Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-02-08
INTERNAL MrRovEMEN EMIT.
NAv1aArror or rms sarSASuoAn.

Robert I. Brown appointed secretary
The object of the meeting was explained by vho>
mas Griggs, un WHO thereupon offered the following
preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted:
Whereas, the adoption of some adequate plan of
internal Improvement whereby the productions of the
fertile valley of the Shenandoah may be more cheaply
and eXpedtously conveyed market, and -eturns re
ceved, has been long object of anxious soIcilude
10 the industrious and Intelligent pare of its popoua
ton: and whereas, the present momept seems to be
particularly suspicious to the undertaking. and
cessful Accomplishment Of work which we have
SON to believe would be comparatively easy its
cutfon, and which certainly know would confer
tire most signal advantages this and every other
portion OF the state and whereas, to neglect longer
the benefits to be derived from our local position and
10 remain supne, whilst, under the benign spirit of
Improvement, fellow citizens in other states end
nj every other part OF our own state, stirring
around us, would evince Cupable Indifference to
our true and permanent interests, and be, perhaps
the means OF preventing us from participating in the
aid and patronage which are induced TO hone our
oYn Legislature is disposed to extend TO those who
are willing TO help Observation-Disclosures c,uate by
these motives, and without undertaking the impor.
tal,ce OF other improvements, TO which we heartily
WISH Success
3st. Resolved, That in our opinion the construction
OF q Rail Road from Hsrpers-Ferry to Staunton, i'll
The direction of the Shenandoah River, the improve
rnent of the navigation OF that river b, Locks and
Dams, the construction of canal along its shore
IS an of the highest interest in the people tie
valley OF great Importance TO the State at large,
and well worthy individual effort aud public patronage
Cd Resolved, That u committee be appointed
whose duty shall be, forthwith to prepare a memori-
al IN the name of this meeting, directed to the Lee
gisature of Virginia, in session. inviting its atten-
ton to this great work, and praying it, rs prepar-
atory measure to the incorporation of new compa-
ny, or the charging the powers and increasing the
stock OF the present Shenandoah company, other.
wise, immediate surveys tobe made together
with estimates of the of improving the navigation
of The river, by Locks and DAMS or a canal, or of
constructing Rail Road from HarpersF Ferry Staun-
ton, showing particularly, the probable expense of
each mode of Improvement, and it comparative ad
vantages and disadvantages.
Sd. Resolved, That a committe. be Amounted To
oPe correspondence with the President and D!rec
OF the Shenandoah company in order tn ascer-
tain how far, and on what terms, they willing
unite in a more ctzal and perfect Improvement of
the river, and to ascertain, generally their on
this subject
9Th. Resolved, That committee be appointed to
correspond with committees which may be appointed
by other counties of the Valley, and that our fellow
citizeas of Frederick, Shenandoah, Rockingham, Au-
gusa, and all others interested be, and they here
by earnestly invited to meet concert measures with
us tor the speedy attainment of the objects forth
in these resolutions.
9Th. Resolved, That the editors of the Valley be res
Quested to insert these resolutions their respective
papers,.
9th. Resolved, That when this meeting adjourn it
adjourn to the third Monday in February next at the
court House in Chariestown, at IL o'clock.
Upon motion-Ihe chair appointed the following
named persons, to compose the committees prescribed
III the foregoing resolutions:
committee OF the second resolution, to prepare the
Memorial TO the Legs lature-Messrs Thomas C,riqus
Jun. Judge Richard E. Parker, Andrew Kennedy, Jo
seph T. Dauglierty, and Andrew Hunter.
Committee To correspond with the President and
Directors of the Shenandoah Company, in pursuance of
the third observation-disclosures Byaxon Davenport Bush
rod e: Washington, John Yates, Gerard il. Wager,
John Fl. Lewis
Committee to correspond with the citizens of Fred
erIck, Shenandoah, Rockingham, Augusta and all 9TH
eTs interested, according to the fourth resolutio-
Messrs. Henry S. Turner, Matthew Ransom, Thomas
Brfscue, Humphrey Keyes and John A. Washington.
Upon motion-it was resolved, that the commtte e
appointed 10 prepare the Memorial, III pursuance Of
the second resolution, do prepare and present It to- the
meeting at this time-And thereupon the commit q
retired, and after short time returned and laid be-
fore the meeting the following memorial-wich being
read, was adopted without division.
To the General Assembly, of the Commonwealth If
Virgnia-lhe Memorial of Public Meeting of
the Citizens of the county of Jefferson, and Others
held in Chariestown on the 22d day of Jan. 1881
Your memoriasts have learned, with great sat;sr,c
ton, that the subject of what is commonly called Gin
ternal Improvement" is likely be taken up in good
e@rucs during the present session of the Legislature
1t rs indeed time the energy, the intelligence and the
RESOURCES OF tie State should be directed towards this
important object Our neighbors to the North and
The West, are engaged in the construction of Roads
au'l caDais, with rapidty and an energy unparaIIe1
ell in any age country Ohio and PennsvIya1ia and
Maryland eXpendng millions of dollars in the con
siructon of works which constitute the broad and
deep foundations OF their prosperity and greatness
One of them is draining of our population and all
OF them are divertng trade and travel from our Dor
GERS. 1t we look much longer, with our accustom
the neighboring States it is much to be apprehended
That we shall have lost forever the chance of oyerta
king our vigorous rivals in the race of wealth and
greatness. 1t is ttite remark, that, in such a race
not TO advance rapidly is to recede But it is re-
marx the truth and Importance of which are forcby
impressed on your memoriasts by the actual and rel
alive condition of Virginia and the neighborinp states
Your nemoTieis,s hope and believe that they will no, he
considered oTusve they earnestly the sten,on of te
Legislature 10 subject i'll which they, Common with the in
babans OF many Of the nebOrng counties are deeuIv inter
esed they aude 10 the Improvement of the SHENANDOAH
hVef, enier by canal, by locks dams as 10 the
wisdom OF the Legislature shall Ges or TO the consruc
counties of Augusta Rocknghau Shenandoah Frederick and
JEFFERSON, winch are immediately and deeply interested
~ the prosecution Of this work, nearly tenth pa of
Inc population OF the commonwealth and the LARGEST district
fertile landto be found within its borders Nothing want
ing to the prosperity Of this great section State bu, e
Facilities which either Of the proposed works would afford for
lie transportation 10 market of agricultural productions
The want Ofthose facilities has hitherto prevented as must
forever prevent the accumulation OF capital wealth in
this fertile valley. 1t has the Of cfecng without
'e aid Of the commonwealth the improvement of the noble
RIVER which flows through it from Augusta the Potomac
: nat aid, your mcmOralists earnestly invoke
~ not for them prescribe the which this aid
eha DC cTcnvheieT by TIE extension OF the powers and
of the capital stock Of company already in
coPorac1 for the improvement Of the river by the creation
OF new company 10 "hch the old shall be merged with
us own consent ADD equitable remuneration for
~ fv fw.s