Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-03-02
THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.
BY RITCHIE & DUNNAvANT.
TUEsDAY MORNING, RARCu 2, 1885.
APPROPRIATIONS

Will the Legislature aot economically, or unwsey
in regard to appropriations for the public works, at
its present session. This is nterrogatOry that sp
peals directly to the patriotism, State pride and
individual interests of the people of all parts and
sections of the State AS yet the disposition of the
Legislators on this subject is unknown, even to them
selves. The vote on the loan proposed for the Orange
and Alexandra Rail Road, will, however, indicate to
some extent, the inclination of the minds of members
on the great question Of appropriations. We have
already and repeatedly urged upon the Legislature,
the propriety aud economy Of making euch provi-
sions as would speedily put into scve operation those
roads now nearly completed, and preserve from de-
cay thuse that require larger amounts to finish them
than the present monetary condition oi the Common
wealth would justify. We have endsavored to de-
monsrae that the finances of the State are not 90 re-
ducsd as to admonish the Legislature against appro.
praons, not extravagant is true-for that is at all
tunes to be deplored-but sufficiently liberal to keep
ths internal Improvement ball in steady motion
1t is with States as with communities, aud with
communities ss with individuals. Parsimoniousness
Is often anything but economy. And never have we
known an instance In the affairs Of Virginia to which
this truth is orciby applicable than the present
to the shore, that the fortunes Of Virginia are
more dependent upon the of the internal im-
provement cause than all other things combined. As
the shscked giant has power, which he is powerless
to use, so State with innumerabls and immeasura.
BILE resources Of wealth and strength, must remain
comparatively poor and weak as long as she is re.
fused facilities for the development of the advantages
with which she 10 possessed
The parsimonious man who prefers to hoard his
sbings rather than invest them In safe stocks which
would yield him handsome revenue, may accumu
late in lifetime a moderate fortune. But he can
never become millionaire. And it is equally true,
that the reckless speculstor and mprovidsnt advsn,
turer is almost surs later to bs reduced 10
peuury. There is, however, golden mean between
these two extremes, which, while 1t s safe against
disssters at the time points to the high road
Of prosperity.
The State of Virginia. it cannot be denied, is still
sadly 10 need Of channels Of commerce. This was
discovered not to-day yesterday, but long ago, by
discerning men, who had the public spirit to proclaim
1t, and to advocate opening Of all those avenues Of
trade and travel, which are so urgently demanded by
the interests Of the West and Of the East. magni
hcent system of internal Improvement has conse.
quently been devised, and carried out to an extent
which is already appreciated in Its active influence
upon individuals, upon communities and upon the
Commonwealth at large. But in the full tide Of i,s
successful prosecution, a monetary revulsion has
come upon the country; the wheels of commerce
are clogged; the thrift Of trade is impeded all
branches Of business are more or less embarrassed
and retarded and the rate OF taxation is high tbs
people will patiently bear. What i'd to be done asks
the advocate OF Virgiuss ntersss-the friend of the
internal Improvement cause. Shall the public works
be suspended Shall those roads, almost within an
srn s.reach OF completion, be left unfinished Shall
the great works that have been well commenced, and
which promise 30 much Of prosperity and profit 10
the State be altogether overlooked in the disburse
ment Of the public monies, because they cannot be
completed yet The voice Of Virginia, We thiuk,
would ssyN NO. The State treasury is not empty-ths
State credit mot gons-snd true sense OF economy
teaches us, that when it is necessary to eIpend one
dollar to render available and profitable FIVE or ten
that have already been invested it would be estrava.
9ancs to refuse; or, when are called upon for the
money, to put the roof on costly building which
we are are not yet able to complete to protect
it from the weather aud prevent Its decay, that it
would be the most reprshensible waste not to do
Such is the with the Legislature Of Virginia. in
s relations to the public works and to the people -
AS faithful representatives, men Of intelligence
aud enlightened sense of economy, we cannot but
expect that majority Of the gentlemen composing
both those able bodies-the Senate and House of De-
sgses-will be unwilling to return to their homes
til they have made such appropriations the public
eloqusntly and loudly demand.