The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-15

ming through period of six years. If these
two propositions were on the same footing be-
fore this House, the difference between th EN-
would be about S121, ,484 in favor of the Ely
son proposition. Who that represents our tax.
burthened people can hesitate between the two
offers 2
l say, Mr.. Speaker, 1t becomes us to weigh
these propositions we'll, for we must not forget
that we have an unsettled matter between this
Stat and Wr1t Virginia, and that she will, as
she ought to do, hold us to strict account for
the manner in which we dispose of the essets
in our hands of which she is part owner.
With what propriety can we demand of her:
Paw that thou owest," when we have with
utter disregard of her interests and rights,
sold her stock in the Richmond and Petersburg
railroad company for less than is now offered
BY parties whose good faith, responsibility and
ability to do what they propose to do, - be-
yond all question:
Ii he, been argued on this floor that it is our
duty to sell to the A., M. a. o. X. Il. Co., be-
cause it is Virginia enterprise and should bo
nurtured and fostered by US as Virginians.
Let us look for moment at the Virginia part
of the question. Some months ago, enternri-
sing citizens of Richmond, Petersburg, Nor
folk, and Danville and the adjacent counties,
desiring to protect Virginia commerce against
monopoliel, organised company styled the
"Virginia Steamship and Packet company" to
run steamers from the head waters OF the
James river To UUo city Vi NoW VI Ne AhOy
began their enterprise by buying and
putting on their line, one steamer, the Upton,
and commenced building an other at Rockets,
in this city, in order to give employment to
Virginia mechanics and develop Virginia's re-
sources. As the demands Of the trade increased
they were forced to buy third vessel, before
thev could finish the second, and the directory
in the spirit of true Virginians, pledged their
personal credit to enable them to make the
purchate.
Presumine, of course, that this great Vir-
ginia consolidated line would GLADLY embrace
the opportunity to extend 10 ,irginia enter
prise all the facilities in their power, such as
| by the facts of the case. | prefer to develop
| the facts by the official correspondence. which
| will e-k the clerk to read. 1.-THE clerk here
read the following communications]:
New YoRK, January 10, 1871.
| General w. Malone, President Y. and T.
Airline.
De r sir-shortly a.tor we ',ok the agency of the
| vir6 mia s. 8. and 7. Co.'S line, we were offered
I.eightI for ponJ on the vrg ala and Tsnue sc .
AIRLINE. As we he Il printed schedule of through
rates., crcriated hore, we ,cepted the shts at
those rates and sent them forward but were sur
is - lo a.terward that -eights had be an
charged s'locs rat y 'om Norfolk. We then callt
on the agent here of the V. and T. Air Line, >
| qu at explanation OF this discrimination against
| u.s. could not suspect shat the V. and Il. Arr
Line ould be bound in exclusive obligations to any
other company, and that its only obje 1t could be
to sneit the business OF the level al roads compos
ing it, .eight3 offer at its published rates would
be accepted from any one interview with
the agent given to understand that the dis
crimnation against us must have arisen from an
order made several years ago, and which could have
no reference to And further, were led to hope
t5at application 10 you, the order would be re-
sended or 81 isfc torially modified. We would beg
tho faver that you will Ike the subj ct into
sideration and give us the benefit Of such amend
| ment 81 will place the footing Others
| We would ask no special favors, brs simply equal
terms in fair competition. You doubtless
aware that line (recently etablished) is almost
| exclusively Virginia enterprise and that its sue.
cess will rebound to Virginia interests. Your well
known regard for and disposition to foster such in.
teros3 give confidence to believe that request
| for simply equal terms Virginia roads with our
| competitors will be ,eded TO without hesitation.
We would farther state in this connection, that we
have been repeatedly offered reights fer Tennessee,
which the shippers have been heretofore seudng by
the way of Charleston, but which account of this
Discrimination against u.s. We have been compelled to
| decline.
1t is true that at present we have but steamer
running making ular weekly trips, and carrying,
| Think her share of lfeghts but we expect with
| reasonable certainty, - have on second by the
/ close of this month, and third in the of the
| ensu'n summer.
/ Au ely aud favorable reply will much obige
| Yours, respectfully,
| (Signe y w. sHINGToN Co., Agents.
L