Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-07-07
RAIL ROAD.

mop. t @
ROANOKE RAIL ROAD.
We copy the annexed proceedings to show TO the
people of Richmond, the laudable spirit which pre-
walls in a neighboring town, and with a hope that they
may contribute farther to awaken the public mind to
the necessity of action. While Richmond is sleep
ing, other cities are doing. 1t must strike every Oh
server with surprise, to witness the apathy of the
large property holders here, who see their rents de-
clining, the prosperity of the place r~eceding, and
more enterprislng communities appropria:ing the ad-
vantages which Richmond is naturally entitled to,
without an effort at counteruction. When the trade
of the Valley, and of the Roanoke is finally lost,
when it is too late, when fire is clapped upon the ter
rapin's back, he will begin to stir and not before.
Judicious and practical men aver, that the scheme
ola Rail Road from Richmond, to an eligible point
on the Roanoke, offers more certain and spledid ben
eft. in proportion to cost, than any other in any part
of the u States. All know the country watered by
the Roanoke and its tributaries, to be of great ex-
tent, ofextreme fertility, and rich and varied product.
Is there a reasonable doubt, that that trade would
prefer q Rail Road and O better market at Richmond,
over a tedious navigation and inferior market at Nor
folke Petersburg is fully sensible of its Importance,
and with her accustomed spirit, has taken the field.
Some are for holding back and permitting Petersburg
to make her Rail Road, when by a Rail Road from
Richmond to Petersburg, they propose to deprive the
latter of the fruits of her enterprise. phis calcula-
ton is more ingenious than Just, more selfish than
generous. 1t might be realised, but it might also re-
linquish every thing TO that town. We hope for JUS
tice sake, that no such uufair expectation will be gen
orally INDUCED, or succeed ifit be. Both towns are
aiming ut the same object-(for although Richmond
has yet done nothing, the general mind is very
strongly directed to the subject, and persuaded of its
Importance and feasibility if their interests are in
conflict, let them either labor in concert and share
the benefit, or compete for the whole, by fair and
generous means, as becomes brethren land friends.
Let our property holders remember, that this is
not a thing which may be done nov, or at some flu
ture day. like watering the city. To avail, no time
except what is required for due elaboration and pre-
~paration, is to be lost. Norfolk, Petersburg, and
Lynchburg, are all sui,ors for the same trade. Once
established in q particular channel, trade is diverted
from it, only by time and difficulty Once accustomed
to flow down the Roanoke, or to cross the country to
Lynchburg by their proposed road, the route of which
is now Ue believe being surveyed, or to go to Pc
~tersburg on her rail way, Richmond may deplore he,
lethargy when it is too late for remedy.
RAIL ROAD MEETING.
at a meeting ofthe citizens Of Petersburg, conven-
ed at The Courthouse on Tuesday the Goth of June
1880, for the purpose oftaklng into consideration the
subject ofthe contemplated Bail Road to the Boan-
c.. F. Osborne, Mayor, was appointed Chairman
and Edward Pescud, Secretary.
The Mayor having explained the object OF the
meeting, the Chair was addressed by Judge May
Messrs. VIM Robertson, ]. Baker, and w. H.. Nc
Farland, at considerable length, On the subject brought
to the consideration of The meeting. During the pro.
gress Of the debate, the following resolutions were Of
fered by Judge May-the first OF which was unani-
mously adopted, and the last with only one dissenting
voice:
list. Resolved, That this meeting authorize the
Common Hail to subscribe for two thousand shares
Of Stock IN the Petersburg Rail Road Company,
agreeable &c a resolution of the Common Hall, pas
sed on the first instant, and now submitted to the
meeting.
I'd. Resolved, That this meeting concur in the 9TH
Resolution of the Common Hall, passed at the samo
time; and request that that body will adopt the
most efficient means to effect the objects therein
| stated.
And then the meeting adjourned.
CHAS +. OSBORNE, Chairman.
| e. PEscUD. Secretary,
Our Country Friends will preccive from the above
Proceeding that we are ID earnest about the RAIL-
ROAD to The ROANOKE. Petersburg has spoken
The decree has gone forth: and for a Community
like ours to effect such an object, is only necessary
that the People UiU ii. The Town meeting on Tues
day was one Of the largest and most respectable that
we have ever witnessed in our Borough; and we can
not think we go too far in saying, that the Resolution
authorisiDg a subscription to he Railroad Stock,
adopted unanimously, was in accordance with the en-
tire voice ofPetcrsburg. Although our present situa-
ton was laid bare, and our future commercial pros
poets depicted in faithful terms, by the several Cen
tlemen who addressed the netting, yet nothing like a
sentiment OF despair passed the lips of any one. All
seemed as prompt, each to the utmost of his power, to
act for the common good, as ready to admit The neces-
sIty of an immediate, united and decisive effort to
restore our lost and declining tade. Indeed, it was
truly gratifying to witness the spirit manifested on
this occosiob-to mark the DETERMINATION AID conf