, together with the number. descrip-
ton, and condition Of the arms and ordnance.
will be seen by reference to the reports of the
Adiutant General and Commandment of the Pub
lie Guard, herewith communicated
The condition of the Treasury will be found
TO be as prosperous, as at any former period,
though the amount on hand may be less, than Oh
the corresponding day of the last year, this DIFF
ference may perhaps be accounted for. by the re-
duction on the taxes. made at the last session of
the General Assembly. The unexpended balance
in the Treasury, at the end of the fiscal year
1929. was $50. 996,12; that which remained a,
the emu OF the year 1880. being S8s, 94l .S6-the
actual amount in the Treasury on the 4th day Of
the presen, month. was 1854, S9S,SO. being less
than on The corresponding day of the preceding
year, BY SI9.415,91.
The prosperous condition of our finances, had
no farther calls upon the Treasury been expected,
than the ordiratv demands upon it, is such as
would have justified even farther reduction on
the tax annually levied upon the people. and still
lett means sufficient in the money, and labor, at
command. 10 have Effected much for the improve
ment of the State. thOu the necessity of resort
ing to taxat,on--bat there is the strongest proba
b;iity, that in the course. Of the ensuing wear