The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-10-18
THE BLUE RIDGE TUNNEL.


Some Of our friends have enquired Of us,
why we have confined our attention so excu-
sively to the Danville Railroad, to the exclu-
sion Of the Central and other improvements
Our reply is, that every other improvement,
worth The name, in the State of Virginia, has,
as far as We know, been able to force its wav,
without our assistance. But, in this respect,
the DanviIe Railroad has been particular
unfortunate. Destined TO tap one o the ricn
est countries in the United States, it has re-
celved degree of opposition, not only from
the friends of rival schemes, but even from
numbers living in the very region through
which it passes, and the lands of hch it must
necessarily enhance in value, to degree Of
which neither they nor we can form the reno
test conception. Nirg inians, men affecting TO
be anxious for nothing so much as, the prosper.
lty OF Virginia, have been found, who hesitated
not to strain every nerve, to prevent this, a
Virginia railroad from penetrating neighbor-
ing State Believing that The road would
be one Of the most beneficial to its stock holders
and one Of the most beneficial to Richmond, of
all others IN the State, We stepped in to its de-
fence, and we are happy TO say, that its friends
at least think we have done it some service
A the same time, we have never underrated
the importance Of the Central Road. True, we
have never been able, entirely, to forgive the
diversion Of it from the course which it was
beyond all doubt, meant to pursue. True, that
diversion has given birth to the Manassas Cup
II D
ton Of what would have been, her most valua-
bic trade. True, We cannot believe that it is
right IN stockholders to consult merely their
own interest, and not the intentions of the Ie-
gslature. Yet, as the thing is irrevocabIe, we
have long since resolved to make the best of
it. We are well aware that the Central Rail
road is a great public work. Il we were ever
disposed to deny it, the aspect of lis depot
would effectuallv silence all cavilling. Nor
has it yet begun to show what it can do. We
must wait until the tunnel shall have been
completed, and that brings us to the subject
more Immediately under consideration. We
would premise that we getour information from
headquarters.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel is, undoubtedly, an
object Of very great interest to the citizens of
Virginia. Not only because it is u work en-
gagged in by the enterprise of the State, but be
cause, in itself considered, the undertaking is
magnificent in its conception, It's construction,
and lis consequences. 1t is equally due to the
numbers who enqnirngly regard lis progress,
and TO the energetic contractors who conduct
the work, that report should be made from
time to time by those acquainted with it for the
qualification Of the enc and encouragement of
The other party.
The progress made during the past month
has been greater than at any previous period;
the headers having advanced llS feet The
circumstances Of this fact can scarcely be con
sldefeI as forinilous. The rock, perhaps, WAS
ii'ile more favorable than usual, butthe great
energy Of Mr.. Larguey, who has charge Of the
work. has been, and will he, chiefly the means
OF driving it with The greatest rapidity 10 i,s
ultimate completion.
IL is not sale 10 say, when this event will he.
Judging from past experience and geolopic,,
appearances, very hard rock NAV NJ fines 10
expected through The mountain. ,honuh MA:
very extensive strata. Ga The other hand :;
mol 10 be supposed that greater advance nh,
'e attended by corresponding delay on account
OF increased haul of The material, and sccnmr.
'a''ons OF smoke and water. Proys;o,
'naue Tor removing these inconyeniences viii
some slightly Increased expenditure. I'm, ~
'oss oil time. Indeed previous to ,b;s mo aa
mas been made 10 Withdraw the sr,ol
tue ,aoo'efs henceior"ard, fresh air will be
supplied aud nc ea~ed facility thereby p;ven
10 The prosecution If h work The on,n,;,.
u wafer has not as YET, become SO great as s..