Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-04-11

tury ago. Aud Judging from the liberali,y Of the
British Government in constructing the Welland
canal around the falls OF Niagara, II may be
doubted whether if we had remained British
colony, We might not before this time have had
somo improvement made for our benefit. Al all
events we should have had the right Of running
the James River, without being subjected to the
payment OF exorb,an, tolls without receiving any !
corresponding benefit.
For ourselves, we ftanSly confess, We are in
favor Of taking off all restrictions, and suffering
the Batimorcans to carry their road through any
part OF Western Virginia, that We may have the |
same advantages resulting FROM choice of mar
ke's, that are now enjoyed BY our Eastern breth- !
rem, and that, whether the canal is carried on or
not; We are against all monopolies, especially |
when they are enjoyed at our expense.
But II majority Of the people Of lTcsiern
EtrgtniG will be satisfied 20 take the canal alone,
II !: can be goI we VIM acquiesee We conf
are taken off, we shall at no dis,an, day, see
branches Of the railroad extending through the
heart Of our country, and that in the course of
few years, when we shall demand fair share Of
the representation in the General Assembly ac-
cording to population, we shall have so increased
in wealth. that our Eastern brethren will 10 lon
ger say to us in effect, as they have insul,ingly
done, In times past, in reply to demands for
our due share in the representation in the Assem-
b'y-you are too poor to he honest. We will not
ics YOU nave representation In proportion To
your numbers, least you impose too heavy a tax
on our property, to obtain money to make roads
and canals In your mountainous regions. BY the
year 1850, the census will show heavy majority
OF white population on the West side of the Blue
Ridge, and it will then be for that majority to say
whether 1t will take the power into its own hands
or leave ii with those who are so regardless of
our rights and interests, that they will not suivr
us to trade with others, afford us the Ia
cilitics OF trading on fair terms with themselves.
10 the people of Rockbridge ~e would say,
come forward and speak out fearlessly and freely;
you cannot be reProached with having failed to
contribute your full share in money TO the support
Of the State or General Governments. The graves
oil many OF your fellow-citizens Of this and other
Western counties, may still be found the
shore, where they march d TO defend the property
OF their Eastern brethren. You have contributed
your full share of tho millions which are annual
iy expended in building Notifications and ships
OF War for the protection Of our Eastern From
tier. For yourselves you needed no such protec-
ton; your own tall mountains, and stout hearts,
will furnish all the protection you require. You
have not been in the habit of calling upon Her
cuies tor aid, but with magnanimity of which
mere are few examples, you have subjected your
selves to tax, by which more than fifty thou
sand dollars have been raised in the last ten
years, and expended in improving your public
roads. But when you have been prohibited by
State policy from obtaining the immense advan-
tages which would have accrued from the OPEN
market in a neighboring Slatc;-when YOU have
been promised channel of communication TO the
metropolis OF your own State, and induced to en-
bark your money in the enterprise, and perceive
That the enterprise is about to he abandoned, be-
lore you have derived the slightest benefit from
1t, 1t is time for you to speak out in language
not TO be misunderstood
we propose that general meeting of all the
citizens of this county shall take place at the
Courthouse on Monday the first day of April
next, for the purpose of securing to ourselves,
and the other portions Of Western Virginia the
means oil carrying their productions to marked.
And we take the liberty of suggesting, that when
assembled, you cause memorial to the General
Assembly to be drawn up, asking the restrictions
TO be taken off, and the Baltimore Company per-
mitted to extend the branches Of her railroad
through any part of Western Virginia she may
mink proper: Or else IA memorial, asking that
lhe Legislature will either progress with the Ca
nal without delay, or suffer the railroad pass
through any part OF the State Of the Blue
Ridge, as majority of you shall deem best al
the time OF the meeting. We will also suggest
the Proprety of your appointing numerous de-
legation to meet such delegations as may be APP
pointed by other counties interested in the Canal
and other internal improvements in Western Vir-
GINA, In this town, at Lewisburg Buchanan or
elsewhere, in July next, to determine upon such
measures as they may deem best calculated 10
promote those schemes of internal improvement
which may be considered most beneficial 20 this
portion Of the State.
Ii we have expressed our feelings more warm
Iy in some respects than shall be approved Of by
some OF our countrymen, or if we have thrown
out Suggestions which they may think had better
not been made, we trust they will not for that
son refuse 10 do any thing towards securing to
ourselves the benefits of internal improvements
And we trust that we have said enough 10 satisfy
all Of the absolute necessity Of prompt, energetic
and determined action on that subject.
ROCKBRIDGE.