The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-02-22
Removal of the Capital.

We have always looked upon the ques.
ton of the removal of the Federal capl'a.
as one Of Ear more seriousness than seelneo
70 be generally attached to it. II the Union.
hold together hundred years, the nationai
capital will be translated to some more GEN.
trail position. 1t Is not mere matter OF con-
veuience that will change its locality, it will
De accomplished by political objects. The
great power of the Union will be transfer
cd to the West, and power consults its own
wishes and tastes, irrespective Of conse-
quences. So that the doleful picture Of the
public ediices being abandoned to bats,
and owls, and wild beasts, will have no
terror for those who shall have the power
to change the seat Of government. The
party which will make this change, is yet
In embryo, as it were; yet 1t displays q
vigor and determination that are the sure
augury of the Irresistible force with which
not very long period OF time will endue It:
Upon the question of the propriety oil
this measure we feel no great interest. But
we certainly do hope fur more from the
young giant of the West, who will take the
capital under his protection and direction,
than we can possibly expect from the har.
dened and relentless partisans who rule the
Government where the capital now stands,
We like the young giant. We pray for the
early passage Of the sceptre OF power from
the hard hands which now have their griT
upon it, to the glowing and genial grasp Of
the young HERCULES, who has no narrow
ideas, no unsparing rancors, no uncom
promising prejudices to warp his judgment
= and brutalize his policies. He will not be
jealous, because, conscious of his strength
be will neither fear nor suspect the plot
OF adversaries. He will be generous, be
cause 1t belongs to youth and vigor to be
so. He will be liberal, and fair, and proud
alike of the justice and dignity Of thu
Government shaped by his will.
II the removal OF the capital is to be co
incident with the instalment Of this younE
giant in position Of control Of this much
abused and missoverned nation, then j
cannot be done too soon.
The doleful lamentations of those who
look forward to the day when the Capitol
deserted by the Government, may become
the home of birds and beasts as obscene al
great part of the human beings who no"
inhabit it, are unreasonable. Why shall thf
grand public edifces be go abandoned
Why may not Washington become another
Florence or Rome? A place for the cult
walton Of the fine arts, science, and litera
ture? The Capitol might become a school
of painting; other buildings might do fol-
schools Of design, universities, mu.
seums, &C.. &c. The whole world may
in time be drawn to Washington to acquire
knowledge, proficiency in art, &c. Thus
would it maintain its prosperity and in
crease its charms for the traveller. Its
thrift and animation would be more steady
chan they are now, under the alterations
between the session and the recess of Con-
gress. The wealth and power Of the nation
would assuredly secure for so great place
of learning ample appropriations, and the
whole people would look upon it as the
pride and honor of the land.
Washington so altered would he more
worthy of the immortal man whose name it
bears than it is now. and we would rejoice
in the metamorphosis.