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


ting together by mutual concessions the various plans
the engineer would be as likely TO abandon what was
correct, that which not To obviate this dit
hcuy, would recommend constructing plan, cor
Tecy and nicely drawn, OF every thing which is un-
doubtedy right and from this plan copperpate both
to be carefully preserved Upon these would be added
from time to e all new surveys, locations and obser-
vatons-and whenever maps should be struck OFT
another copperpate copied improved from the stand
ard, and filled up correctly as the materials would
permit might be used. In the course OF time the prln
cpal plate would be completed without losing any part
OF preceding abors.
The person, employed to prepare and correct the
maps should be good draughtsman, surveyor and
mathematician, capable of taking astronomical obser-
vatons to rectfy the of surveys, and wthal,
an intelligent man. for this business presents consider
able difficulties. He must discover the errors of
veys furnished him. Even when correctly made these
surveys require considerable notifications. Take, tor
example, a long line of improvement running East and
West On the PLAN the merldans are all parelle on
the map they are not. On the plan account is ia
ken of the different variations of the compass along the
line which should be done on the map SO that when
properly reduced the line between the extreme points
no longer straight line, but probably avery irregular
one, which will dspace the intersections OF mountains,
streams roads and the locations OF towns from what
appears the plan Of the Improvement. Astronomy
cal observations important points furnish the only
mode of proper rectitication. Boye has given
number ofthem, but it is all we know OF the correct
points or parts OF his map. Inc Typographical lea
lures of them are even important than the form of
the counties because they will never change. The
ranges OF mountains, courses oil streams lines OF I'M
provement and towns should be particularly attended
to, as to form complete Typographical and geogra-
phca representation OF the state 1t will OF course,
take years to finish it. But upon the p an recon-
mend the progress will be steady, and ultimate success
certain.
Besides the astronomical observations already obtain
ed we can avail ourselves OF the coast survey to form
the basis and of this operation. presume that
there will be no difficulty in obtaining copy OF that
survey.
Under the provisions ofhe Code have caused map
ofthe state to be commenced upon the principles have
lust indicated.
The cent? al authority of the United States for the in
dustria exhibition, to be had in London in May 1851,
issued to the governors of the different states and terri
tories formal request that they would appoint local
COMMITTEES for their respective states in order that the
citizens thereof might possess every facility Tor the re-
presentation of their various products at this exhibition
of the industry, genius and skill of all nations" | re-
ceved this request the 3lst October and few days
thereafter appointed committee for the purposes in
Dictated. This committee has been mos: actively en-
gagged upon the subject and have recommended several
important measures which, whilst they are fully and
warmly approved the executive has authority
ny out These shall be submitted to the legislature in
the course of few days. so soon as report which has
been called fsf, can be obtained from the committee.
Should tsy legislature concur with the committee and
the executive instheheasures recommended, its imme-
date action will be necessary.
The sale OF portion OF the public ground and the
purchase of another lo heretofore authorised by law,
has rendered the construction OF an expensive stone
wall necessary. 1t has been discovered that part of
the ground supposed to belong to the public square, is
really owned by some infant heirs. which will render
necessary either its purchase from them by an acable
suit, or its condemnation for public purposes
An enterprise of somewhat novel character has
been undertaken by the worthy and public spirited
items of Fredericksburg. They are proposing to
tablsh a female seminary upon more extensive plan
than has been heretofore tried in Virginia. When We
reflect upon the powerful influence which is, in our
country. exeed by women, and their participation in
the early education OF all, we cannot but be struck
with the inadequate assistance afforded by the authority
Of the state to facilitate and perfect their mental cu
ture more eligible point could not be found in Vr-
gina for the successful contamination of the project,
than The one chosen. 1t is easy of access entirely
healthy, and in the bosom OF population inferior
in America in purity of sentiment, elevation of
character, and grace and dignity OF manner. l will
lay before you, in few days, memorial from the us-
tees, setting forth its claims to your support and
mend their application to your favourable consdera-
ton.
Since your adjournment the nation has been plunged
nt the deepest grief for the loss of the President of
the United States. He breahed his last n JULY at the
city OF Washington. No incident could have produced
greater shock more nsetound ard SINCERE sorrow
ne patton Knew hin 70 be great III The held, and neg
tl.es9 s issl honest the caifet All fiefences
buried in the grave that contains him. and henemorY
OF few will live longer in the hearts OF his county
Your serious attention should be directed the suit
now pending in the supreme of the United States,
in the name of the state OF Pennsylvania against the
Wheeling and Belmont bridge company. The preten-
sion which it proceeds, is an encroachment on the
exclusive and sovereign authority OF Virginia; it IS IN
direct opposition to legislation, and viola
the honour security and welfare OF the state and for
the interest OF citizens, demands the adoption by
the legislature OF such measures may be calculated
TO establish the right, and maintain lawful Jurisdic
ton against such claim urged by powerful COM
monwealth. Ii precedent should be established by
the decision of this cause, in manner uniavourabe to
the company and to the state II Is to be feared that It
would effcctually and forever prevent the bridging OF
the Ohio, at or anywhere below the city OF Wheeling.
The general assembly, at its last session, satisfied
that the proceeding against the Wheeling bridge was
and " Iaal n
Pennsylvania, and sustained by futile allegations
acted that the bridge should be deemed of lawful height.
But is asserted by Pennsylvania that her rights are
paramount to the authority OF Virginia, and that the
uct of this therefore invalid, though its appca
ton entirely confined within her boundaries. The
claim thus put forward extends over the whole river
which forms the Western boundary OF our state. 1t
has teen insisted that the ordinance OF congress- passed
in 1887, declaring that the navgabe waters leading
into the Mississippi sha be common highways, APP
pllcabe this case; that it is, within Virginia,
of superior obligation to her own legislation and
that under 1t Pennsylvania is entitled to maintain
this action These positions are all contested by
the company, and with good reason. But it they were
all sound, such ordinance, when regarded
rule of action for state ought not to be construed
as to deprive her OF the authority to establish works OF
public utility, and In the attainment OF this object, to
impose limits that exercise OF the right of navigation
by her citizens equally with others. OF the pro-
priey of the limits actually imposed by the construction
OF the BRIDGE by the declarations OF the state, she is
the proper and sovereign Judge.
1t will be perceived that the principles involved in
this are OF the gravest moment to the rights
and interest of the commonwealth; and it may be
well questioned whether private company should be
subjected to all the expenses of heavy litigation in a
suit in which the state is principally interested and in
contendng for decision in which, if obtained, the
slate must be the chief beneficiary | would therefore
recommend such legislative action as will protect our
citizens against oppression our rlghttul Jurisdiction
against successful encroachment and will not leave
the whole weight of state duty, and of expenses
incurred for the benefit OF the state, the shoulders OF
private company.
The legislature last year made handsome donation
to aid the Colonization society in its labors OF philan
thropy The money appropriated under that law
has not been called for to any great subject
still demands your earnest attention. The free people
of colour occupy anomalous position amongst
us. They have now scarcely any of reemans pri-
yiIeges, and not much Of the security pertaining to
slaves, in whom they excite feelings of jealousy
while they are regarded with suspicion by the whites.
Examples of intelligence, honesty and worth, not
wanting amongst them; and probably for this reason
the harsh often proposed in the legislature, BY
those who feel the evils of the increasing numbers OF
these people, have not been carried into laws That
this population has grown to be an evil, all admit; but