Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-11-03


cured in Mr. Pcs,ons address. which published in
the daily 'Vhg Of yesterday. We have attempted to
correct them all in the Country paper of to day.
The lock ImprorenenL
We have adverted in several articles to the atter-
ing evidences Of general and increasing state Of
improvement throughout Virginia, as connected with
the State Agricultural Fair. Our views were confined
to the influence Of the farming intcrests-upon the
commercial, manufacturing and educational interests
OF the State-as the source Of State prosperity. We
by no means designed to throw into the back ground
or neglect the various other evidences Of enlarged
and enlightened State action nor do We wish to be
considered as disposed to pay undue honor to any
department of labor, or to neglect any legitimate
source Of improvement. However pure and strong
and vigorous the spring -head of the stream, its de-
scent to the ocean must be watched and its current
controlled and rendered subscrvicn to all the various
demands of man. The blended influence Of science
and art is ever needed in each department Of labor
Asa part and parcel OF the great system Of inn
provements-on the successful completion of which
SO much OF our future destiny depends, refer, with
pleasure to the completion of the Beck improvement
All who are now in our city should examine it, tits
another and long stride in the march Of internal i'm
provements. Ii connects the James River and Ka-
nawha Canal with Underwater, and secures the direct
transit Of Canal Boat loaded in the mountains-or
hereafer-(when the waters of the Ohio shall be
united with those Of the James, in the great West to
Norfolk. This improvement is another guarantee Of
the rapid and sure development Of the hidden trea-
sures OF Virginia, so long buried in her mountains
and lying unused in her fertile valleys We hope
the farmers now in our city will examine il for them
selves, and bear with them home distinct apprccia.
ton OF its Importance and general utility So consider
ell as hnk-and most important one-in the
greatest undertaking Of the age the connection and
practical union Of the waters Of the valley Of tire
Mississippi with those Of the Chesapeake can hut
impress each intelligent and patriotic observer with y
high Importance and general interests of the janis
River and kanawha improvcment.-In the ran
Developments and practical exemplfcatons of II
internal resources OF the great Wes,-so arden;lv
coveted and striven after by the Northern and Sou h.
ern Cities Virginia has presented TO her considc,a
TONS OF the most imposing influence ANY one
who will reflect the r.s. Liquidation Of ,h- s..,o
or consider the history of the early struggles OF This
great line of State improvement Clearing the impress
OF Washington's sanction, and illustrated by the
pens Of Madison, Jefferson, Marshall and their COM
peers and successors must feel that in tho compile
aon OF the DOCK connection we have sure guaran-
tee of the rapid and successful prosecution of the
great central improvement.
While on this subject so fraught with the dcsti-
MES Of Virginia, it may be amiss to dcprecate the
unfortunate spirit Of rivalry and dscord which have
hitherto marred the public deliberations on this sub
Ject We have expressed our sincere qualification Mt
the continued and successful enterprise of uniting
the great farming interests of the State Nav we
not express the hope, and urge the propriety Of n
similar spirit, on the inject of internal IMPROVE
mentsF As county Agricultural Societies tend to
strengthen and build up local Interests, and thus i'm
prove each neighborhood and county preparatory to
tho grand State exhibition where all ryaries ergo
In the noble sentiment Of State development so should
the different and subordinate lines of improvement,
unto 'heir energies in fostering and promoting the
successful prosecution OF the great central line OF
'mproVement-the canal to Covngton, and thence the
rapid completion Of the Covinrton and Ohio railroad
ihere Is not III our estimation, lateral or batteral
improvement, in the State that will not derive essen
tal aid and pecuniary benefits from the completion
Of THIS great line Of improvement I, will bring trade
and travel enough for all. I. will throw into the
State atvarious and divergng points trade and travel
suhcient to sustain and make prosperous every line
OF improvement, rs it will feed and build up all
the chief and intermediate towns and villages. For
example, increase the population Of Norfolk, Peters,
burg, Lynchburg, Alexandra and Richmond. to
quadruple their present number, and by the same
means render their local and transit trade eight times
as great rs at present, ask, will not each road now
built or to be built, derive proportional increase in
trade and pro6tH win not each intermediate or
proIimate town realize a corresponding impulse p
VIII not each farm receive proportionatc increase
IN valueS VIII not the resources Of the entire State
be aggrandsedS
Whi'e, then, we urge on the farmers continued,
united harmonious, enlightened, patriotic union Of
their exerons on the subject Of State agricultural
Improvement may not yood faith, and with zeal
urge on the consideration of every ,rue-hearted yr.
gnian, resolute and patriotic devotion to the rrea,
leading improvement of the State, on the completion
OF which depends the and rapid advance Of
industrial pursuit? We commend the subject TO the
careful consideration Of the farmers now present. and
we repeat the expression Of the hope, that they will
lot themselves examine the dock improvement,