The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-12-06
RAIL ROAD AND EDUCATION.
TOWN MEETING

TOWN MEETING.
Agreeably to previous notice, large meeting
of the Citizens of Portsmouth, convened at the
Town Hall Friday evening, Dec. 5, 1916,
without distinction of party, when James NJ
Binford, Esq, was called to the Chair, and Mr.
j. Rowland was appointed Secretary.
The objects of the meeting having been fully
developed by the Chairman,
Mr. John B. Levy presented the following pa
per, which after an able and fnrcble address by
John A. Chandler, Esq, was unanimously adopt
ed by the meeting.
Whereas at the last General Meeting of the
Stockholders of the Portsmouth and r. r. r. Co.,
it was determined by the Stockholders to petition
the Legislature now in Session to sell the Road
and grant to the purchasers Corporate privileges
with a view to new Organization
Therefore Resolved, That we, the Citizens
of Portsmouth in Town Meeting assembled, feel
ing the most lively interest in all that pertains to
the revival and continuance of the p s. r. r.
Road. do most heartily concur with the Stock
holders of said Company in their efforts to reor
ganize the same.
Resolved, That we believe a large section of
Virginia deeply interested in this improvement,
by means OF which that and portion of the State
of North Carolina have more direct cummuni-
cation with the markets of the Atlantic than by
any other route, and that by reference to the acts
and doiHgs of the Citizens of Portsmouth both as
town and people, it can he shewn that no peo
pie on the face Of the globe have made greater
if as great, eXertions in behalf of internal i'm
provements, than we have in efforts to CON-
sruct and sustain the p & r. r. Road We
cannot for moment doubt, that in view of the
sacrifices made by us and the utter ruin which
dpwn, that the Legislature will take liberal
view of our case. and pass such acts as NAV he
the means of Tevlving and sustaining the Road ;
and thereby confer on those sections of Virginia
and North Carolina, more direct communication
with the Atlantic than they can obtain in anv
other way; by which an impetus will be given
to business, which will in few years produce
snch benefits in Portsmouth and Norfolk as will
occasion them to take that station among the
Commercial Cities of our State and Country TO
which their location so eminentIy entities them.
As to the causes which have led TO the present
embarrassed state Of the Road, we refer to the
able Report of the President and Directors of The
Company, liz which Report we most cordially
concur.
We therefore respectfully ask the Legislature
to consider these Resolutions as the petition OF
the Citizens of the Town Of Portsmouth, co. one
rating with the Stockholders in their memorial
for sale and reorganization Of the P & r. r
Road.
On motion Of Mr. Chandler, a copy Of The
above Preamble and resolutions was ordered to b.
sent to our Representative, TO be presented TO the
Legislature, The deliberate petition of tn.
Town of Portsmouth.
After the passage Of the above Preamble aot
Resolutions, Mr.. A. F. Cunningham presented
the following which were also unanimously adopt
ed
Whereas, the cause Of Education is worth,
the attention of any community, as it involves
the happiness and the good ofmen. How shame
ful an indifference has been shown towards lhi
subject in our State, is too mournfully attesled b,
the facts which are apparent 10 all. We rejo!c
that new spirit has been aroused. and that Their
is hope that an earnest effort will be made Il
secure the adoption Of some desirable system o
school education, which shall bring within il
influence the masses which populate our Stale
and whereas experience has demonstrated, be
yond the shadow Of question, that to educate anc
enlghten the people is to lessen crime, ircreas,
happiness, and promote economy in the Admins
tration Of Government, and being firmly convinc
ed that a system of liberal Public School Educa
tion, will raise Virginia to the proud position she
ought to occupy, and secure to all her children
good English Education, which will prepare
them for the great duties Of life,
Rssotoed, That we approve ofthe Convention
recommended to be held in Richmond on the lOtt
day Of December, preparatory to action by lht
Legislature.