Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-09-25
VANDAI.IA:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 95. 1888.

CUMBERLAND ROAD The completion OF
this road in a permanent and workmanlike
manner, as contemplated by the general 90
vernment, so that it may form the great tho.
rough-fare between the east and the west, is
unquestonably an object of great Importance
to this state. 1t is viewed with peculiar anx-
iety by all our citizens as an improvement
Iabout to afford increased facilities of inter
course with neighboring states; and more
Especially by those who are located on the
line of the road and of course consider their
lpecuniary interest, as well as convenience,
effected by its progress. The execution of
the work, however, has not gone on so rapid
ly the present season, perhaps, as might have
been desirable. Several causes have exs-
ted to interrupt or retard'its progress. These
however have been of such nature as to
attach blame to no one, in the opinion of
persons disposed to look at the subject with
any degree of candor. The prevalence of
cholera and other diseases on the road
and in the surrounding country, and tie ex-
IRENE heat of the weather, for time almost
suspended all operations. The suspension Of
Col. GreenuP, also, from the superintend-
ence of the road, and the necessary con-
sumption of time in the investigation of mat
tiers which have been preferred against him
(whether just Or unjust we do not pretend
to say) has unavoidaby occasioned delav
Some OF the matters preferred against COL
u, we are informed, will require decision
OF the question whether work of that des-
cription which has heretofore been accented
and paid for, fully answers the intentions of
the government, or will hereafter be accent
led at the hands of contractors; and it has
been deemed advisable not to progress rapidly
with the work till this decision shall have
been made
The officer who is temporarily placed in
the superintendent of the road, is DISPOSED
to act with promptness and energy; but is
at the same time anxious that whatever is
done under his supervision shall be effective
and permanent, and such as will stand the
irosts OF more than single winter, and show
that some progress has been made towards
the final completion of the road. He there
fore very properly defers letting out new
contracts and urging their execution, till he
shall be definitely instructed, and until he
shall be enabled by the aid of assistant sur
veyors and engineers, to bestow upon every
portion of the work a more careful supervis-
ION than has heretofore been given to it. Such
caution Is necessary, as is evident from the
present state of large portion of the work
which has been accepted The mason work
oil several bridges, which was supposed to
have been completed, either from defect in
the materials or workmanship, or perhaps
both, is already beginning to fall, and will
have to be rebuilt. In several instances al
so, we are informed, the grading at the ends
OF bridges, in consequence of the defective
construction of the masonry, will have to be
removed. Fifty or sixty thousand dollars,
and perhaps more, besides, what must be ex-
pended in taking down and removing old ma
terial, without advancing the construction
OF the road, have been laid out on work
which proves to be of very little value. In
der such state of facts, we cannot but
commend the caution of the present super.
intendent, in delaying to make extensive
contracts till definitely instructed. and until
provided with the necessary assistance.
But 1t may, perhaps, be asked, why is it
not determined whether Lieut.. Brown or Col.
Greenup is to be retained as superintendent;
and If Mr.. b. is to be retained, why is he
not instructed to proceed, and furnished with
the necessary aid? These are queries which
can better be answered at Washington than
here. We presume, however, satisfactory
answer is to be found in the fact, that both
MIR. Secretary Cass and Gen. Gratiot have
been absent for some time past from their
posts, and have not had time since their re-
turn 10 bring up the business which has &C
cumulatcd in their Offices. Mr.. Browns
report of the examination of the road, &c.
was forwarded IN time for him to have re-
ceived an answer several weeks since; but,
probably for the reasons above stated, none
has yet been received.
The last Advocate has few remarks on
this subject, dictated in spirit which enti-
| ties them to little respect. His eCumber-