Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-28
Sc SexpssuosgD s9Sg1eem
ssaOssasssy EceNtHs, FEB. 81.
THE JAMES RIVER BILL.

putcd ability, ascribcd to the pen of Mr. Cabcll,
embracing connected history of the origin and
progress of the James River improvements, and
various interesting views, prospective and retro.
spectivc. 1t is matter of personal regret to us,
and is seriously to be lamerted for public reasons,
that the State papers of tho time, in numerous
instances of such nordinate length, as neeessari-
ly to exclude them from the public prints which
are compelled to notice u vast variety eff subjects
and cannet devote their space exclusively to any
one. This is American taste, and will after
while correct itself When those whose duty or
inclination brings them paper before the public,
discover that the public will consent to convert
an amusement into serious labor, and that thor
productions read or neglected, they are en-
braced within reasonable unreasonable limits,
the desire of being read will improve their taste.
These observations are not intended to apply TO
the report of which we speak, much to tho
general practice. We cannot help regrettng that
valuable information should be frequently lost
to the public, by the appalling shape in which it
presents itself The Bill and Report were ordered
to he printed.
The Bill is spoken of as being drafted with ADM
rable Skill precision and forecast, under the aus.
pices of gentleman deeply experienced in law
and legislation We have had no opportunity of
examining it, but have received from a confidential
source an outline of its leading provisions We
sketch these without reference to their order in
the bill.
l. Five Commissioners 10 be appointed by
the Executive to value the improvements con-
structed by the James River Company, from Rich.
mond to their western termination, exclusive Of
the konawha Road)
2. These Commissioners NAV call in two or more
Engineers, TO aid their judgment.
3. The principle upon which the valuation is
TO be made, is the probable value of tho improve
ments already constructed to the future Company,
and not their original cost or the amount of tolls
which they yield to the State. This is just
and liberal rule, which ifdeparted FROM and an est
mate placed on the existing improvements formed
upon prime cost, or the annual rent roll, could hard
ly fail to defeat the whole scheme. The lower canal
which cost 5000, 900 (or more) is worse than use
less-a positive and unqualified nuisance, if it stop
a! Maiden's proonging the trip, not
enabling the freight be increased and affording
the pretcncc for most unjust and cxortionatc in.
crease oftolls, especially tobacco. Those tolls
would be equally productive, if there were no low
er canal, provided the Tariff was as high By
either rule therefore, it would be absurdIy unjust
to measure the value of the first section of the
canal TO Maidcns Adventure.1
i. When the value is ascertained by them the
Commissioners to certify it to the Cd Auditor.
5. The value of the existing works being asce
tanned, books to be opened by the present
James River Company for subscription to the
stock of the new Company, at Richmond, Lynch
burg, Staunton, Fincastlc, Lcwisburg, Charles.
ton, and other places if advisable.
6. The capital of the new Company to be five
wifi he ivil Of
ing it &C cording to the wishes of the Company
7. OF this capital individuals are at liberty 10
take three ffths-thc State reserves the privilege
of taking two fiths.
8. So as the three fifths are subscribed bv
individuals, the State makes subscription of the
value of the existing works-n other words, that
valuation is to go towards the payment of her sub
scription of two ffths.
y. This done, the Company will organize by the
choice of President and yfUs mot enough) Di.
rectors.
10. State not bound to take but two-fi(lhs of
the original capital of five millions
ii. The Company is charged in consideration
oil the privileges and immunities granted it, to
connect tho tide water of James River with tn c
navigable waters of the Ohio, by Canal or Rail
Road, or both.
- 'ho connection between tho basin at
Richmond and the Port of Richmond, is part
of the line. Of we may say So we think it
matter to be regretted, that the improvement of
the lower navigation to Harrison's Bar, was not
comprchcndcd-a work strangely moderated in it's
consequence, and overrated to its cost and dil.
fcu;ty, by some of our wiscst hcads.)
10. Tolls on Canals not to exceed an aver
age OF 3 cents per ton, per mile. Discrimination
is de in favor of gypsum, coal, and some other
articles
IL On the Rail Road from the james to the
Kanawia, toll is not to exceed 8 cents pcr ton,
per nile. Passengers cents.
Is. On Kanawha River, tolls are not to OF.
coed cents per ton, per mile. Discrimination
in favor of salt and coal.
l6. If Rail Road is constructed throughout
the line, the tolls from Crows ferry to Richmond
4 cents per ton per me--from Richmond ia
Crows ferry, (upward) 6 ccnts-througb the
mountain section, 8 cents.
H. The Company is to be exclusively Trans.
portation Company--is made liable common
carricrs-is inhibited from buying and selling OK
ccPt in accomm rotation of its Company wants
The inhibition does not extend, however, to let
ting out water privileges, &C.
10. The maEimum of the Company's profits is
limited to Is per ccntum per annum. The Char
ter perpetual I'm Alabama limited to one hun
bred ycars)
~ The work must be commenced in two, ant
completed IN twelve years-failing which, the Com
Pany forfcits it's privileges to the State
20. Other improvements arc allowed to interscc
with TINS central line Of improvements.