Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-01-17
GOVERNOR JoHNsoN's SPEECH.

GOV6aNOA JSE4NSON'S oE66SA-
The great length of the proceedings OF the Rail-
I'D Celebration prevented US from making full
bort of the brief and pertinent remarks of Gov.
I5hnson, of Virginia, at the Court House We
nbion a reportfwhich is nearly verbatim, write n
out from our notes.
GOVERNOR JoHxsox, having been introduced to
ia audience by Mayor Nelson, spoke, substantial
IL, as follows
al do moi rise for the purpose of making speech
BIT to return thanks to you, Mr.. Mayor, and this
rge concourse of your citizens and citys guests,
l5r the courteous and cordial reception with which
have been greeted, on this interesting occasion.
1t has afforded me much pleasure to meet in the
ity of Wheeling, number of gentlemen, whose
equaintance and friendship 1 enjoyed in former
sars; and when contraStthe scenes on the spot
iFenty years ago, with those in your city to-day,
annot but share with you in the emotions of pride
nd exultation which you must feel on this, the
comnemoration of the great improvement which
rs this day been consummated within the borders
Hour old and beloved Commonwealth already re-
owned for so many glorious achievements, and
.DnSecrated in our hearts by so many endearng as
pciations. Permit me TO say, Mr.. Mayor, that
hall bear to Richmond Testimonials of the im-
rortant position which your city now occupies in
be State, and the unreasonable benefits which
bust flow from this great and mighty work-a work
hich is to link together the most productive por-
ions Of our country, and to pour perpetual stream
of commerce and wealth through its very heart-a
York for all coming tme-a work which, to bene-
Il, and enrich and bless all! (Applause.) We
Ire progressive people, and we live in day Of
Progress; when Railroads and the most gigantic
ploiects spring up by the hand of magic, and
enetIate regions before thought inaccessible to the
marches of science and art. But where, in all
Ibis broad land, is there work that will surpaSs
his in the grandeur of It's conception, in the gran
deur Of its execution, and in the grandeur OF its
aestiny7 Who can contemplate the scenes through
which we have passed, on our journey from Balti-
more to this city, without feelings of unutterable
awe Rnd amazement! Neither the snow capped
SUBMITS Of the AlIeghenies, the yawning abysses
below, the rownng terrors of steep declivities
could for moment impede the eagle flight ofthose
cumbrous cars, arrest the tread of that mighty
''Iron HoIse." nor did they falter in their speed
till the shrll scream of the whistle announced their
triumphant arrival at the placid waters Of your
beautiful Ohio. (Cheers.) When contemplate
the rugged mountains and the deep valleys over
which and through which was passing with al
most lightning speed, might well inquire was it
not scene of enchantment7 To one of my age,
accustomed to encounter such different scenes in
the same mountains and valleys, it seemed more
like enchantment than reality. But few days
ago, as it were, the same journey was toilsome
work of weeks. 1t was a journey anticipated by
many days preparation, and then the traveller
in starting felt that he was entering on danger.
Gus and hazardous undertaking. When contrast
those by gone scenes with the same journey now
accomplished in Is hours, while the scenes of yes
tert!ay and the present moment are wildly before
me, 1 feel indeed, that eulogium, however high
ly wrought, has exaggerated the genius, the skill,
the dauntless entrepidiy and the indomitable ener
gy of our people. Ireioice that live in such an
age and in such country, and that have the in
estmable privilege of claiming birth right and c-
zenship among people who have stamped the age
in which they live with substantial greatness
which poles the proudest glories of ancient times
join heartily. with you, MIR. Mayor, and fellow
citizens, in the congratulations of the present hour
on the mighty achievements viii CHI we this day be,
hold. thank you, once again, for the cordial re,
cepton with which you have honored me, and
shall cary with me to my latest hour the most crate
full membranes your kindness and hospitality
Governor Johnson sat down amidst the most en-,
thusiaStic applause.