The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-04-11
The River at Richmond.

4 popularity of the James river abreast OF
the city. which we have formerly alluded TO,
is deserving of especial attention.
For several miles above MayOs bridge the
river falls rapidly over Il granite bed. The
rapidity of the flow of water is guarantee
against rise Mt any time higher than nine.
or at most ten. feet above the low-watcl
mark. The solid granite bed affords the
most indcstructible foundation torany super
structure, and as there can he no navigation
anywhere aon. the fall. there can be no OBJ
staclc to the construction of anything that
NAV be wanted for business or pleasure.
Here we may see, then, that the space
covered by the river may be devoted to the
uses of society in various ways, not only in
the erection Of bridges, but in the establish
ment of cdiiiccs either connected with
bridges or separately. The foundations
being enduring and the water never rising
above ten feet. the granite pillars supporting
ANYTHING would seem TO he capable OF last
ing almost Il, long as time itself. Bridges OF
any width may be built. and line of houses
may be built upon them. The bridges be-
coming in reality continuation Of the
streets of the city, there may he readily ear
ricd on upon them retail trade.
When the city becomes very populouS and
stores in the centre of trade are in great de-
nand and at high rents, there may be a re-
sort to the space covered by the river, at
least to limited extent; and there can be
no doubt that for purposes Of recreation and
rcfrcshmcnt there could be no place more
suitable than the river. with its cooling
breezes and agreeable scenes.
We have called the readers attention. also.
TO the contrast between james river ut Rich
mond and the great western rivers. The
floods, especially of the Ohio, rise immensely
high ; we believe us much Us fifty feet. "a
telegram received by us yesterday announces
rise in the Ohio river of twenty-five feet III
twenty-four hourS.] This renders necessary
the leaving us waste wide margin between
the low and high water marks. That waste
surface is always repulsivc from its disagree
able sights and bad odors. Our river margin
has no such neutral ground of disgust. The
shores are clean and inviting, while the river
taking its course amongst the granite rocks
is both bold and beautiful.
Besides the benefits above described, WI
have the added blessing that the rapid move
ment of the waters purify them and make
them promotivc of health, whereas did the,
run sluggishly they would have the opposite
effect. Look ut Cairo and a dozen othe
towns of the Mississippi valley as examples
Nor should we forget the water power o
the falls as another grand advantage Of thu
magnificent falls at Richmond.
A great philosopher says that rivers bint
together in ties of sympathy the inhabitant
of their opposite shores, whilst mountains
have the contrary effect upon the people liv
ing on their opposite sides. The remark il
strictly true. And if rivers have such al
effect as that aScribed to them, James river
just here should exert that influence in /
greater degree than almost any other. 1t il
SO easily bridged above tide and so navigablt
below it. 1t is only little over quarter o
mile wide, and so distinguished for it.
beauty and attractiveness that the people OF
both sides of it are instinctively drawn to
wards it. Once supplied with the propc
facilities, the commerce between the shore
will be as active and reciproelly as benefcia
as could possibly he the case with popula
tons similarly situated anywhere else o.
earth.