Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-01-16

fact that the friends of the measure had thought {
proper to consent to a change Of the Eastern
terminus lrom Buchanan to New River. Mr.. |
+. described the peculiar wants of the people !
of the Southwest, cut off from every market. |
and poor in the midst Of plenty" for the want
Of chanEels ef connection with the rest of the
world. They demanded this measure, not as
a matter Of favor, but Of sheer justice. Other
portions ofthe State had been literally furnished
with improvement and the South West wish
ed TO know whether they were again to be put
off and made to despond for ever. Tennessee
was now awaiting the action Of Virginia and
would De ready to continue this improvement
to Knoxville. Mr.. I. described the immense
resources Of this section of country, which would
be developed. Besides IFS agricultural pro-
ducts, its mineral resources Were lnexhausti-
bic; such as salt. gypsum of lead. The pres
ent debt Of the State was lnconsldeMble, COM
| pared with her immense resources. 1t was I'M
portant that something should be done to ele
waite the sinking fortunes of this another OF
States and his constituents were willing, as
taxation which might become necessary.
!
similar appropriations. He opposed this bill
because it was deceptive on its face. t pro-
posed to appropriate $500, 900, when he was
!, satisfied that it would require 100000 or
| 100000 to complete it. The first 100000
would first be spent and then new argument
would be brought forward, to obtain much
larger sum. Mr.. l.. was opposed to thus re-
opening wild and eXtravagant system of In
ternal mprovement-especially when the State
was already involved in these improvements, to
about seven millions. This road while it
! would not realize the benefits predicted by its
friends, would tax and burthen the people Of his
section of country, who would derive no earth
iy benefit from its construction. 1t was fu-
nous policy to borrow money at 6 per cent. to
! be expended on works which could not realize
more than two per cent. MIR. l.. was for
total divorce between the Commonwealth and
these public improvements
M. Garrett moved to lay the bill on the ia
! ble
Mr.. Goodson hoped the House would not lay
on the table if they were to be killed off, as
he thought they would be, he wished it to be
done at once. ner tsa 5sa
MIR. Preston hoped the bill would not be laid
on the table; as the friends of the bill were
anxious to show that the bill was not deceptive
on its face. They wished the House to decide
the matter on its own merits, uRconnected with
other measures.
! MIR. Garnett withdrew the motion to lay the
bill on the table-but moved its indefinite post
( ponement-and called the ayes and noes.
| MIR. Goodson hoped the gentleman from Es-
sex would let the House take direct vote on
the passage of the bill. He wished gentlemen
to show their hands, If we are to be killed,
let 1t be done by one, instead of taro blows.
Mr.. Strother hoped the gentleman from Es-
sex would withdraw his motion, as the friends
ct the bill had right to have direct VOTE
Mr.. Haryie, without meaning to commit
himself on the passage of the bill, declared his
intention to vote against the indefinite post
ponement. urss
Mr.. Preston opposed the indefinite postpone
ment, and contended that this was the most APP
propriate and suspicious time for the State to
make this improvement. MIR. p. referred to the
present condition Of the public debt, and to the
sound state of the public finances, as fully JUS
tfylng the construction Of this vital measure
without embarrassing cur credit. The present
public debt was little more than seven mill
ions, of which more than four millions were
held in Virginia. To meet this, the resources
of the State were in productive funds, ,30l 900
part may be made productive, upwards of three
millions-lhus making, in funds productive and
unproduetive, eleven millions, to meet debt
of seven millions. Moreover, the amount of
assessed real estate in the Commonwealth was
two hundred and twelve millions, and of perso-
nal estate one hundred and eighty millions, and
only 1-2 per cent. ad caloresn on this amount
would pay off the whole debt Of the State
There was now an excess in the Treasury, and
he thought the present sound condition of the !
pu3iic finances, would eminently justify the /
completion Of this work. .9ss c
Mr.. T. referred to the limited facilities which (
had been extended to his portion of the State |
now suffering so severely under the want of (
communication; and described, with energy, !
the immense advantages which would flow from
this great improvement.
MIR. Kane said his constituents were willing !
to do all that the public Treasury would justi-
fy; but, as their organ, he must say that he |
opposed to this appropriation, in the present fl
nanclal condition of Virginia His county was
opposed to this additional burthen on them
Mr.. Preston had been informed that two
thirds of the people of Scott county were in ia
yor of this road. But if it were not so, that !
county had obtained all they desired; and it |
came with bad grace from them to resist this |
improvement, for the benefit Of their neghbors |
Mr. Broaddus of Caroline opposed any fur
Their appropriations to internal improvements, 4
to increase the present heavy debt of the State
MIR. b. referred to the experience Of the ruin
Gus policy of Virginia on this subject. The
present heavy taxes should be reduced.
Before the vote was taken, the House adj
journed on motion of Mr.. Garrett. , .ae
SENATE. s4ss4,
WEDNESDAY,, January 8, l045.