Virginia free press & farmers' repository. [volume] (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1827-1832, 1831-01-12
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
TOR THE FREE PRESS.

MIR. EDiroR-That vigorous and active
enterprise which stimulated our forefa-
thors to abandon the luxurious en- joyment,
and comforts VI an European home. TO co
counter the dangers and endure the privs-
tons OF this, then wilderness; which had
prompted them. while shackled by the
bonds OF colonial dependence, TO traverse
the "trackiess ocean," TO explore unfre-
quented coasts; which converted the
wilderness Of ssvagss into the haunts Of
peaceful abode" and the wiswams Of the
red men into hamlets, and villages and
cities, has been directed into another field
Of exertion. Mountains v ere 10 be level
led. aud channels of comm unic alton open
cd, connecting the various portions Of our
country, by the ties Of common interest
and common feeling
Roads aud canals were 10 be construct.
ed, which should furnish markets for sgIi.
cultural industry. and stimulate our manu-
featuring isbour. The people were rous-
ed TO examine and 10 deliberate upon these
new and important interests; and all the
lights which the experience OF other na.
tons could furnish, were collected and
presented for their consideration INTEL,
yeut and sagacious. they examined. inves.
tigated aud resolved.
And were not their resolutions produc-
tive Of the most bene results? Let
those who doubt, cast their eyes over this
widespread Union let them look at the
Taa gnificent enterprise Of New York, view
the bold aud successful zeal Of Ohio, the
magnificent exeTtions Of Pennsy
let them traverse the country from Maine
10 Florida. and every where they will per
ceive the fruits of this newly directed in
dustry. this enterprise and zeal With
our own, though less stupen dous work be
fore US, the Shenandoah Canal, in all the
majesty Of prospective beauty" need
not ask our citizens OF this county. what
opinions they have formed Of the impor-
tance and utility OF these schemes oil inter
nal improvement. They are causing our
wilderness TO smile-they are comforting
fertility aud value upon arid wastes-they
are opening markets for every species of
labour-they are enIichipg our country
they are cementing our Cuion-ihey are
cugncniing our strength Having thus
promised, permit me. once more, TO call
your attention TO our work Of Internal I'm.
provement, the Shenandoah Canal. let
me again admonish you, TO consider your
true Interests; let me invoke your consid.
GRAFTON Of this subject Having no pecu-
liar interest. other than any citizen Of our
county. TO be promoted by its accomplish
Loent. am urged by my convictions later
considerable reflection) OF its manifest
utility. TO press It upon you, almost 10 i'm
perfume you.
Why may we not, with. those feelings
OF PRIDE and ambition peculiar TO our ma
tuTe-ln imitation Of the energetic move
ments OF the people Of other states. deter
A..
have alluded Why may We not. after
the example Of the citizens Of other states.
assemble - the exercise Of our civic fu1c-
lions. and resolve 10 pledge our property.
and almost stake our welfare upon its sue.
cess
To ilis zeal and determination, others
arc indebted Tor the great and unprece.
dented ereTiIOns which have been made.
IN undertaking works Of = similar chsFac-
Ter. Is there portion Of Our county in
thich The advantages Of these improve
Inenis are not acknowledged Is there
one "a which they are not felt?
And " all measures favourable 10 the
construction Of our canal. IN despite Of iis
evident utility, and to the detrimrni Of the
publ'c good, be not arrested By our own 81.
pinsness aud indifference. ~ lao can alculats
the amount and extent Of the blessinEs il
will proface 10 the community and 10 In
diViduals?
We have no longer 70 look TO the theo
~ or conjecture foF the benefits Of such
improvements we have more unerrinR
guides--faei aud history.
] must again express my sincere hope
Gas arrangements are made 20 that end
that our citizens will meet Al the Court.
house on The lst day Of the ensuing Supe
IioT Court. hen such steps may 30 taken
for the advancement Of our scheme, ss
their Judgment may suggest.
a FrieEf q hiaHf Improremen!