The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-02-23
Speech Of Judge A. b, Cochran.

In the House Of Delegates on the 10Th,
the question of granting charter for an all
rail line from Washington to Richmond, be-
ing under consideration, Judge A. B. Coch-
ran, one of the delegates from Augusta coun-
ty, spoke in favor Of the application. The
Wig, Enquirer, and Dispatch, merely allude
to it as one Of the ablest speeches delivered
on the subject, being both comprehensive and
eloquent. We find in the Petersburg lndcc,
the following imperfect synopsis
Mr.. Cochran, had nothing to say against those
gentlemen who were here in this city and about
this House eager and anxious to defeat this Alex
andria and Fredericksburg bill They were hon
orable gentlemen, who honestly believed that
this bill would injure or enaanger their roads,
| and they very properly took all honest measures
to protect themselves He had nothing to say
againt them for this. 1t was not only their
right, but their duty. AS to the gentleman who
had been referred to On this floor as the Grail
road King of Virginia, he would say that he had
intimate relations with that gentleman, and knew
that he had the interest of every hole and corner
of the State at heart. scoffed at the idea that
this House could be Influenced by unworthy mo
tlves, and that money could control its action
He favored this bill because it would give Virgin
ia a road hat she needed, would pour money into
her borders, and would in every way contribute
to the common prosperity. This L F. s P. R.
r. ha. been blight and a curse That portion
of the State which it should have built up it had
almost destroyed. The towns along its line were
going backwards instead of forwards No. he
would not vote for bill to charter a new road
from Norfolk to Bristol, because there was al
ready road between those two points, which
carried trade and travel at cheaper rates than
any other road in the State. Could anything Of
that sort be said in behalf Of the r. F. s. P. r. r.
On the contrary, it was a grinding incubus, con
federating with enemies out the State to de-
stroy our prosperity and let our towns and cities
fall into ruins. He was sorry to speak thus Of a
Virginia corporation; but he was more sorry that
what he said was true And true of what? True
of the pet road ofthe State, upon which had been
showered favors and benefits. This was the graf
itude that repaid the uninterrupted series of gem
erosties that Virginia had bestowed on this false
hearted and recreant corporation.
Chow sharper than serpent's tooth
To have thankless child"
Mr.. Cochran then at length and with much
earnestness urged the House to pass the bill I'M
trammeled by onerous and improper provisions,
so that the State might enter ON the new career
of prosperity and greatness that was opening be-
| fore her. 4
| Mr.. Cochran said that he had omitted to say,
| III reference 10 ME. thurman amendment, what
| he intended, that, ii the portion referring the
sale of the States interest to the Board of Public
| Works. were stricken out the friends of the bill
would accept the amendment.
Senator Sumner is suffering from an attack
ofillness that confines him to his room. The
Washington Republican says :-'Dr Bliss
pronounccs Mr., Summers disease to be angina
pectoris. The attack was very severe, ane
his suffering on Saturday forenoon was in
tense, his breathing being very oppressive
and the doctor says it is not probable tha
Mr.. Sumner will ever be himself again, men
tally or physically. The attack is due large
ITO his anxiety and irritation growing ou
Of the San Domingo and other controyersie
with the administration"