Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1831-12-16

preservation, 50 ihat many were lest, or by
neglect become unfit for service Now
n"MeFer, Tie necessity for preserving them
IS distinctly felt, and doubt cannot he en-
tef1dined, ihst more caro- will he taken -.
! them an tuture.-l could not weigh The ex-
peaSe incurred by this measure, against the
possible sacrifice OF life, much less ibe possI-
bic repetition OF The scenes of SOUTHAMPTON.
j he course o: Legislation adopted by our
| predecessors during the last session OF The
General Assembly, has excited Il strong in
teTest with all classes Of our fellow citizens
IN lhe inpro' cment ofour State. Important
| routes have been surveyed, and respectable
associations formed, having for the ultimate
emu, the construction Of works of great use
iulneSS, and strong hopes are entertained that
! you VIII contribute ali that wisdom and pru-
dencc may require 10 attain objects of such
ineNpreSs bic value 10 Virginia. The people
! expect from your energy the attainment Of
al 'Aose measures, ana again await your de-
| Clsion uu are now called upon by every
/ consideration which can be presented 10 the
| representative S of free people, TO take such
measures, as Will revive the declining hopes
o! the country, invigoratc her weakened en-
ergIeS, and ensure her rcpose. With ample
means within your MISREPRESENTATION
power sufficient 10 eilec;Gate every good
with generous and indulgent constituents,
you cannot iail 10 put III operation such
! system OF measures. rs will lead TO HIGH
! degree oil prosperity, and secure the future
grandeur OF the Commonwealth
! In changing from liStlcss course OF in
adequate legislation, TO one Of energy and
decision, none can condemn il will become
apparent to all, that il is not the impulse OF
bold innovation, but the wor! of wisdom
and saIutary CautiOn-nonc can contemplate
the wants and wishes Of the inhabitants of
the various regions this widely extended
Commonwealth, without being forcilly i'm
pressed with the necessity of mutual conces-
sIons aud sacrifices, 10 attain The greatest
good for all
Situated rs we are, with fine soil, capable
OF producing much to increase the exports cf
the State, yet too distant and with too lim-
ted means 10 make ii available, unless aided
by the fostering care OF the government, il
becomes subject OF earnest consideration
whether it would not greatly contribute TO
the early maturity of plans ior tic increase
OF our wealth and population, TO raise furds
Tor the purpose Of constructing such public
works as may he deemed mos. beneficial To
The country. The means OF perlecting those
useful and necessary Improvements, are per /
leCliy within our power, and 10 neglect or
lail 10 accomplish that which our Consiitu-
ents so much need, and so strongly demand.
would lie hazarding much, and incurrinr n
fearful responsibility. For want of these f.,
cllites, the wealth of our mountains is DOOM
ed 10 remain inactive and unknown. conlri-
butng nolbing 10 the comfort OF improve
ment CT our commerce.
When formerly the improvement of the
James river was undertaken, we were with
out SIKH or experience, and consequently
paid more than ought 10 have been d;sburs
Cd for such awOrk.--Nevcrtheles lhe be,,e
lit conferred upon that river, by that work
has made ii now among the most valuable
Stock OF the country and no doubt is enter
tanned, that IN few years, it will he con-
sidered cheap, as stock, nj the price Of IFS
original construction. ThGnccessity ofcon- /
tinuing a lire Of improved communication 70
Coyington, is daily manifes;iag itself more
strongly, and demands the most serious at
tention Such seems to have been the i'm
preston of your predecessors, when thew
passed the act of the seventh of April last I!
which required an associate Engineer TO be !
appointed, who with the Principal Engineer
OF this Stale, should consider the subject. and
report upon the best mode OF CONTINUING the
improvement. I'm endeavoring to carry in (
10 effect the provisions al this act, | found
great difficulty in obtaining the services of,
an Engineer whose talents and character
were such as TO inspire confidence and salts
iy public expectation in so interesting and
important subject. After the season waa
somewhat advanced. | was enabled 10 pro-
cure the services Of Benjamin Wright, Esq.
OF New York, whose eminent ability and
great experience, fully warranted the belief
that so far as time and circumstances would
permit, the subject would receive the fullest
attention: the result will be seen by his re-
port, which is herewith submitted.
The great improvement 10 tho West,
when viewed IN all IFS bearings, assumes 50
high and imposing an attitude, that few are
found to question The claim to prominence
and though Messrs. Cro2ct and Wright.
both justly considered amongst the most ial-
ented oithe profession may difleras 10 tic par
iicular mode Of Improvement, all concur in
the relief, that either plan ought 10 he adopt
ed, IN justice TO the suffering interests Of
our people.
Whilst the Canal is recommended bv one
on account oiitsknown usefuness-thc 9th
err, as tregards Navigation, is induced 10
sustain that by lock and dam but as gen
eral line Of communication, | Understand
irons him, considers the Rail Road better
calculated 10 sustain the great interest Of The
State. The rapidty OF transportation, the
advantages OF continued line of commuica-
ton Of the same kind, and The Developments
daily taking place in relation to the superior
advantages Of Rail Roads, renders it a mat
terof great consideration, whetherth should
not be preferred.
IheoIjcCtneXt importance, totheJ James
and keuawha improvement, is, the commit
nicatinn 10 the South West, portion Of the