The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-11-29

sympathy with his bereaved and afflicted
family.
MIR. GREELEY.
Colonel Edward Daniels, after few fl
and eloquent Introductory remarks, refer
ring to Mr.. Greeley as great editor ant
farmer, offered the following resolution o
sympathy in his sickness.
Resolued, That the farmers of Virginia
assembled in convention, tender to the
Hon. Horace Greeley its sincere sympathy
in his present Frustrated condition. =,
The resolution was unimously adopted
A GENERAL RAILROAD LAW.
Colonel Il. Daniels introduced the follow
ing resolution:
Resolred, That as increased facilities Of
transportation and travel are the great
needs of Virginia, this Convention respect
fully urge upon the General Assembly the
immediate passage of General Railroad
Law, similar to that now in operation in
Maryland, Pennsylvania. and other States
OF the Union.
Colonel Boiling, Of Petersburg, consid-
cred this very important question, and
desired to have it referred to committee.
Several amendments were proposed, and
the crude expressions IN regard to it showed
clearly that the members had not cOnsid-
cred it with care.
Colonel Daniels SAID that he had not in
troduced the resolution with any idea of
securing final action at this meeting of the
Convention. He did not desire hasty or
inconsderate action. It was most vital
interest of the farmers of Virginia, to secure
increased facilities of transportation. This
could be done only by offering all possible
roads. Every obstacle to free and natural
development Of the railroad system of the
State must be removed. 1t is notorious,
that one Of the most grievous obstacles now
suffered is, the difficulty Of getting far
charter.
Our Legislature is infested by piratical
sharpers in the seats as well as in the
lobby, to whom every enterprise that
seeks aid from the Legislature must pay
tribute. No company can secure a charter
unless it has bought off their opposition, or
secured their aid by large sums of money.
Special legislation is their delight, because
through it they realize their piratical gains.
These men--the Robin Hoods of the Leg
islature-lie in wait at every turn. They
stir up factious opposition on the floor,
they secure hostile reference of every good
measure that has not bought their good
will, they watch the door of the
commltte-room, ready to steal in
and smother, every promising child
of healthful enterprise. Even the Press
feels this baleful influence, and betrays the
people whom it was appointed to guard
and defend from oppression. The remedy is
simply to take this great interest of trans
portation out of the uncertainties, risks
and corruptions Of special legislation, and
to place it upon broad and impartial princi-
pies. Let men build railroads as they I'M
dertake any other business where corporate
powers are required. Place this great in
terest under the protecting care of just,
liberal and well-guarded general law.
Let all men who wish to build railroads
and who are willing to buy the right of way
operate without hindrance. Under this
system there will be expansive growth and
development. A prolific source of corrup-
ton, disgraceful to our good name as
State, and disgusting to every honest man,
will be removed. This law will encounter
opposition. The harpies and vultures of
the lobby, whose occupation it takes away,
VIII uSSi lie Liz vi
railroads, who suppose the foundations of
the world were laid to afford grade for
their track, will oppose it.
The petrified old fogies who have fought
every innovation for hundred years and
have chilled the life out of every new en-
terprise will cry out against it. A great
many good but ignorant people will shake
their heads and doubt its propriety. On
the other hand, it will have the support of
the large-brained, clear-headed, railroad
men who control the great lines which de-
termine the railroad system of the State and
of the continent,in harmony with the gene
raj good. 1t will secsre the support of the
liberal and powerful young men of our
State, as soon as they clearly understand
its merits.
1t will be demanded by the great mass
of our intelligent farmers, who see how
closely the transportation interest is allied
to the profits of the farm. Let us discuss
it calmly and without prejudice, hear
both sides with patience, land decide for our
selves, irrespective Of other interests, what
we ought to do as Virginia farmers. This
is no assault upon any railroad already
built or projected. 1t is in harmony with
every existing railroad line that is legite-
mately built and operated. Under its be-
neficent sway numberless feeders to our
main lines will grow up, giving them the
support for which they now languish, and
enabling them to greatly extend their use
fulness, by opening up every portion of
our State to improvement.
The views presented by Mr.. Daniels met
the approval of most farmers present, and
the resolution was laid over for further con-
sideration.
NIGHT SESSION.
The Convention reassembled at u o'clock.
The report of the Committee on Organiza-
ton was taken up.
Captain l.. @. Miner offered the following
for the 10th section of the constitution lin
the list Of the committees):
A committee ON mechanics, manufacture
ing and mining.
Mr.. John G. Griffin opposed the intro
duction of merchants into the Convention
of Farmers. He made allusion to the
wooCen-house admitted into Troy and the
destruction Of the city. He commended,
therefore, for convention to consist OF
farmers alone.
Colonel F. II. Archer spoke on the gene
raj subject of organization, and said the
farmers could control the action of all other