Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-01-22
MAINLAND.

We make the following extract from the late
Annual Message Of Governor Thomas, to the &C.
neral Assembly Of Mar,i.
u gives US much pleasure to announce 20
you the opening OF the Baltimore and Ohio
Rail Road, rs far As Hsrpers-Ferry, for travel
and transportation.
This great work, now the most extensive
OF the kind on this side Of the Atlantic, long
prosecuted with untiring zeal aud signsl a.
bility snd fidelity on the part Of those imme-
distely charged with its construct ton, has At
length reached q point which justi6es the
expectation, that u will now cease TO be
burthensome TO the easury Of the state, or
the Individual citizens who have embarked
their capital IN the enterprise; indeed II is
believed We may calculate with confidence
on receiving into the treasury, IN future, from
that source, return for large capital expend-
ed in Its construction. Should this snticipa-
ton be realized, we shall have TO acknowi-
edge ourselves indebted to the projectors Of
the scheme Tor the possession Of a work Of
incalculao!o advantage To tho agriculture
commerce and manufactures Of the state,
aud the work itself will stand lasting mon
ument TO the liberal aud enlightened policy
Of tho State, and perpetual blessing 20 our
selves and 20 Pcsteriiy.
In immediate connection with this work
and no less Interesting To the State, is the
Cbesape axe and Ohio Canal, but we regret
TO say that its prospects, for early compile
lion, are not nj this time so flltte ring a. could
be desired. This magnificent enterprise has
been prosecuted 10 completion through more
than an hundred miles Of ITS course, with
talents aud zeal never surpassed, aud in a
manner To command admiration but Il has
! not yet reached the first great source of the
immense trade, desired ultimately TO be borne
upon its bosom-the coal mines Of Allegany
and now the available funds Of the company
being nearly, II not quite exhausted, this tru-
ly great work languished Tor want Of pecuni-
AIRY means for its further prosecution, and
the millions which have been already ex.
pended upon IL, must remain upproductive
and the inexhaustIbie mineral wealth, whict
awaits Its further construction, lie dorman
10 the earth, unless neacs are devised CT ca
tending to u further Pecunisry aid.
The hope has been long cherished, tha
the powerful arm aud abundant resource i
Of the Federal Government would be extend
ed ~ this enterprisei than which there i,
J certainly none more national Ia its character
or more Interesting TO the District over
i which Congress exercises exclusive jurisdic-
lion. And when u Is considered, that thi,
Improvement, originally projected To termi
| nate NJ the coal banks within our borde r.
4 East Al lbc suggestion oi tue euerai OoterD
meDt, and under its auspices, enlarged To
work Of indusputaLle national character, eI
tending beyond our limits aud terminating
upon tie naVIsable waters Of the west thai
\ upon tie faith Of this change aud the prom
h $50 which it held out Of the continuing "a Vol
and patronage Of the general governme OF
I indiv idusis as well IS the District cities and
the states more Immediately Interested were
insuced To embark their capital 10 the amount
4 Of millions, Il should not DO doubted tina
such further aid will be granted. VIII
equal confidence We may indulge the hope
that liberal contributions will be made 10 &C
compilsh this great undertaking. by the otbe
states concerned.
The course to be pursued By Maryland il
rcferepce to the deep interest which she hs
in this work and especially IS now connected
with the prosperity Of her great commercia
emporium-the city Of BaIt,more-b leG
entirely to your decision, IN perfect conf
dence, that it will be regulated by . just anS
liberal regard To the wsuts and interests .
our common constituents.