Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1861-01-11
For the Newsdealer
A Progressive Age.

A Progressive Age.
Philosophy and reason teach us, where
there is no beginning there is no end.
This self-evident truth also teaches us,
that all Art, Science and improvements,
originated in man, and forced into active
existence by unremitted industry and per-
severance; and by combined action of in
dividuals, great and important under
takings have been accomplished, and in no
age do we find in given time, greater
advances, in arts science and progressive
improvements in the moral world than
within the last century. And without
attempting the detail of numerous events
and benefits flowing to mankind through
the channel of science and arts, we will
simply turn our attention to the almost
lightning speed with which communica-
tons are transmitted through our exten-
Sive country and also, the expedition and
case with which substance is moved and
transported from place to place.
These reflections have been awakened,
by noticing one Or two articles in the La-
mobile Nevsdealer, signed c. w., calling
the attention of the people of the Lamoille
Valley to the Importance and advantages
which would accrue to all classes of peo-
pie, by connecting the borders of Lake
Champlain with those of Connecticut
River, by means of Rail Road through
the Valley of Lamoille.
Although my advanced age deprives me
from taking any active part in its consum-
nation, nevertheless, | discover with
pleasure, disposition in the present gen.
Grafton, to plant the seed, which in due
season may terminate, and with uudev.-
ating attention and proper nourishment,
will in due time, produce its golden fruit.
The idea suggested of advancing the in
terest of this section Of the State, by in
ternal improvement is not new to me. 1t
calls to recollection my impressions many
years past, while acting as one of the Road
Commissioners in looking altering and
surveying leading road from the Lake
shore in Georgia, through the valley of
Lamoille to Hardwick. The committee
had occasion to examine pretty thoroughly
the feasibility of road being made, so
graded as not to be overhurthensome for
man Of team to travel; and although many
alterations were made to advantage, others
of more Importance requiring greater out
lays were omitted The Committee not
being disposed to overburthcn the inhab-
itants with taxes, but were unanimously
of the opinion that the time would arrive
when great OUTLAWS would be required to
advance the interests of The people of the
Valley.
| will now remark, that at the time the
General Government ordered two distinct
Surveys, in contemplation of Canal, con-
Meeting the waters of Connecticut River
with Lake Champlain, one through the
valley of Onion River. and the other that
of Lamoille, the Engineers, when nearly
completing their labors, met at Johnson
and compared notes. when it was ascer-
tanned there was vast difference in the
summit level of the two routes, and also
in the amount Of rock cuts and gravel ex-
cavations, and more extended curves, aside
from the angle of altitude, all in favor of
the Lamoille Valley. Whether the Re-
ports Of the Engineer were deposited in
the Secretary of States Office, or that of
the Interior at Washington, | am not up
prised. Should any further action be had
in relation to the subject alluded to, / may
be induced to make some further COM
ments and suggestions. I. w.
johnson, January 18th, 1861.
Written for the Newsdeaer