The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-12-28
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

To the Citizens Of Ricimond:
Years ago, John Marshall, then CHEZ
Justice of the United States, issued an
address to the people of Virginia urging
and imploring them to secure the CON-
merce Of the West by some Improvement
to the navigable waters Of the Ohio.
What he then said is equally applicable
now, but with this encouraging difference,
that more than half the distance has been
accomplished, and with some little eXer-
tion on your part the railroad connection
may be completed in less than six years.
Let us adopt his argument and act upon
his suggestions.
You will be called upon on the 3lst of
December to vote upon the subscription
by the city to the preferred stock Of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company,
and it is with you, fellow-ci citizens, to
determine whether this great work, so
interesting to Virginia and to your
selves, shall succeed or shall totally
fail. You are now to decide whether it
shall raise US to our former rank among
our sister States, or add one to the exam
pies already given Of the ruinous apathy
with which we neglect the advantages
which Providence has bestowed on our
country with so profuse hand while they
are seized by others. With the aid that
the credit Of the city enables you and
your Interest invites you to give, direct
and safe conveyance to this city VIII be
furnished for the produce Of the country,
and you will participate with your sister
States in the rich commerce of the West.
Withhold this aid, and all improvement OF
the present state of things is hopeless.
That commerce will be diverted to other
States. and this State must seek in them a
market for its own products.
In former years, no State in the Union
was accustomed to exercise more influence
in its affairs than Virginia. We know that
this influence has diminished, aud is con-
tinuing to dminish, because we have not
kept pace with our neighbors. Our COM
MERGE with the western States depends on
you. Unless you will now come forward
and make an effort to regain your share of
it, it is gone forever. 1t is now divided be-
tween New York, Pennsylvania, and Mary
land, and no portion comes to Virginia. I
sayiit depends particularly on you. The
counties near the line Of the railroad have
made great eXcrtions, and may do more if
SaSUuAo6So ny Soui olu. Dut tL6y cannot
Of themselves accomplish this great work.
Richmond must put forth it's strength. or
it must fail. You must show that Won are
willing to participate in its burdens as we'll
as its advantages. Never can an occasion
otter which would urge you by stronger mo-
yves to make every effort in your power.
Inc considerations of a public nature
"ulc1 ought to be felt by every Virginian
"no 1oves his State and values it's rank
nave ma already been suggested. New York
rMiaaeiphia, and Baltimore have already
enriched and are daily enrjcbing the State,
10 which they belong, while The largest
Towns Of Virginia have made incopsderabis
progress. These cities are still advano oU,e
WIN uncomfortable rapidly, because sA lug
w udye wisely s:y opened the channels through
w wmSn distant commerce. NAV ponr s s,a
wealth wealth into their bosoms, wb iI"' o,, It's
remain closed. But in addit;o mh, nc ours
CONSIDERATIONS of public natI ~ these
SW1oress themselves enna,im 9'ure which
o rast0ian others peculiar ~ v 70 every
lug osn' 70 operate on Won yourselves
hoid property in the c; yTu' All who
VINO RESIDE in it-haye motive. r u, all
themselves which ought to be We ; pueGhar to
ALLOW me to place some Of the m reststiole.
Gus before your eyes. N "'S' obvi-
Ihe length Of the road is only 4oo u;,o