Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-12-17

capacity and value. But how rs 1t to reach those
poin'sl Money is indispensable, and the company
cannot raise it.
From careful consideration Of this subject. am
satisfied that the State may, with every short CROP
anticipate the of similar demands until
the improvement shall have reached the points
which have designated. The supply from both
Will he requisite TO place the revenue of the James
River Company upon footing of safety and indie
pcndCncc. And it may be remarked here that
one OF the great eNcellencies OF the Southwestern
railroad, as monied Investment, will be found to
'e under careful and judicious management, that
every ten miles throughout its whole extent, will
not only support itself, but will furnish large and
increasing supplies to the canal. As the State can
not abandon the canal, it is obviously the part of
true wisdom to complete it to the points indicated,
with every reasonable despatch. have pondered
most anxiously to the best means of raising the
funds for this purpose, and my conclusion is to
commend an issue OF The bonds of the company.
from time to time, rs they may be needed, to the
requisite amount, such issue TO be guaranteed by
the State recommend this mode of raising the
money, because | believe that when the South
western railroad shall be finished, the condition of
the canal will be emnently prosperous, and that it
will possess the means of rapidly discharging its
debts
1t cannot have escaped attention that am oppos-
ed TO the connection OF the Eastern and Western wa
tiers through the valley of the James River either
by canal or railroad. Canals are not adapted to the
impatient wants Of the age. The great New York
canal is protected by law against the competition of
me railroad running by ITS side 1fthe Pennsylvania
the Chesapeake and Ohio, and even our own James
River canals, were now new questions few would be
found so hardy as to advocate their construction AT
this time railroad is under construction between N
York aud Albany, parallel with the Hudson river
pennsylvania is constructing line of railroad be-
tween Philadelphia and Pttsburg, parallel with her
canal Railroads are projected both sides of Lake
Erie and IL is manifest that they destined to SUI
1 N n .x.fa, all
navigation. 1t is also agreed that a mixed line Of
canal and railroad cannot successfully contend for the
western trade should therefore be opposed TO the
execution Of the main design of the James River and
kanawha company, if it were entirely practicable
and we had the ampest means for its accomplish
ment am equally opposed TO the connection of the
eastern and western waters on this line by railroad
Ihe canal affords every reasonable facility TO the
country through which it passes; and for local DUR
poses the railroad is not required But by adopting
another route, the connexion between the East and
tne west can be easily attained, and immense local
advantages secured TO other large portions of our
State. The possible difference between the two
routes In the cost of their construction will find an
ample equivalent in the diffusion of these improve
ments. But the canal ought TO be extended TO the
point have stated The work already partially con-
structed, could be finished for smaller sum than
would be requisite 10 complete railroad. The whole
work, too would be homogeneous, and could be man
aged with more facility and economy than a mixed
Improvement. 1t would also enable them to nut their
ireights at lower rate than could be DONE the line
were composed of portions of canal and railroad i'm
provement.
have carefully observed this company for wears
am satisfied that its executive government is inef-
hclent. useless, and unnecessarily expensive. Its
condition is hopeless. With the State alone abides
the power TO preserve its vitality In this condition
OF Its affairs, With eye alone TO their improvement
recommend that the present executive government
OF the company be abolished and that all its duties
and powers be transferred TO the Board of Public
Works, which shall appoint President clothed with
all ms present and duties IL yyould
the expenses Of the company several thousand dollars
year, and give 1t, am persuaded, more efficient
administration
You will be informed by the report of the Board of
Public Works of the sale and purchase of the late
Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad, for and on &C
count OF the State, This purchase made princi-
paly with view OF placing the road at the pleasure
ofthe Legislature. The rivalry which had existed
between this road from the day it was opened, and
the Petersburg Railroad, had been so disastrous and
the loss to the State, both in capital and revenue, so
Serious that 1T was deemed paramount duty on the
part OF the public agents to acquire the control of this
road that II might not fall into rival hands, and again
become an instrument OF dangerous and destructive
competition This policy, Just and so reasonable,
was alone, am persuaded, in the contemplation Of
the Legislature on the passage of the act providing
Tor the sale OF the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad
10 no one was offence intended and most assuredly
none to sister State, with which we are united by
many ties OF interest and affection 1t is, therefore,
with profound regret, that have to inform YOU that
The Chief Magistrate of North Carolina in his recent
message TO the General Assembly, characterised the
act referred to the ''meIe euson of Jealous and
| hostile spirit, without object or meanng''
The Portsmouth and Roanoke Rail Road, under
The name OF Seaboard and Roanoke Rail Road, being
now The property OF the State, furnishes question
full OF difficulty. 1t will not do to revive ii as ri
val road-.o recOmmence that career which has al
ready proved so fatal. Nor yet will it be Just to our
citizens who interested in the road or to
he people OF North Carolina to leave it in its pres.
eht condition. Sincerely anxious to protect the in
erests dependent on this road, and yet bound so to
advise that the Commonwealth shall sustain no inju-
ny IN the premises, have, after much considerations
concluded to recommend the passage of a law that
VIII give the various railroad companies either of
| them, between the Roanoke and the Potomac con-
shutting what is generally called the inland route
inc right to subscribe for ourseventbs OF the amount
requisite to put it in prime running condition. and also
! TO put on line of boats in connection Herewith to
the city Of Baltimore; each share of stock to give
Vote and all questions arising out of this road in any
way to be lett to the appellate control of the Board
OF Public Works This plan will reopen this road as
1t formerly stood prevent the revival of dangerous
competition; restore to those dependent upon this
road their former facilities; relieve our railroads of
anxiety and uncertainty, and in connexion with the
Bay line OF boats, secure good dividend upon the
new investment
! deem it to be my duty to call your attention TO
the state OF our shipping interests. With unusual
advantages for ship building and heavy eyports tn
support it, vessel is rarely built and is as rarely
owned among us. Nearly the whole Of our heavy
exports and coastwse trade is in the hands of those
many oi WnoIn, III tiey dared, would excite servie
war among The timber of our forests is carried
to New England, with which 10 build marine to
transport produce. Even the oysters of our creeks
and rivers. and the pine woods which line their
shores, are borne, in bottoms not our own, to our
sister States. This untcward condition of our nav-
CATION interests is TO source ofdccp notification
Cannot these interests be improved Much can be
done by individual association. The dawn of bet
ter day. trust, is at hand. But legislation may has
ten the day when we shall be free from dependence
upon other States Tor the means of Transporting our
large productions to the markets of the world To