The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-04-13
4nhn,ond Dispatrh.
1.-THE Last Link"

Very many years ago there was q ceie-
bration upon the Potomac Of the compile
ton Of "the last link ~. e., the finish
ing Of the railroad line from Fredcricks-
burg to Acquia creek. A number OF gen.
slemen from Richmond met on the shore Oh
the Potomac like number from "ashihe-
ton, and all assembled in the hneiy-oeco-
rated saloon of tho steamer and enjoyed 4
repsst characteristic of the hospitality and
fine taste Of Mr.. MoNcuRE ROBINSON, then
the President of the line. Speeches iuil
of fine sentiment and wit we're made, ana
MATHEW ST. CLAIR CLARK and JOHN D
SKINNER, two of the best story-teilers then
in the world, made the sides OF oil present
sore for a month with laughter at their
capital fun. Some of the finest gentlemen
and best wits of the day were present, and
every one who was there felt that one oil
the bappiest things in this life would be
the celebration of ''las. link" once a
year.
Yet that "last link" was misnomer.
It was really no "last link" except as be-
tween Richmond and the waves OF the
Potomac. There was another link, OF tar
more importance, left to posterity to build,
and that was the link between Richmond
aud Washington. Such was the pressing
Importance of that link that the wonder Is
that it was not completed while yet the
"bearts Of gold " who celebrated tae last
link" to Aqua creek were oil living ana
full of geniality and activity. But, strange
to say, that other link is still to complete,
when many OF the choice spirits who
then fourished in health and hope are
sleeping in the grave. Such is the unac-
countable apathy that has prevailed in
Virginia.
The last link in the railroad lire from
Richmond to Washington is only forty
eight miles long. 1t is of the greatest mo-
ment that it should be built. The best in
terests Of Virginia demand it, and there
should be no delay about it.
The fret charter granted for building
road on the forty -eight-mile gap has ex-
pired; and now, as we have stated, its ex-
tension is asked for; thing never here
tofore refused in case of railroad charter.
Ten miles of the road have been graded,
and are ready to receive the rails, and the
company is now ready, if the Legislature
renews the charter, to build it at once. We
have seen letters which render it, in our
opinion, certain that the road Will be built
in q very short time. The means for this
are ample.
Some years after tho old charter was
granted the Legislature, under assurances
that the company organized under it would
not attempt to 60 on with the work, granted q
new charter to other corporators. But the
old company now show not only desire
but the ability to finish the important work
they have begun. The revival of their
charter is most reasonable and just. Ger
tainly it is not more unreasonable that
their charter should be extended than that
another charter should have been granted
after theirs had, and after they had done
q good deal of work on their road. On tho
contrary, it is far more just that their
charter should be extended than that O
charter upon their line should have beer
granted after theirs. The granting OF
charter carries with it vested rights, Whlcf
it is On act of infdelity in Legislature II
interrupt by the granting OF another.
The failure to build this real "last link
before this day is matter Of amazement
1t is matter of great public necessity, ano
Tho company now ready to build it ought
to be allowed to do go without the slightest
hesitation on the part of tho Legislature
There is no justice in any rivalry to their
proposition.