The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-05-20

RICHMOND, MAY Is. 1876

Editorial Correspondence.
ysa RICHMOND, May Is, 1853.
This enterpsising city shows the effect of its
liberal appropriations to the construction of i'm
provements. The romantic falls Of the James,
which have so long excited the admiration of
the tourist, and the indignation Of those prac-
tical persons who see no use in a stream unless
it is indentured to the mechanic arts, have been
traversed by railroad bridges; the lovely little
islets have become unsightly quarries; the will
full current has been turned and damned at
every point, and the holiday of centuries in
which this noble stream has been INDUCED bids
fair to terminate in prolonged bondage to the
loom and anvil
The immense deposits of coal, the rich
mines Of ore, the abundant supply of pro-
visions which lie around and above the city,
are also put in requisition, and every indi-
cation is presented that Richmond, long re-
nowned for the warmth of its politic.l war
fare, will become the hive of more profitable
industry. Indeed, the rapid extension of this
0o0usAo SasJ -ASS DAOChc Vi uduOSOIuS DWELLINGS,.
itsgas-lights, water-works, omnibus lines, work.
shops, wholesale houses the employment of
the fine granite upon which the city is based,
instead of importing that of Quincy; the erec-
ton Of public buildings; the improvement of
public grounds-all demonstrate progress that
does not spring from casual or adventurous
impulse, but from the determination of the citi-
zens to employ the advantages which nature
has bestowed.
Indeed, there are many evidences that public
sentiment here, as in many other southern
cities, is taking different direction. The
evils which exist are no longer attributed to
political causes; nor are the remedies resorted
to of a political character. There seems dis
position throughout Virginia to take the admi
rable advice given by the cloekmaker to the Ca
nadians; "Give up politics-it's barren field.
and well watched at that; where one critter
jumps fence into good field and gets fat.
more than twenty are chased round and round
by whole pack of yelping ours till thew are
fairly beat out, and eend by being half starved,
and are on the lift at last. Look to your
farms-your water-power-your factories and
: fisheries. In short, look to yourselves and
don't complain Of Others"
These admonitions may be we'll commended
to the politicians of Virginia; for since the new
system has been introduced of opening an &C.
count with each State estimating the clerk
as the integer and ministers and departments
as multirles thereof, committing honors into
dimes and eagles, and thus changing the Off
cial stations which each State receives as a
political advancement, to be rigidly accounted
for in the distribution of the inheritances-
Virginia politicians find the political pasture
much circumscribed, and must betake them
selves to some other calling. New York. Penn
'ylvania, and Ohio, with their immense popu-
ation, take the front seat at the feast of patro
mage. They conduct the policy of the Govern
ment-fill its most important missions; whilst
regiments of clerks and legions of tide-waiters.
Indian agents and steamboat inspectors, secure
to those enterprising States the natural reward
Of prosperity and political influence. The local
enjoyed by the great cities of Phila-
delphia, New York, and Cincinnati, is not. we
believe, under the system of equalization
charged against the States to which thew re-
spectively belong.
Virginia, having great number of citizens
and willing to serve the public re-
stricted to her rateabie share of the Federal
appointments, and having very few local ap-
polntments, tlhds large surplus of patriotism
for which there is no adequate market. Hence
the deep anxiety and active competition
amongst the distinguished statesmen @whose
friends are pressing their claims" upon the
Hence the disconsoiate an.
plicants for consulates in any port. harbor, or
haven, who scare not what lands" they are
borne to, so not again to their own. In like
manner the reduced representation which has
resulted from the almost stationary population
OF the State, has compelled the Congressman,
after the manner of unfortunate mariners, to cast
lots who shall be sacrificed for the maintenance of
the survivors. Thus Messrs. AvERErr and Be-
COCK, whose names you must have often seen
recorded among the ayes and noes, are thrown
into the same DISTRICT This district. extend
ing nearly from Hampton Roads to the Hi
wassee, is not large enough to accommodate
the expansive patriotism of these gentlemen.
Their friends kindly convene at Village ap-
propriately called Competition, and there con-
Ter upon MIR. BocoCK the sole honor of repre-.
'enting the district: To this DR.. AvERErr
1emurs; first, because the convention was of
hat kind technically called s'packed;" Sc
'ondly, because the nomination of Mr.. BococK
was based upon certain charges affecting the
personal character of the dissentient doctor.
Therefore, he appeals from the unjust decision
It Competition to CHS old neghbors and
riends." From this appeal there is like to
'e no definite result, since Mr. WoorroN,
IN the Wing side, has made himself a party, |
md bids fair to nonsuit both his competitors.
1t very plain that all this difficulty results
rom the limited number of offices and the sur |
Illus supply of patriots; for ifsanother district !
'onld be created, or diplomatic uniforms made |
o fit the person Of the incensed Or. AvERErr. |
harmony would be restored, and the clock |
work. Of the Republic go on as regularly as |
eretofore.
The same difficulty has likewise occurred
other districts. 1t may be corrected by the !
administration in the manner intimated' and |
% other; for Virginia, like Rachel, will refuse |
be comforted for the loss of her children. |
ecause they were not-provided for.
The policy Of the Wing party in Virginia |
as been, however, unwise. The State is i'm.
lutably democratic. The Congressional dis
riots have been, after nearly ten years delib.
ration, 50 adroitly constructed that the Wings.
minority Of only 5000, have been deprived
any representation whatever. The same
rincple of intolerant exclusion is spreading
13to every department Of official patronage
he members Of the Board of Public Works
ave been appointed by conventions, and the
onors will be conferred upon individuals
rho have not been distinguished for their SER