Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-05-15
THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER,
FRIDAY MORNING, MAYI5, 1857,
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GOVERNOR
WISE AND NJ LAEOIlIIrpE
- - N~N~N~~-0~N~NO~NO~-~
BY RITCHIE. & DUNSAyaNT.

E.h
WISE AND II. LACOUTURE.
We yield much Of our space to day. to tina COR.
respondence between Governor Wise and NJ. Lacou.
turs, an enterprisng and intelligent gentleman, who
is desirous OF the establishment of line of steamers
between Havre and the waters Of Virginia.
The elaborate letter OF the Governor is a musterly
piece of composition, as well as an abIe lucid, and
encouraging account OF the resources of yirrinia.-
1t bears throughout the impress of an energy intel.
lect confidence and determination of purpose, yer
thy its author.
The enemies OF our noble old State have been, and
still in the habit of ridiouling her decadence un
til there are those within her own borders who ara
actually deluded into the belief that the GREATNESS.
and glory. the pride and power of the Old Dominion
have departed forever.
1t is the hue and cry Of the abolition press, that
the resources Of Virginia are exhausted, that our
lands are worn out. and our people impoverished be-
yond the hope Of reparntion. And even in Virginia.
there is a somewhat popular sentiment that ths State
is declining in wealth and strength.
To all who have ever entertained such fears, we
would commend careful consideration of the Gov.
ernor's letter.
Previous to the commencement Of our magnificent
system of internal improvements, there pas reason
for apprehension that the State would be outstripped
in manufactures in commerce, in agriculture in all
the industrial arts, and scpsed by her sister States,
North and South. But the task has been begun; the
pent up waters begin to fowi our national advsn-
tages of autface, coil and climate developing un.
der the genial Influence Of an enteprisrg spirit.
The grazing grounds Of the West are beginning to
be visible to the East Day light is Ginning through
the mountain tunnels railroads and canals are
multiplying our mineral resources are attracting
attention agriculture is improving; our manufsc.
lures are fou,ishing our commerce ia extending.
Land and water. nature and art, God and man, are
combining and beginning TO work together the male.
rials afforded in the various resources of Virginia.
The line of steamers suggested by NJ. Lacouture,
e another evidence Of the imperative necessity OF
completing internal improvements speedily as
practicable. Agriculture, manufactures and CON-
merce must move onward together. They are the
great divisions Of exercise in the industrial economy
of nature.
Virginia is superabundantly supplied with all that
is necessary for manufacturing successfuly lands
are fertile and adapted to vast variety of producis
climate is tenperate aud We have water courses
and road steads equal to such commerce "a the
world has never seen. The interior is aroused. The
lands of the whole State are advancing n value aud
increasing in products. And all that is necessary
now place Virginia in the van Of her sister States
of the Union, is 10 complete her internal improve
ments and establish direct trade with important
ports in Europe.
There are several strikingly salient and powerful
points in Governor Wise's letter, which our limited
space will not permit to comment upon at present.
Every Virgnian should read and weigh well this
sterling State paper of his E1celency.