Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-12-04

OF this work unquestonaby are, those OF the James
river and kanawha canal are undoubtedly superior 1t
possesses the striking advantage OF lying hve degrees
south OF the great northern work and therefore, tree from
the ice which obstrucs the navigation there Tor SO large
proportion OF the year. 1t touches the Ohio river Tar
south of any water communication from the Atlantic
whatever; and at point south of which there can be
across the country water connection 1t will, after
the first OF November, command all the trade OF great
part of Ohio Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri
and most probably, of those regions lying still higher
up towards the sources ofthe Missouri and mississippi
for after that PERIOD it is unsafe to send produce morrill,
in the direction of Boston, New York or Philadelphia
striking and peculiar advantage presented by this
line, is its continuity: There is no necessity whatever
for transhpment. We will see canal boats, laden at
the falls Of ST. Anthony or Council Bluff discharging
their cargoes at Lynchburg, Richmond and Norfolk
The extent and fertility ofthe region through winch this
work will pass is unsurpassed by any accessible country
within the territories of the United States Superadded
to this, the rivers canals and railroads. emptylng INTO
and resting upon the Ohio and Mississippi, Will bflng
from the remote INTERIOR which in every direction they
penetrate, their contributions, to swell still higher the
rich tide OF commerce, flowing through the heart OF tile
commonwealth The trade in Indian corn, which has
recently sprung up, and is increasing with such suprs-
ing rapdlty between Europe and America, will be almost
monopozed by this line; and will OF itself, presently
build up and sustain create Norfolk must be the point
Tor its Shipment Tor 1t can reach there and be sent away
without the injury which is to sustain from deten,
ton at the southern points. Indeed, this line will
monopoize, in great measure, the transportation OF all
the principal articles OF food which produced in the
Mississippi valley tor consumption in Atlantic states
and in Europe. 1t fact universally known, that pro-
visions Of every kind suffer injury from the climate dur
ing their transit by New Orleans and through the Gulf
We have seen what the commerce of the lakes has
done for the States of Massachusetts and New York;
but the country which supplies sinks into comparative
nsignicance, when looked at by the side OF that have
just described, These are some, probably the most
striking but only very few of the reasons which present
themselves to the mind in behalf OF this great enterprise
To elaborate the subject would require volume. lear
nesty recommend the steady, energetic prosecution OF
the work to its completion.
The southwest is already provided with great
work-the central line accompishes all that is neces-
sary or that can be effected for the country through
which it passes The Louisa railroad is vending its
way slowly but most certainly to the banks OF the Ohio
The Baltimore and Ohio railroad together with the Che
sapeake and Ohio canal, provide northern border
with every facility Of transportation to market.
1t has been frequently proposed and very strongly
urged to construct railroad from some point on this side
Of the Blue Ridge to the Ohio river at Parkesburg 1t
would seem if even-handed justice required from the
legislature for that extensive fertile and prosperous
try, between northern line and the central CANAL
an improvement which would penetrate and pass
through it about midway | would advise the exami-
nation OF this route by competent engineers to ascertain
its feasibility and its advantages. 1t upon full intoma
ton this work should be determined upon and carried
out then four grand lines OF improvement passing from
the western limits OF the state eastward the Blue
Ridge, would pour the rich tides OF that really fine coun
try into the Underwater cities and would unite, in
common and familiar brotherhood, the inhabitants Of
all the grand divisions OF the state In place of three
divisions there would be division, and instead OF the
senseless jealousy which now exists one common nte-
rest as common parentage and glory, would unite
them in single effort tor the advancement OF the COM
mon happiness andprosperity OF all.
Another connection between the tlde-water OF Viz
ginia and the Ohio river by means of railroad has
been settled in the public mind will it be aban
doned until the work is completed. Its importance
one familiar with the results most likely to
from will doubt Its feasibility has been demonstrated
by actual surveys and the only question still in doubt OF
material moment to the project, is, at what point the
Ohio river shall be reached.
