The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-02-18
>, The Lynchburg Convention.

1uS 1SitCI1UuIS SCakSeiitiou'
We are not at all surprised that the
Lynchburg Convention refused to approve
Of the proposition for straight line Of road
from Ccvington to Richmond. We expected
Chat, knowing what sort Of views would di-
rect the majority of that body.
LIST. This result is matter Of the least
possible moment. The straight line in
question depends altogether upon its prae-
feasibility. That can only be settled by
survey. We have not been amongst those
who are very confident that it is sufficiently
practicable TO warrant its construction. 1t
is alleged that it will be saving OF ten or
fifteen miles in comparison with the Lynch
burg route, and there would certainly be a
limit TO the sum that it would be prudent
to expend to save that much Of distance.
But in any event the majority which com
posed the Lynchburg Convention have no
intention of taking part in any road that
comes straight to Richmond from Coving-
ton. Nor do we believe they have the
slightest intention of contributing any mo-
uey towards the shortening and improving
of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad by
way Of the Lynchburg route, which that
company is authorized in it's charter to
adopt.
I'd. The project of the majority of the
Lynchburg Convention is only just now
skirmishing for position" They have
no idea of building Immediately the "e1-
"tsnsion Of the Southside railroad to Co.
ssuington' A touch of railroad bed
here and there, and beginning at the
boring of hill at some intermediate point,
would suffice to establish claim to right
of ,ody, which is the main point ct issue.
We may say very frankly that Rich
mond is not so deeply interested in the
question as some may imagine. Sothat she
has her straight road to Lynchburg and q
consolidation with the Virginia and Tennes-
see road and the road that connects Lynch
burg with Covington, built by whom it may
be, she is protected. Her force, numerical
and commercial, will have it's just weight,
and that is what she wants.
But we consider it just, under the laws,
that the road from Clifton Forge to Lynch
burg should be part of the Chesapeake
and Ohio railroad. The charter of the
company gives it to them. Furthermore,
it would be wrong to deprive them OF the
freight which, from the easier grades of the
Lynchburg branch, would take that route
in preference to crossing the hills OF Bath.
1t would be monstrous outrage to take II
from them. We consider them entitled to
the route legally and morally, and have
little doubt that they will possess it, and
that they will build the road along it much
sooner than would our friends, who are, as
We believe, prematurely agitating the sub
iect to get an advantage while the Chesa-
peakc and Ohio company are buslly en-
gagged in the western extension OF their
road to the Ohio river.
Sd. 1t is, indeed, premature to raise this
question now. We do not wish to stir up
any strife about it. We will not refer to
matters that might be legitimately dis
cussed. There are great many strings to
this bow. One will do now. The interests
of Richmond in the subject are not 50 vital
that she should feel alarmed in any event.
1t is question chiefly interesting to the
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad but we sub
nit whether it is fair just as that company
has entered upon it's undertaking. to put it
to the task of defending itself from hostil-
ity. 1t might at least have time enough to
consider it's interests and determine upon
i;s own plans. The country is justthrough
period of war and political strife, when
has go Frustrated it that there ls little pro-
liability of getting the means just now to
enable the company to 60 on with the dou-
BILE work of making it's western extension
and building it's James River line. In this
dilemma is it fair to attempt to hamstring
it in the manner proposed?
.ith. And what, after all, ia to he made by
this move on the railroad chess-board? No
matter what interest makes the road,
Lynchburg is sure to have branch, and
will profit as much by one as by another.
So will Petersburg-so will Norfolk. The
strategy of forcing commercial communities
is played out everywhere else, and would
as we'll be abandoned in Virginia. With
direct roads to all of our cities, each will
command all the freight that it's capital
enterprise, and commercial facilities may
deserve, and that is all that justice should
require.
9th. We beg all interested to remember
that the future is very uncertain. No man
has the world in sling. Changes are
every day going on. Men need not 60 mad
under present views of local interests,
which year may completely change.
Time is great reyolutionist, and will not
tolerate fallacies and follies. The towns
now in hubub about their interests may
in few years entertain widely different
views of them. We exhort them to d little
patience and calmness. Railroads are not
built in q day. They need great deal Of
consideration.
- -----------------------:
Referring to Mr.. BuTLER's bill, VIC would
add to what we have already said against
it, that it is hardly possible that it can pass
the ordeal of the Judiciary Committee OF
the Senate. 1t attempts to delegate to GER
tain courts Of justice powers belonging only
~ NJ Tprnpr,Y Will ho In