Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-12-03
THE CANAL.

No stronger evidence could be afforded of the
fact that the public mind in Virginia is under
going great change in favour of "waer line"
communication between the James and Kama
wha, than the following sensible article of the En-
quirer. What was a short time ago derided as
visionary and absurd is now engaging the serious
attention, arousing the hopes, and winning the
appreciation of intelligent men throughout the
State We trust the Legislature will readily re-
spond to the suggestion of President Mason, that
a board of eminent engineers be instituted to in
vestigate and finally determine the question of
the practicability of the "water-ne:''
JAMES RIVER AND KANAwHA CoMpANY-Even at
the sacrifice of other matter which had prepared
better appropriate space than in pubishn
in full the lucid and unusually interesting Report of
| President Mason to the Stockholders of the James
River andkanawha Company. 1t will give our rea-
ders, who may not receive the report in pamphlet form
correct idea OF the condition OF the great central Vir
gina line at this day. Without intending any oppos-
ton whatever to railroads, where railroads are proper,
we cannot but say IN this connection, that then is
doubleday, within observation, decided change
going on in the public mind in favor of this cana. This
result, we presume, is attributable in small degree
the extremely able Supplement prepared by Mr. Joseph
o. Cabell after his withdrawal from the ADMINISTRATION
Of the company, and which published and extern
sively distributed by the company, in yindcao of IFS
policy and aim. Certain it is that when we see such
men as Walter Gwynn and John Y Mason come to
the consideration of such subject, and, after enining
it in all its bearings with the best of infoma ton
before them calmly make up their minds in tavG ofthe
much abused "waer line" we are constrainedto be-
lieve that be wholly destitute of claims the
| public approval
| Major Gwynn, the distinguished Chief Engleer of
the Company, in his report OF last year, expressed the
opinion, that the water line combines greater dvan-
tages than any other improvement that be evised
with view to develop the resources and ACCOMMODATE
the trade OF Western Virginia" And in his repo sub
mtted Tuesday last, he says; In relation to ne ex
tension OF the canal West of Covngton and the union
of the waters of the James and Kanawha rivers every
years experience and observation confirm neil the
views have heretofore expressed believe it eltirely
| the Allegheny"
We confess previous impressions have been rong-
~ against the praccabillty and expedency of the
line, on account of the supposed natural dfficuties-
but this opinion has been materially changed by ecent
| developments, and while far from being suffi-
GENTLY satisfied to commit ourselves to this police the
| considerations in its favor weighty enough sus.
pend judgment, until the subject is Thoroughly ex-
amned and the practicability of the work full and
clearly demonstrated. There will be time enoughhere-
after to decide that matter
| Wedeem it needless to refer to any special potion
OF President Mason's Report, whose satisfactory acts
and views will attract the attention of all The con-
dop OF the company is represented as favorabe-and
under its present management every thing will debit
less be done to push wisely and successfully ano tor
| the benefit OF the whole State