Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-03-23
JAMES RIVER s KANAwHA COMPANY

SPEECH Of Mr.. BoNDURANr in the Senate. o,
he 2si MareA, pending rloio-s 10 tiriks cut from Ia
BIZ for the reif Of fAs Jams River & KanatsLa Con,
TdHy, passed BY the Hons. Of Deissaes me claus.
limiting he TeEsf 10 mere eretarEs Of me Sloet o.
ne STATE for an e7VH! GnOt,ni of The Company, qua
raHisea Bonds.
Ma. SPEAKER Impressed, as I am. y~,-b the
Importance Of time-knowing, as DO, the anxiety
that prevails with members to bring their Legisla
tive lnbors 10 close, and return 10 their homes nd
families It IS not my purpose at this late period OF
the session. to irespass but very short time on their
! patience.
Notwithstanding the importance of the subject
under discussion, which involves, in my humble
Judgment, the best interest," the honor md glory OF
this good old Commonveallh.-And notwithstand-
ing the many charges of eXirnvagauce and misman.
nsemen which have been preferred sga inst the com.
pany, charges which | believe never would have
been made, II the accusers had been familiar with
me transactions Of the company, and knew but
1.-THE OF the difficulties, with which the company
have had TO contend in these Embarrassing and trying
times
! say, Mr. Speaker, that notwithstanding these
things, shall pass on without attempting to call 10
mind, or 10 point out, the innumeraLle blessings
which, in my opinion, would result TO Virgina. ms
State, by the prosecution and contamination of
this great line OF Improvement Nor shall stop TO
90 into an elaborate defence Of the company 1
shall leave these questions in other hands those who
have preceded me and those who will follow in this
ocDatei VINO, am well eatlshed, nre more cOmDe-
tent 10 the task than ansFand content myself by
presenting few facts for the consideration of the
Senate, which shall do IN rs brief manner as
practicable, and to which ask their attention.
Before proceed, however, MIR Speaker, land I
trust shall be pardoned, from the peculiar rels-
tionsI bear the Company. without wishing or de-
string that any portion Of the remarks that am
now about to submit, should in any manner be
considered as reierabio 10 myself to say n few
words in relation 10 the President and Directors of
al L I'D I IL.
the last six years | have been n member OF tie
Board, and feel that should be Withholding Justice
If did not avail myself OF the present opportunity
10 bear my testimony 10 the zeal devotion, ond un.
tiring industry, which has ever characterized the
President, with view TO the advancement OF the
interest OF the Company.
Nor can do less, MIR Speaker, than to testify 10
the industry nnd honest efforts Of my associates Of
the Board OF Directors, 70 guard, protect and I'D.
the interest Of those who have honored tho n,
with their confidence. Since my association win
them, have frequently known them, 1t their
monthly meetings, TO remain in session from 10 10
IL hours in the ~ and feel satisfied, that there
is not a member Of the Board who would hold his
Office for day, II no higher motive than his con-.
pensaton governed him.
The Canal is now completed 70 Lynchbure. Il
IS valuable improvement, giving great facilities TO
the produce and commerce Of the country.
Mr. Speaker, the President has been called BY
some on enthusiast, by others visionary n lie IL
moro enthusiastic IN favor Of this great improve
ment than others, II is, | am sure an honest en-.
thusiasm and may be accounted for from the great
labour and investigation he has given tho subject.
and the deep and abiding impre>sions nrod,c.d
upon his mind, thnt he s subscribing the best inie
l rest ol his State All who know him intirostelv
know hat Tor years past, he has devoted himself *
| clusivcly 10 this great WOrk-that he has paid
scarcely roy attention 10 his own domestic matters.
II this be enthusiasm, then is he Justly liable 10
/ The charge, and in no other sense whatever can
such charge be made. And, SIR am really sur.
. pr SEQ That SIC have not more enthusiasm IN favor
/ Of IN Improvement In which the whole State, as a
State, IS 50 deeply interested.
As % the chargo Of his being visionary. vyoplI
romark-ls the canal from hero 70 Luxembourg vision.
ary or reo0 il II subservng the public interest or
nof SIR, 10 s not visionary canal IL is practical
ard useful. Mr. Fulton, TIE frst who successfully
. applied steam 10 the purposes Of navigation. wa,
regarded visonary-so vas Dewitt Clinton. tbs
| great mover IN favor ~ the New York canal-but
time has proven The iilsty Of the chnfge as 10 bo.b
Sir, have never known any man engaged upor
my subject who devoted himself 70 exclusively I,
IL rs the President Of the jones River and Kama
| wis Company doss. lie is slow and cautious ir
| coming 20 conclusion upon any important ques
! ,i0n lie examines 70 closely IN aIl it. bcarioes-
| consults and advises with those IN whom he h'l
| confidence. Is this the character Of visionary
mani n 50. must admit that have been laborisg
! under a sad mistake.
The cost Of The canal from here 10 Lynchburp II
| estimated by the Principal kngneer, IN his Repor
| 10 The Board of Public Works, for the year 1910
pngo 500, at s32s57 per mile. Upon tho 27l miller
under con ract above Lynchburg, which extends Z,
North River there has already heen orponde,
above 100000 and from a .-l-iul estimate, tht
sum necessary 70 complete u would be abou
$4,000 which would make the cos, per mile
about $4,000, inclusive Of the heavy lockae,
through the Blue Ridge The State being part
nor, owning 5ihs. II the work il now abandoned
| or The means withheld to 70 on and complete Oh,
27f 70 North River, she will lose the $50 600, hs
3.5lhs Of the amount already expended, togothe
With damages which the company will bo liable fo
Ito the contractors, which mny amount 10 some 80 o.