American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-12-25


su&jects" |, begin, with tho statement
shat ii, has not been for want of,ever-
ence for religion. or that no hus been
uumindFui OF Gods Providence our
people, that the Governor has omitted
- observe tho more form and fashion of
Executive Messages. 10 acknowledge
Divine goodness. He has purposcly o.
mitted 70 do go for the same reason that
he has, on every occasion when called
"n by the clergy or Others, declined TO
recommend or appoint day of Thanks
giving. This was for the reason that
State officers have no authority or pow.
er to intorpnse in religious matters be.
longing exclusively to private individn.
ais aud their voluntary chu, CHI organiza-
uuns. There Dug to be no meddling
at the State with matters Of religion and
faith. except To protect and defend the
freedom Of conscience aud to enfnrce
common decency. Any recommends.
ton from its officers in any form, is tn
some extent constr aiut upon the peo-
pie aud upon religious freedom.
Tho message then passesto other to-
pics; and first, to
THE PUBLIC WORKS,
Tho various reports Of tho Board aud
Supeiiutendents are referred to for de.
tails; aud pamphlet containing cor.
respondence with Mr.. Lacou,nre, for
the Governors own general Vows
This correspondence relates 10 Nj. La
couture's proposal of line Of steamers
with France. 1t is reinforced now 10y
remarks Urging that centre of trade
- i,li 81 10, 81,
cost of exchange, though the balance Of
uade be in our favor but the cost of
exchange is nothing Compared with the
COS, incident 10 the wan, of control ov.
rr the great monetary operations Of the
rnnntry, dependent upon Genital com
morciul power. 1t is not too much to
sey that this want will cost Virginia
more than the whole cost of the Gov
ingtnn and Ohio Railroad. This con-
troll cannot DO had without centre of
trade; aud that centre Of trade cannot
be- built UP without public works to
bring back county To some point Of
commerce. This argument is alone suf
tirirnt t" maintain the whole policy Of
State Improvement.
The greatest line Of Virginia. by far
is her James River and Kanawho Ca.
nal. Its pracricabiIity through the Al
Ieshany is beyond doubt though now
"ut Of funds and credit, it is pronuunc,
ed a successful work. The reports of
i's officers are referred to for details,
and tho Executive recommendation 81
last session earnestly renewed in favor
of the scheme to convert the whole debt
Of the company into st ok, tho State 10
lake its potion the debt in preferred
stock, and To sell 20 600 shares for fur.
Their construction Of Tho wori.
The work next in importance is the
CoVingrUn and Ohio Railroad. Refers
10 the report Of The chief engineer: ia.
>o,s al annual appropriation To it ufS2,.
COO, 900. Argues that il is no objection
l" this that 10 money can now be raised
since if none be raised none will be ex,
pended. Besides, some might be rails.
ed for instance % suggested by the
Engineer, by taxing old State bonds
f'Ufn contractors and CT editors az par on
condition that they purchase new bonds
III par. Therefore recommends an 40.
preparation Of 81, 500 COS to this work
nov but under the circumstances hes.
itaies 10 reCnmcnd any other oppropri.
a!lnn To public works for the present.-
but In consideration of the large les
tuns which the completion of the Al.
rxandria and Orange road TO Lynch.
burg would PrnbabIy OF once bring into
the Treasury. and Of its great inpor-
lance a. link Of great nsti"nal line.
recommends 40 appropriation to it Of
S25O,OO0.
Indeed, all tho unfinished works ap-
preaching nearest complexion, ought to
he aided at once, and 10 appropriations
ought To be made To new until these are
finished aud prof able. Therefore, in
order that they may not he seriously de.
isyeI and damaged, it is recommended
notwithstanding tho present monetary
crisis, that appropriations be- made to
the following works:
To the Covington aud Ohio
Road, $1,000, 600
Lynchburg aDdChar-
IruesviIIc Extension. 100000
NoIfoik aud Peters
burg Road, 600 600
York River Road. 200 900
Cleaning Of james 81
Appomatnx rivers, $50 600
Other wUtks, 200. 900
Making total opprop'n Of, $4,000, 900
The Winchester and Potomac Rail.
road Cor pauy desire charter to extend
thoir road up the valley 30 as to connect
with s0mo through line bot ask no APP