Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-04-19
REMARKS OF
MIR. II. G. MOrriSs. of A m herSf.

ny, ON the 23d Of March, lS52.-(Pa6-
t'shed by the request Of many members
ofMe Legisiature)
The subject under discussion was an
amendment offered by Mr.. Morriss to add
to the last clause Of the resolution of Mr..
Macfarlapd, which read "snd that the Leg
islature be earnestly appealed to. to pro-
vide the necessary funds" the additional
clause "for this company to construct the
Mr.. CHAIRMAN:-The subjec, under dis
cussion is not only of great importance to
this Company. but also to the Common
wealth of Virginia.
In the commencement of these remarks,
| wish to be understood as not being hos
tile to the water line. l wish our good
old commonwealth had the means not only
to construct both the water line and rail-
road, hut also the other great leading lines.
and all the improvements which the citi-
zens Of every section ofthe State desire.
l believe it is of vital importance to the
interests of this company that this inn
provoment at or near Covingtcn should
be changed from canal to a railroad, for
several reasons: Firstly, because in the
present state of public opinion, appropria-
,ions from the State cannot be obtained to
construct the canal over the Allegheny.
and that for railroad there is some pros
pect that such an appropriation may be
obtained. Secondly, because. in my opin-
ion, the former improvement will cost
more than double the latter, and that it
will require more than double the length
Of time to construct it. Thirdly, that if a
railroad be made, our interests require it
should be by the James River and Kama
wha Company.
1t is unnecessary for me to dwell upon
the probability OF obtaining an appropria-
ton from the Legislature to carry the canal
over the Allegheny; as it was stated at our
last meeting, and | have heard the same
opinion expressed by members Of the
Legislature, that ten votes could not be OBJ
tanned Of the present Legislature for that
purpose. Then, if the water line were
the most judicious, is il not unwise to per
sist in the determination to carry it on
under such circumstances? And ought
not even its friends to bow before the storm
thew cannot resist
l have seen but few persons who are
opposed to the water line extending to
Covington, Clifton, or the Cow-Pasture
river. as may be found to be the most ex-
petlient place to commence the railroad;
and, under these circumstances, ought not
all real friends of this Improvement to
unite TO carry on the water line as far as
it is desirable, and at the same time com
mence the railroad over the Alleghany!-
This road finds favor with large party
in the Legislature. and if the friends of,he
James River and Kanawha Company
would unite with that party, an appro-
priation would probably be obtained; for
that party wishes the improvement, and it
is Indifferent as to the company which
shall construct it. 1t believes. justly. tina,
the interests of Virginia require this rail-
road through the heart otthe State TO Ohio;
it sees that it will not only connect with
the Ohio river. but with railroads through
the States of Ohio and Kentucky. con-
Meeting with all the adjoining States. and
win command a good portion of the ton
mage and travel Of the mighty West; yes,
as much as it can transport.
Mr.. Chairman, railroad to the Ohio
has for many years been favorte i'm
provement with me, and l may be per-
mitted to read few extracts from speech
delivered by ire at the Wytheville Con
vention in the year 1877:
"In political point Of view, this i'm
provement ough, to lie greatly desired. 1t
will not only increase the feelings Of afiec-
ton between the citizens of the different
sections Of this State-not only add TO her
wealth, population and resources, but will
unite the Western States with bands Of
iron; yea, may say, with bands of gold,
to this good old Commonwealth; and il
there be any thing that can ever stay in
the Northwestern States the spirit OF q bo-
litionsm, it will be self-interest; and what
interest can he so strong to prevent this
spirit Of evil, as that Virginia has the pow
er to stop the principal outlet for their pro
dlc;sl 1t will also produce a free inter
course between them ard US, and they
will find that the Virginia slaves are per
haps the happiest lahorers in the world,
and that their sympathies have heretofore
been improperly excited But do not
intend to dwell upon the political aspect
of the subject, Notwithstanding | know
that the bosom of every true Virgnian
would swell with patriotic devotion-tha'
he would hug with delight to his heart any
scheme which will restore his native State
to the rank she formerly held in the Union;
and if she is ever thus restored-if her
mineral and agricultural resources are ever
fully developed-if her waste fields and
uninhabited forests ever wave with golden
harvests-if ever teeming millions are
found within her borders, it will be effect
ed by these 'iron horses which annihilate
space, and eat only fire and water"-tcan
only be effected by ajudicious system Of
internal improvements, Of which the rail
road deservedly occupies the foremost
place in public estimation.
IL contend that the Investment will be a
good monied investment-ihat the stock
will not only pay good dividends, but large
and thatit will, in all reasonable
probability, be the best stock in the United
States To sustain this position satisfac-
ionly, it is necessary to compare this rail
road with other railroads.&c. examine the
extent, fertility and products Of the coun-
try it viii reach, and the probability, nay.
certainty. Of this road transporting full
portion Of those products. and full share
of the travel from that fertile and extensive
region. tal II
"The products and trade Of the great
Valley ofth Mississippi, which this Rail
road is intended to enter, are enormous
The population of that great Valley is now
estimated at 100000. the products at
o0OoO0 900. and the merchandise to sup
ply their wants, at slo0.000,000. The
oroatar ,or,,o, ,f fbas O r,ratucta vprct find