Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-04
Direct Trade of Virginia.

We have always regarded this subject as
involving more deeply the commercial inter
ests of Virginia, than any other question of
State policy. The Importance of our system
of internal improvement We can all appre-
ciate. To the agency OF this system may be
attributed the rapid advance which our State
has made within the last few years, in the
development of the hidden treasures of her
vast mineral stores, and the appropriation
of this great interest to the wants and neceS-
sites Of the people; and as an important
auxiliary in building up, charging, and ex-
tending the commercial Importance OF the
State. To the inauguration of this great
State policy, may also be attributed, TO great
extent, the mighty ''swel-tde" in the great
current of agricultural products which now
throw into the lap of our markets supply
of the agricultural products Of the State, an
hundred fold greater than previous 10 It's cx-
istence. This is the result Of the opening
M of new avenues and new facilities, by
which a vast portion of the State can now
reach our markets. which heretofore were en-
tirely excluded therefrom 1t is also the
re suit, in part, of an improved system OF hus-
bai dry. which has been lostered and encour-
aged BY the opportunity which such facilities
have placed within the reach of the farmers
of every section of the State, to compete
with and enjoy the advantages OF our city
markets alike with those who nave hereto
fore monupolised this great advantage
Whilst. therefore, our system OF internal I'M
proyements have done this much 10 advance
the great agricultural and commercial inter
ests of the State, yet we greatly fear that
without the incorporation OF another system,
upon the internal policy of the State, the adj
vantases that have accrued, and will continue
10 accrue from the complete development oil
our internal railway system, will turn to ash
es upon our lips, and the advantages TO be
derived therefrom transferred, rs they surely
must be. to foreign marketS-will be witnessed
in the growth and prosperity of our Northern
seaports, that will be built up by our labor
and wealth The policy is none other than
that of direct trade to and from our own sea-
perts with the marts of the world. This ser
vitude to which our trade and commerce,
our monetary and our mercantile interests
have been reduced by this commercial dePeE-
dence upon our Northern cities, has ever
hung as a milestone around the neck OF Nlr-
GINA prosperity; and this day the producers Of
Virginia, the miners and manufacturers, lay
the rich reward of their toll, the products OF
our valleys, and the treasures OF our noun
tains, at the feet Of northern cities. and ask IN
return that which We should produce at home
or receive from first hands, freed from the
heavy duty which must be paid to the MD
die men.
Whilst this saving upon imports to the
producer by cutting of this heavy tax winch
must be paid to the middle men, would al
most be sufficient to pay every farmers tax
an equal, if not greater, saving would be
realized upon our exports by the double
percentage, paid to the northern consigneeS
or agent. We could more fully elaborate
this Subject by the charges which are paid
by our producers and manufacturers upon
the single article of tobacco. 1t Is not our
purpose, however, 1T this time, TO 60 into de-
tail. but merely to call the attention OF our
readers TO the Importance Of this subject to
the producers Of the State.-.h'r"'ay Ne'cs.