The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-04-08

r,o u1;o does not understand the Dis
mitch. 1t notices the preference the Dss-
match avows for Southside consolidation
over the compacting and strengthening
combinations adverse to that; and it con-
tends that now is the time to secure the
former and defeat the latter.
In our view, the proposed Southside com.
b;nat;on docs not bring into play the real
forces of Virginia. 1t deploys one wing
and the tip end of the other, while the cen
ire and main power is left out OF TIC t9h'.
That is a great misfortune and whatever
NAV be done for it, this piece of strategy
cannot present the main strength Oh Wiz
GINA for the protection OF her lh'efes's
AGAINST the hostile tendencies which have
been installed by the maddcst policy that
eyer cursed a Statc-a policy due to the
fact that people gave direction to improve
mcnss for which they had not to pay. Com
hinations we're formed by small towns and
obscure communities that paid little in the
wav of taxation to build railroads which
we're paid for by other people. And those
roads were located unwisely: not at all with
reference TO the general welfare OF the
State, but for mere local qualification.
The result has been that many towns ana
counties have derived little more beneht
from the roads whose route they controlled
than The mere excitement of beholding the
trains flying through them.
We do not well see how, just now, great
deal can be made out of such q system OF
roads as we have. The Wig believes that
time will only weaken the power OF VIZ
ginia to resist the agencies hostile to her
commerce. We think that time Will
strengthen her power to do this. When her
status is firmly fixed, and she takes full
control over her own local government, we
shall see a great change wrought: There
will be an increase of both wealth and en-
terprise in the heart Of the State, and the
interests of local character will becomeso
multiplied that they will be in. the next
year or two much more powerful for self
protection.
We repeat, that the changes will be rapid
and great. Look at the Chesapeake and
Ohio railroad. 1t is dcmonstrable that that
Improvement must be Virginia work.
That it will cause a great revolution IL COM
merce for the advantage of this State can
not be doubted. Add its consequences to
the effects of the introduction Of 10th ropu-
lation and capital to the James River VAL
lev, and we have an increased strength for
the maintenance of the integrity Of Vir-
GINA trade and enterprise that will 60 far
towards her successful defence. There Is
no danger in delay, and strong grounds to
believe that time will be favorable to the
interests We should all, as Vjrglnlans,
maintain with all our heart and strength
First give us the good government OF our
own experienced, capable, and honest peo-
pie, and all these things will be added unto
us. The hour of weakness is not the best
for the consideration of the complicated
questions presented by these railroad dis
cussions; and they are calculated to di-
vert the legislative mind from the great
work of the recreation Of Virginia and the
breathing into her. body the true Promo
thean FIRE Of public spirit and political
force.
Therefore, let US take time for the strife
that is now prematurely pressed upon U.s.
There is no danger in delay. Next year OF
the year after We shall have flood OF light
thrown upon the true interests of Virginia.
and vastly increased strength for THEN
protection. This is our policy-these arc
our grounds for it.