In determining this proper regard must be had to the
chartered rights already secured to other companies and
care be taken prevent rivalry between the works.
which might endar1er the complete success OF either
This great object can be attained in my opinion, by
lecting Louisville in Kentucky as the western terminus
be branch Of the Virginia and Tennessee railroad, the
Louisa road, or branch of the Alexandria and
Gordonsyie road crossing through Manassas gap and
passing thence westward to the proposed point The
route is accessible to EACH and will, in my opinion
ply remunerae the patrons OF each, although all OF them
should unite in the work, and depend for their profit
upon the respective branches connecting with the main
trunk, which would extend from Covington to Louis
vile. The construction OF railroad from Underwater
to Louisville, upon this route, has been avorte idea
with for many years. and am sure is one which will
challenge the appreciation OF all rejecting men, who
will take the trouble to investigate the subject.
The surveysof competent engineers have shewn that
Covington is OF easy access from Underwater. From
thence to Louisville, although engineer has surveyed
IT.
accomplishment. than any other now proposed, lying
between the northern boundary OF New Y ork and the
valley of Tennessee. The great barrier OF the Allegha
nv is upon this ine in the county OF Monroe, depressed
into gentle ascent scarcely pereepble to traveller
on horseback. The nsurrnountabe obstacle which the
Cumberland mountains present every where else, sinks
down between Virginia and Kentucky, at the head wa
tiers of the Sandy river in the county Of Tazewel into
a low and narrow ridge. he residue OF the line to
Lexington Kentucky, lies along easy and accessible
valleys and plains. From Covington to the Kentucky
tba
to Lexington is still shorter SO that, when the united
efforts of Virginia and Kentucky shall have accomplish
ed the construction of less than three hundred miles OF
railroad the falls of Ohio and the falls of James river
will be united by railroad and canal, bonds OF eternal
fellowship
The advantages of a connection at Louisville are
numerous and very striking. The navigation OF the river
below that point is seldom for any length of time, i'm
peded by ice in winter the drought OF summer and fall
Not above. With this connection the merchandise,
intended for the winter and early spring supplies OF
very large portion OF the West would most certainly be
distributed from louisville, having reached there from
the northern cities by this unimpeded southern route,
whilst the water communication at the North would nave
)een closed, 10 remain tor months afterwards. Nor is
here any railroad north OF us, which could compete
successfully, with this combined water line and railroad
n the transportation OF merchandise produce The
diminished distance and the mild climate must settle in
our favor beyond a doubt the question OF competition.
But this link OF railroad from Covngton to Louisville is
out very short in the great chain, OF which it will
certainly form part, stretching from the Atlantic
o the shores Of the Pacific The energy Of the Anne
lean people is aroused the subject Of this work. and
IS accomplishment has already been determined upon
he public mind Icanno be believed that ain improve
nent from which are to flow the most momentous re-
mlts consequent upon any enterprise since the dscove
of the passage around the Cape of Good Hope, will
,e long neglected by this great and prosperous nation
The fruits of our glorious with Mexico will be inn
,ertecths monument which the valor OF our invnci-
lie armies has erected to our national grandeur and
lown, will be unfinished, withour the construction of
his most stupendous work.
From the earliest history of the world down to this
Law the commerce of India has been the prize for which
he nations OF the earth have eagerly commended, From
he time when Hiram, King OF Tyre, sent his ships to
non down to the last arrival of British merchantmen at
he East India docks in London, there has never fail
ID stream, bearing upon its bosom spices and rich
ilks, jewels and pure gold to give wealth, elegance
efnenent and power to the nation OF people iortu
late enough to be its recipient. Great cities have
prung up under its invigoratng influence, and won
or themselves an immortal fame. Ppt commerce
hanging into different channel, has left these
pulent martsa "desoation and reproach." The same
Consequences which have followed for thousands Of years
tall in