Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1868-12-04

From special telegram, in another col
umu, received by us on Saturday night last,
it will be seen that Gen. Williams z. Wick
ham was elected, by large majority, Pres
ident of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad,
for the ensuing year.
Col. Fontaine, who has been connected
with this Road for many years, since 1t was
the Old Louisa Railroad, and most OF this
time as president Of the Company, and whose
energy, enterprise and management has AID
ed largely in creating, out.. of almost COM
mon country road, railroad which in its
prospective advantages is scarcely equaled
by any in existence, has been deposed.-
From his long connection with, lifetime de-
yotion to and fine business capacity, as ex-
hibited in the results attained under his man
ayement, as President of the Virginia Cen
trial Company, we had hoped that he might
have been retained as President, at least,
until he should enjoy the fruition OF his en-
beavers, in the extension Of the Virginia
Central, as the Chesapeake and Ohio. from
the Atlantic to the Ohio.
The stockholders have decided otherwise,
and, however much we may have desired
the reelection of Col Fontaine, and the old
Board of Directors, our zeal for the compile
ton Ct the Chesapeake and Ohio, that I'M
portant link in the great through route from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, is not abated in
the least. The completion Of the road to
the Ohio is the great desideratum to Virgin
ia and Virginians, and, whether under the
Presidency of Col. Fontaine or Gen. Wick
ham sbould have the we'll wishes and best
endeavors of all who look to regain the for
mer prosperity of the Old Dominion
We believe that there were but.few obJec-
tions to the administration of Gen. Wlckham,
during the year, he was President OF the
company, and if he exhibits that energy
business capacity and zeal in the completion
of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, which
the times and circumstances demand, we
shall not be Of those who will deal in captious
criticisms of his post beN,m politics, which
seems to be the main objection urged against
him, nor will we throw pebble in the way
of his endeavors to complete the road to the
Ohio, but stand ready. to add.our mite, IN
any way we can, to aid him and his Direc-
tory in this important object to Virginia.
While we regret exceedingly the deposi-
tor of the old Board of Directors, who have
the proud boast Of having accomplished Sc
much for Virginia's greatest road, and for
whose retention almost every private stock
holder was enlisted, yet, after careful ex-
animation of the merits Of their successors,
we feel called upon to congratulate the Com
pany on the selection Of most efhcient
Board, composed as it is, generally, OF gen
tlemen of well known financial ability, who
,re calculated to exercise such an influence
abroad as will secure the funds necessary to
complete the road to the Ohio.
The retiring Board have our warmest
sympathy and our regrets that they have
not been retained, land the new board have
orr best wishes for the successful manage
ment of the affairs Of the company, and the
early completion of the Chesapeakeand Ohio
Railroad.
The question as to the extension OF the
stayiaw, after January LIST 1869, at which
time it expires, is exciting no little interest
throughout the State Meetings arc being
held and petitions, pro and con, are gotten
I'm. in which all the horrors Of the extension
or non-extension Of the law are portrayed IN
in vivid colors and forwarded to Gen. Stone
man. military Governor, Gen. Schoheld,
sec'y of War and Gen. Grant, Commander
in chief
The debtor and creditor classes exist in
every community and few isolated petit
tons, for or against, do not carry just
idea of the sentiment Of the people on the
subject. What the views of the entire peo-
pie may be we do not know, nor do We stop
to inquire, but cordially endorse the sugges-
tioa in the Enquirer and Nronainer, that
meetings be held in every county in the
State, the subject thoroughly canvassed and
the sentiments of the entire people of the
State thus thoroughly set forth, SO that the
Military Governor, Gen. Stoneman, in whose
province its seems to fall. many act with the
nroper data before him. There is but little
tine to waste, and. on subject Of such
seeming Importance to all. it behooves the
people generally to meet at once and express
their sentiments, so that tie best interests
of all may be subserved.
We therefore, suggest that meeting be
held IN every county in the State, where
one has not been held, and at as early date
as practicable.
As an initiatory step in the Valley, VIC also
suggest meeting Of the people Of Augusta,
ssn Saturday the 18th inst, to discuss the sab
ject, and express their sentiments. The first
Of January is fast approaching. The sub
ject demands a general expression and there
is no time for delay. We, therefore, call
upon all to come forward on the day named
and calmly consider and give expression to
their sentiments, whether it DO for or against
the extension of the law