The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-11-21
1GtNtAsS zGREATIMPR0vEMEN AND
THE PRESIDENT.

nGtNtA's GREAFIMPRovEMENr AND
THE PRESIDENT.
lit is . source Of qualification to the editor
81 the VIR1rNIAN, that evidence is SO early
given Of the realization IF his prediction that
xeuld accrueto Virgins. from the
fact Of placing herself in the recent election
in harmony withsthe administration. We re-
gard it. as essential o.tho material develop
ment Of our State that local and sectional SEN
timents should be abated, and even rooted
out. and that Virginia should maintain po-
si.iea that would entitle. her to the favorable
recognition of the administration.
81 We had reason to, believe before the cleo
stiensthat President Grant entertained the
vers kindest feelings for this State, and re-
gardsd tho utilization Of our wonderful unde-
veloped wealth. - M after, Of ational i'm
portance. We knew that he had said Nir
einin was destined to be one Of the most af
huent and powerful States in the Union BY
reason of her national advantages, and that
it would afford him the greatest pleasure to
give any constitutional aid 10 his power. TO
accomplish this end.--...We knew that if re-
elected, no would have a Congress in politi-
cal harmony with. him., and that the great
aim Of his second term would be to leave the
eountry free from internal Earrings aud%bick-
eiings, prosperous, happy and progressive -
What ;ndgeemsnt could be possibly held cut
for tho condemnation Of reverse result ?
What other ambition consistent with the ex-
ialted mission Of this great country, could In
fuenco him in tho measures Of his admins.
tration. .ta.5... =. ,...-- - 4
This bsaiefhaving governed our course in
the recent Presidential contest it is exceed
insly gratifying that the first tangible evil
depce Of the justice Of our premise and the
conciiiatory policy Of the President, is to be
given in reference to Virginia herself
In recent interview with General Grant,
st which the writer was present. Hon. J. F.
Lewis called his attention to the national i'm.
lportancc of the James River and K2nawha
Canal, aud asked for it the consideration of
the President, urging the important interests
to be developed aud accumulated not only in
Virginia but in the great West and North
West, to which prolific region. it would fur
ni6h cheap outlet to the sea.
IL reference to the suggestion of Senator
Lewis, the President remarked that he had
not given the subject the necessary reflection
and examination. but would do So and also
said thai it would afford him pleasure to havs
an audience from the President and Chief
Engineer Of the improvement. Gen. Caring
ton aud Col Lorraine These gentlemen
we're summoned by telegraph by Senator Lew
is. and the following day waited up'n the
President, in company with Senator Lewis,
Hons. J. .Anbler Smith. and Js.B. Sener, of
Virginia, Hon. Mr.. 1oughridge, Of Iowa, and
number Of other gentlemen. When the
subject matter Of conversation was introdu-
cod the President displayed an unusual ia
with the great work aud the results
to be accomplished by its completion. He
took broad, comprehensive and statesman
like view Of the matter, and indicated his pur-
pose to bring it to the attention of Congress
either in his annual message, or in a special
message. The parties in interview With the
President were pleased and even surprised at
the quick perception, correct views and en-
iarged ideas shown BY Gen. Grant and es-
pecially the truly national spirit manifested
fareshadowing policy fer the next four years,
that will recognize, no Meth, no Soath, no
East, no West, but. out whole country, one
and iudiyisble!
The Inauguration Of steps under the admin
of President Grant, for the consum-.
nation of this great work, would Of itself inn
it. It was the cherished dream Of
the grand scheme which he him
self suggested. and its completion under the
quickening impulse which would be given it,
by Federal patronage. would throw new life
in our State, stimulate the great West and
North-W est, and bind the mother and daugh-
Eers together BY the strongest ties of CONNER
cial intercourse. $.ss.f ~.
It need not be feared that competing
'chemss, or improvements that it would com
pete with, can have any practical adverse
bearing on the question, or will interfere with
is favorable consideration by Congress- Let
he. work BE once RECOMMENDED under proper
ind jadicious. management. aud the effect
sill beto7developto a still greater e 1tent tho
wonderful resources of the North West which
sill be capabis of furnishing alcarrying trade
efficient to employ the capacity Of fifty such
haanels of internal The recon-
nendatio5p coming from the President, wou'd
tself give it . national interest and impor-
ance, which would silence selfish and .contrac--
ed opposition. True craftsmanship would re-
oguizs il as above mere party, beyond the
each Of. the malarious influence Of sectional
rejndice, and eleyat e il to sphere Of lesis-
l,ioncontrnlled By patriotism and a SINGER eand
arrest desire to contribute TO the achievment
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