The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-10-29

how enjoy. Tint is-we should have the right
OF running a Ferry acmss the Elizabeth river, The
proceeds Of which would 90 into the treasury of
the Town, whereas the Ferry which draws largel
Iy more than half its revenue from the citizens of
Portsmouth, pours all its proceeds into the county
Treasury, when, if any portion Of it ever finds
Its way back TO the town. ii is granted as a favor,
a charity, by the Board of County Magistrates
which Board exercises q mos, arbitrary power
over the persons and property of the whole coun-
ty. Now we desire To have the privilege of dis
bursting our funds, which we can only do under
incorporated powers. and having obtained them ,
we can command our own resources, and afford to
pay a small additional expense to our municipal
officers for the privilege Of turning a large reve-
nue. into the common treasure, that will lessen the
load OF taxes, that every person feels, who owns
a house or lot in Portsmouth. Incorporation in
stead Of increasing the borthens, will reduce them
at least one third. Having satisfactorily answer
ed these objections, let us proceed 10
a. Incorporation would tend Ia produce unity
OF action, and concentrate public opinion upon
measures which would promote the general vel
fare OF the citizens whereas, now. fear and dis.
trust are exhibited, when any thing is proposed
which is calculated to operate generally upon the
property of all. Without any responsible head,
individuals justly objec, to committing their all to
irresponsible hands-they have suffered already
sufficiently by a policy which, if it has enriched
none. has impoverished many, and late events
have pruved that without Incorporation, and a re-
newal oi confidence in each other, we cannot hope
to regain the ground we have lusi-or take ad-
vantage of the prospect that now presents itself,
Of making up for past misfortunes-not to say
Encouragement. With these reasons we will
close for the present, and assert, without fear of
contradiction,
5. That Incorporation will give dignity to the
town-strenglh To its municipal oficers-peace
and security to its cilizens-.an independent Rep
resentativc in the Legislature work a great de-
crease in the burthens of our citizens, and finally
unite all parties in one, for the manifest benefit of
all. Such being our fixed and matured opinions.
we urge upon all TO throw away all minor obiec-
tions and come up to the work of INCORPORATION
with a will, leaving a few distinguished gentle
men, whose interests lie in the county, to oppose
it if they think proper. But let every one, shop
keeper, mechanic and laborer, whose interest lies
in Portsmouth put down his name on the PErI-
TON FOR INCORPORATION.
Wote.-As this is a question in which all parties
are interested and we have no disposition to with
hold light from the public we tender the use of
our columns to those who may differ from US on
this subject. We feel conscious that our position
is tenable and would desire rather than shun a
thorough examination Of the whole matter. We
have but these restrictions To put upon any gen
tleman who may desire TO use our paper for the
advocacy Of views adverse To the above-a leoible
manuscript, courteous manner, and brief articles
these three rules observed, will insure a speedy
and conspicuous insertion.