Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-28
Saturday EUeA5mS, FED. 95.
RAIL ROAD FROM RICHMOND TO HAIR
RISON,S RAR

RISON'S BAR.
AS was forcsecn, the House of Delegates have
refused to appropriate any thing to clear out the
sand bars and distractions which impede the navi.
CATION OF James River below this City. Rich
mond ought to do it herself, but in what model
by a Joint Stock Company certainly; but to effect
this she must obtain the consent both of the Gene.
raj Assembly and of Congress, who have iurisdic.
ton over the River. Is there any difficulty in OBJ
tanning this double sanction? None we believe is
anticipated. Why then is it not attempted? SIM.
ply because we arc in the habit of putting off as
long as possible. Would Congress refuse an appro.
priation to clear the River, as it has made so manv
and SO much larger, to clear other Rivers? Con.
grcss would not only not refuse, but would be
glad of the opportunity of gratifying Virginia.
Why is not application made then? Would the
appropriation be unconstitutional? If it is, why
not Virginia take a share of tho benefit, when she
sees that her forbearancc has not prevented such
appropriations 10 others?
1t is not believed that the constitutional object
ions which apply generally to the prosecution of
Internal improvements by Congress, apply to the
case before us, and for the reason that Congress
have jurisdiction over the River. So we under.
stand 1t is viewed by high State Right authority.
Opinions are obtaining currency unfavorable to
tie permanent benefit Of removing the sand bars
in James River. The Charles City petition for n
Ral Road to Harrison's Bar, asserts that Sin ma.
ny places, the water is shoal and beset with bars.
Experience demonstrates that the tendency OF
every such river is to create ne,c, and to increase
old, distractions to navigation; distinctions which
nothing but continued labor and expense can even
partially subdue."
If this be the fact, it furnishes the advocat ate of
the Rail Road over the Improvement of the navi-
CATION with a strong argument.
That petition contains other worry interesting
temen
~"Formerly Ut says vessels of respectable ton
mage, moorod at Rockets; but vessels Of that class
have since been gradually compelled to stop at
Warwick, four miles below the city. They next
found better security at City Point, fifty miles be-
low, and now the ships that receive the staple
productions of the State prefer TO anchor below
Harrison's Bar, ~sixty-fve miles from Richmond
The ships that would ascend the james with the
products and manufactures of other States and
nations, and which would return with the staple
productions of Virginia, are now obliged to clear
out for other ports, or come into the James under
a certainty of being impeded in their course, and
of being forced to anchor many miles short of their
destination"
This statement Infers a high reproach to the City
and the State. 1t presents a state of facts whicl
imply an almost incredible indifference to tho pub
lie advantage and prosperity. But, the argument
is as strong for improving the navigation, as for
the Rail Road.
The petition proceeds-"An intimate knowledge
Of James River below its falls, has convinced YOU
petitioners, that a Rail Road from Richmond tc
Harrison's Bar, in Charles City, would enable the