Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1852-08-06
RICHMOND ENQUIRER.
" 7Ei,DNEsDAl MORNING. AUGUST 8. 1892
INTERNAL, IMPROVEMENT.


ae eratied 10 see disposition manifested among 'e
people, both East and West 10 consider 'e SUBJECT VI ~
nal Improvement, OF primary interest " u''' i"'
h,s heen other wise! Yet it has always been acted
upon with the promotion OF local interests or Tie
advancement, of local objects Improvements of general
have projected and occasionally paronzed by
The Legislatures but rarely, except when by ogroling, with
local schemes, could work. promising any thing
like general benefit receive aid from the Treasury. This
consequence growing Of general dis,rus in The
soundness of the small local schemes rather Than want III
conviction in the propriey of the greater What little has
been done 10 carry out any Thing like general scheme Of IN
proremcnt calculated 10 benefit the whole people oil virginia.
is due 10 great variety Of circumstances and cases OF log
rolling 1t has the State eight millions OF dollars
represen ted in the internal improvement unprodsc
tire Investments Still however not TO esteem these in
vesments entire losses. Many OF them have contributed
greatly 10 the development OF local interests and enhanced
the value of surrounding property and while they return
nothing in Of dividends YET they Indirectly enlarge
the subjects Of taxation and available means Of the State
Whatever may have been the popety improperly OF The
course OF legislation which brought about the present
di,on OF things have ErappIe with stubborn facts
they been turned over 10 Us by former Legislatures
The government is bound not only 10 administer Inc
assets of the old but lake the inheritance, with all The
conditions which folly prejudice or extravaganza has placed
in the ncumbrance 1t would be vangor achieve
ment 10 prove that the msches Of the old government
the work OF the East of The West of the Wings The De-
mocras or combination Of all together. The positive
errors and the gross negligence OF the old may
through many years; and yet the present govern
ment should occupy quite as many them out and
censure the censnrabe still nothing practicable would be
attained Something practicable and manly must be done
The people must and they will consider the subject 10 lis
appropriate bearing upon erintcrests; viewed constant
continuous and abiding interests TO be enjoyed BY Them
selves. and transmitted TO thr! children
The peculiar geographical divisions OF the State t"hch
have constituted political by organic w ought rather
TO have proved The necessity Of ntsang system OF gen
era and enlarged Stale improvement break down the
tural barriers well calculated make enemies Of those
had else been friends But these divisions having been
adopted political boundares the purpose OF apporon
ing governmental power 10 some extent rather contribute
10 the continuance Ct local ds=ensons than the removal OF
the evils existing.
The Legislature, tied down with all the local prejudices
and parliaiies excited b. supposed pecua. and con-
ctng interests hch intervening rivers! valleys and noun
tains maze in this commonwealth, will hardly DC
able to advance great of the whole unless by
concert OF action the people shall Indicate liberal
and enlarged view OF the subject in such manner as 10 jus
y the departure of their representatives from the old sys
tenn. II is difficult indeed determine upon the bes; plan
bring proper feeling upon the subject and make
that feeling available before the Legislature without adapt
ing large and expensive scheme OF improvement as TO
be greet danger of its breaking down with its weight
Yet will not despair.
We hope much may be done the Convention proposed
TO be held at Union in Monroe county the 18Th inst 1t
appears 10 be meeting Of friends of improvement called
from every par, of the State for the purpose of unresancd
reflection discussion and the Lcgisa
ture without regard geographical political divisions
Ii hoped that this body will be composed OF our best saies
msn that they will bling TO Bear patriotic views arguments
and recommendations which will make feel as we all
lived side of mountains in the valley,
aad the river Were this possible, Virginia would
not oag remain sourn Stale in the Union. Prosperity
would the enterprises OF those beyond the mountains
well this side; and of those in ynnder valley well
in this We shou!d be people We should be allie 10
with the unity and power like other States requiring
less improvements and which beaten in the race to
prosperity.