Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-09-13

We give the proceedings Of this body this morn
ing, from which il will he seen that the result OF
oil their deliberations was TO ask Virginia and
Tennessee TO make them a Turnpike A mag
nifcent project to engage Convention for two
DAYS, and the conception within at least half a
century Of the spirit of the age! But If the Peo-
pie of that region are content with the prospect
of "small favors" il is no reason that others, who
look to an expenditure of money by the State for
something worth an outlay, should be equally con-
tent. We have no doubt the mere local interests Of
the counties through which Turnpike might pass
would be- subserved by such work, but it is not
project fl to be undertaken on State account. as
one likely to Justify contribution OF the whole
amount from the public treasury-or, what is even
Of much more consequence, such an Improvement
as can under all circumstances compete with the
powerful works North and South ofus.
We regret that the motion OF Mr.. Johnston, of
Botetourt, for deciding upon Buchanan as the
Eastern terminus of the projected improvement,
was not adopted-because II Is Indispensable, IN
good faith to the people ofihe middle region oithe
State, that an end should he put TO the tanaising
uncertainty which has so long Knocked their hopes
but we legret still more, that the enlightened
suggestion of Wyndham Robertson was not heed.
ed, to 90 in for Il Rail Road at That was
the original plan; and, in Judgment, it has
been weakly abandoned, for one totally Inefficient
for great State objects.
Mr.. Robertson, as we learn from the Abingdon
Virginian, declined acting as chairman OF the
committee to be appointed to memOralize the Le-
gisaiure, on account of the ncticiency, in his es
timation, Of the project proposed.
"The Convention he said had been there pro-
tine construction OF McAdimlzed Road, doubtless
from despair OF better improvement but sui, from what
cause the greater part o the members confined
by their credentials tina, description Of Improvement lie
had hence RETAINED from making any susion TO Rail
Road bringing into discussion subject which many Of
the members OF the might feel themselves
authorised to consider. Ills own convictions however
from such examination he had given the SUBJECT
clear aud strong that the improvement demanded by
the best interests OF both Virginia and Tennessee.
Rail Road from the James River to the Missssippi-to
stop, might be- for time, the Tennessee, but finally
reach the Mississippi Ii looked into, he conended, II
would be offer the shortest quickest cheapest and
best large portion 1T the Couederacy
the Union from East West, and small
the South also, while twoud afford al least equal adyan
tsges with Mechanical Road 10 the local trade OF th:s
region. With such, convictions, he could not do justice
he the proposed application for an inferior i'm
provement; though, If better could be got doubt
less, Of much value, and urgently needed by fine country
suffering under the blight OF long and lnexcusbe neglect
Upon the presentation OF these views his name was with
drawn, OF and the COMMITTEE constituted
ted ia the proceedings"
Whether Rail Road be TAKEN as Mr.. Robert
suggests, to the Tennessee, or others think
best, 10 tie Ohio, are for GOING THROUGH
with an improvement capable Of computing with
our rivals for the Western and South Western
trade. And here we may he allowed to repeat
our position on a former occasiun that ''the aa-
vantagcs OF tue line between Buchanan and New
river, over any Other line which has been project
ed between the Eastern and Western waters in
Virginia, arc twoiod: LIST, the route is more favor
able than any other. there being mountain to
cross on it: 2mdiy, the route between Buchanan
and New river, whilst, nearly as direct rs any
other practicable route, would be So much con-
structed of rail road to the South IYeSt, as well
as of the great Western line"
We do not know that our opinion will avail any
thing in the consideration of question Of the
We have no local considerations or interests 10
promo,e-we shall only gain by improvement,
that which any other citizen NAV gain from the
general prosperity ofthc State,-and therefore, in
the consideration Of all questions of public policy
we shall only look TO objects and results worthy
the position Of this great Commonwealth-great,
If the people but will it TO be so-conemptible. if
we sleep on in that nglorious apathy which has
thus far marked our career