The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-05-20
ro,uer James River.

II
We had the pleasure recently OF . Trip ON
Tonne. river nom Norfolk TO Richmond, IL
Sv,. very gratifying, save that there is not
as much life upon the river as there ought
20 DO. There Is but enc steamer plying be-
tween Norfolk and Richmond. That, the
John Sylvester, is very fine and very rapid
She made the trip from Norfolk 70 h'sn-
mond-,1e5 miles, including devfations iof
landings--in little under nine hours.
But the idea of. one steamer on SO eIano
a river between the two principal to"hs ~
the State Ia absurd. Assurediy there fnus'
in n short time be enough business TO sup
port daily line. When the route 70 tue
Ohio IL, complete, that viii throw inuen
more life upon the river, ana "hen ING
,aree eSstes that border It are divided and
.old. 40 they will be, that will add rapidly
Ia the number of passengers. So fine q
river sbopli be slive with craft OF all sorts.
It's waters would fiow as easily and grace
,ully, bearing hundreds of vessels as they
do with the few they have at present, and
they debouch into the broad Hampton
Roads, which should and will be another
golden gate for the concentrated commerce
of the middle States and the vast West.
The shores are changed from what they
were but there are bright signs OF recsl-
peration. The green and graceful land
scapes, which are SO we'll remembered, Still
adorn the broad and fertile valley. few
years will add immensely to their produc-
tiveness, and they will display after q time
On increased life and industry which is lit
tie dreamed Of now.
The business of deepening the channel
on the few long-neglected bars has been
pushed ahead rapidly, and the engineers
are confident that the depth of water
which has been promised will be certainly
obtained. - .->ss,--
The Dutch Gap canal is heavy work,
but the engineer who has 1t in charge is
conducting it with commendable energy
He has made such change in the line OF
canal as will ensure the passage OF Cur.
rent sufficiently deep to accommodate the
shipping. 1t will be noted Improvement
1t is understood that General BUTLER coll
siders it bis bantling, and is exceedingly
anxious to see it grown to maturity and
practical usefulness. This will ensure the
appropriations for its completion.
We may Justly expect to see the river IN
readiness to bear off the heavy shipments
of the Chesapeake and Ohio road by the
time that great work is completed.
A steamboat journey is, delightful
thing--at least, by way of change. Ii
you have good company or good book,
you may be at ease; and what's better,
freed from dust and from sparks in your
eye. At the same time, if you like, you
may wet your eye. We can heartily COM
mend the Sylvester, Captain CLIFFORD, for
such recreation. The passenger will find
his comfort smarty promoted by the pro-
prietor, Captain Posi-. who is generally at
his post, seeing that everybody is satisfied.
As we desire to see the river business in
crease, we readily commend what is so de-
serving, and will add that the new boat to
the Chickahominy, the Palisade, Captain
NELSON, is emiuently worthy the public
support. Everything done for these boats
is SO much done for the trade OF Richmond.