The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-01-24
NORFOLK AROUSED.


bly, TO charter the extension of the Alexan-
dria and Fredericksburg railroad to Rich
mond. Self-preseryation, Of course, is the
first law but in this we think Norfolk Is
showing herself entirely too selfish. When
she appealed to the State for the CONSOLE
dation of all the Southside lines of road, we
gave her all the aid in our power, even
though we feared it might prove bad
thing for Richmond; but we thought her
justly entitled to that line, and said
SO, pressing her claims continually, and
aiding her in no small degree, we
believe, in the final plishment
of her darling object. So too have we con-
stantly favored her other great enterprise
by which she proposes to connect herself
directly with the West through the rich
counties along the North Carolina line.
We have in fact hitherto advocated every
measure that was at all likely to prove
beneficial to the trade and commerce and
consequent advancement of the prosperity
of our rising and thriving little seaport.
In this we manifested spirit of justice, fair
play and an unselfsh disregard of our own
interests which we are sorry to see the
press of our sister city is far from recipro-
eating. They have begun most terrible
war upon the Pennsylvania Central com
pany, which is supposed to be the power
that stands behind the thrones in this in
stance, greater than the throne itself-or
in other words, they say it is in the interests
OF this great company the charter from
Washington to Richmond is sought to be
obtained. The Norfolk people seem to
have been very suddenly seized with a
dreadful horror of Northern influence and
capital, which is quite unaccountable, in
view of the hercuean efforts they have
made 10 former times to secure both for
their own aggrandizement. The feeling
which has been aroused in that "Small
City of Great Expectations" may be in
ferred from the following extracts, which |
we clip from a leading article in the Day
Book. 1t opens with frightful picture of |
The future of that city if the scheme shall |
succeed
The scheme of the Pennsylvania Central
railroad to cross our State and drain away
from us the produce that now naturally seeks
bur port, is full of mischief, and should be
Ihwarted. Take away from us the trade
created by our railroad and the State will be
md md ha nf
we'll be closed.
1t is sad to contemplate a fate so terrible
and we trust our contemporary has ex-
aggerated the consequences of an all-rail
inc between Richmond and the Northern
cities. If that short run on the Potomac
rom Acquia Creek to Washington, is the
lender thread upon which the future of
Norfolk hangs, her prospects, we admit,
re not very cheering, and if it is to be so
damaging to her interests we are surprised
he Day Book should be SO communicative
nd declare the fact. 1t is worse then
)elilah betraying to the Philistines the
ecret of her Samson's strength.
But the Day Book goes on to tell us
vhat our all-rail line can do to iniure Nor
Dix and benefit Richmond
This scheme of the Pennsylvania Central
abroad means nothing less than this. Should
be succeed in her plans, the cotton that now
caches us by the Seaboard and Roanoke and
y the Consolidated line, will all 20 to PhiIa
ephia. Our merchants should be up and do.
,g. Nothing but work, and hard work at
hat will save us from the clutches of this mon
er corporation. that will not hesitate to use
oney in lavish profusion to accomplish its
bject. Our Legislature will be the battle
round, and the third house Cor lobby the
reat fulcrum, that, with money as the motive
over, will be used to foist this scheme upon
), willing or unwilling. Let our merchants
10 property owners then, take action at once
this ma tier.
The Seaboard Railroad 1T there's I.
70 cause of it," That road and Mr.. !.
oncure Robinsons Bay Line, make Nor. :,
Ik'and Portsmouth mere way-stations for I
fillmore. That road now brings in all
9 cotton from Eastern North Carolina. :,
d transfers it to Mr.. Robinson's steamers !
the Portsmouth wharf, and, presto, Dc
ray it goes to Baltimore. We now fully "
derstand the motive of the Norfolk
pers, and also of Mr.. Moncure Robinson.
elatter gentleman controls our Richmond 81
d Fredericksburg road, and he also con- :
lis the Norfolk press. 1t is against his in :.
ests as the representative Of the Bay Line I
steamers and the Seaboard road that o.
ire should be direct line, to shorten ~
J distance between North Carolina, Vir- ::
ia, and, in fact, the entire South, and r
and other greatNorthern cities, =;
reduce the charges for freight and the i 10.
es of fare. Of course, Mr.. Robinson will po
all in his power to prevent this. He Of,
st save himself, and he will, therefore, T Ta
az all the influence he can WELD to his pei
in great effort to prevent the proper FL
nection being made, which is so desira-
for the future of Richmond, and to 4
% continuance of the tribute to his
J. That is the only direct way North XIV,
land the Seaboard road has been paying
w dividends, while it and the ~ .
Line have enjoyed almost mo-
oily of the trade and travel from D
Southern Atlantic coast. If we give