Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-03-23
MEETING AT FINCAsTLE.

The large and enth sisstic meeting of the peo.
pie Of Boictourt county, exhibits the absorbing
inter, st which is felt by the inhabitants of that
region in regard to the great improvement TO
which they were long ago entitled, by their posi-
ton, by their resources, and by every considera-
ton Of justice, eapediency, and good faith The
rejection, by the last Legislature, OF every move
ment to give them the aid which they so much re-
quirc, has naturally aroused an excitement, which
1t will be difficult TO aay, and which, we are hard.
ly prepared to say, ought to be aayed, until some
eff.ctual measures are taken by the Common
wealth to extend TO the upper portion of the Val
ley those facilities for obtaining access to market
which they so much need and which arc so readi-
Is granted to other sections of the State.
We perceive also. that in the county OF Rock.
bridge, almost the whole population are in molten
on this subject, and notices have been extensively
published for a general meeting of the citizens,
TO consider what action is necessary upon sub
Ject considered by every man of the most vital
importance. Indeed, party distinctions seem well
nigh forgotten in Rockbridge county, so intense
and general is the sensation which the action of
the last Legislature has aroused. We rejoice to
see that the people of the Valley have not given
way to encouragement or despair Let them try
ngain, and we assure them that they will be warm.
" seconded by their friends upon this side of the
mountains.
We will gladly give place to the proceedings
of the various meetings in the Valley. We will
cheerfdlIy admit, at any time, TO our columns,
calm and temperate discussion of the question OF
the James River Extension. Once more we must
say that we hope the people in the approaching
election, will see to it that they represented
by men of a comprehensive and liberal policy
upon the suhj.ct of this Improvement.
There is another topic, connected with the pro-
ceedings in Botetourr, TO which we will make
brief reference. We mean the Division of the
State. Ii our humble voice could influence cur
friend. in the Valley, we would beg them TO re-
ject all such thoughts from their councils. The
division OF the Comm DnwealIh, we believe, would
be deplorable evil to both Eastern and Western
Virginia. II is for the interest OF both East and
West, that the Central Improvement should be
extended it is felt to be so on both sides Of the
Blue Ridge. Let Botetourt, Rockbridge, and the
adjoining counties, seize the favorable moment
let them spread facts and arguments before the
public mind,-et them PERsEvERE, and they
must succeed. But, lei them not think of Divi-
sion, except an evil to be avoided, both on their
own account and that Of the State. At the same
Time, we must express the hope that the future
policy Of the Commonwealth will be such to
preserve real, as well as nominal, unity in the
hearts of her childrcD,-to extend to all, equal
privileges, and to make her citizens feel that they
are children of the same family, and regarded
with CQlal affection by their Common mother.
We have misIaid copy OF the Botetourt
proceedings. Will some OF our friends furnlh
us one for publication