The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-12-15
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
Latest News from Washington.
Rapid and Cheap Transportation Of
Western Products.

"eotGkA FIOuuCdSs
WASHINGTON, December IA meeting
was held in the hall of tue House Of Repre-
;eptatires tonight to compare views Oh the
subject Of rapid and cheap transportation.
Duunell, of Minnesota, pre-
sided. There were fifty or sixty members
of the House present, together with Sena-
tors Altorn, of Mississippi, and Stevenson,
Of Kentucky.
Representative Sypher, of Louisiana,
spoke at length advocating the advantages OF
The Mississippi route for the transportation
of western products seeking EASTERN and
European markets; as opposed to the 81.
Lawrence and the Hudson routes both of
which be said we're ,ice-bouud five months
out of twelve, whi'e tie Mississippi was
practicable the entire year.
Representative Harris, Of Virginia, spoke
of the improvement of the James River
and kanawha canal, which would connect
the Jaiues river. and the Ohio river 4ith the
Atlantic, afordins the. great Hent an Outlet
to the sea. This work, he said, was favored
by many who framed our Government, in
Guiding General Washington, practical en-
gineer. a survey had been made By order Of
the Government, and all the engineers re.
ported as to It's feasibility. 1t would not
cost over S47,O00,090 or $50, 900, 900, and this
sum Is not large as compared with benefit
which woi;ld result from it. Water COM
munication, though slow and tedious, was
the only cheap transportation. Liverpool
was nearer by 1000 miles by way Of
Norfolk than by way Of New Orleans. He
was prepared 10 go into an examination of
all the improvement projects, and to give such
of them as were proper his cordial support.
They were great national questions, and
must not be treated as alone Of interest to
the Mississippi valley, but as of advantage
to common country and common desti-
ny. :,
Representative Cobb, of Kansas, said he
should like to know whether this was
CAUCUS to consider the Interests of the Mis-
sissippi Valley section and not the merits Of
the James River and kanawha canal.
MIR. Harris replied he did not wish to in.
trude on the caucus, and.imagined that be
was at liberty to speak Of oi1e Of the great
means of transportation, Is he was not aware
the call was exclusive in its character.
Mr.. Sypher here iuterposed, saying to his
friend from Virginia and all others that the
ests of the Mississippi Valley. This ques.
ttou WIS nutioHaiJ aAo eouih hol pe h1uo
sectional.
Representative Durchard, of I!luois. did
not suppose the object was to agree upon
any particular plan, but that every one was
at liberty to express his views, and that he
would acquire knowledge for future con-
sidclatioD, with view to acting intelligently
OIL such measures rs might be brought before
the House. He should be happy to hear
more fully the views Of the gentlemen pre-
sent.
Representative CritteDden, Of Missouri,
felt gratided in seeing SO many OF all parties
meeting together for the common elevation
Of our county. He was here to cooperate
with anybody, provided they could So act as
to carry their project. He thought it was
time for those living in the Mississippi valley
to apply to Congress for such assistance rs
would dcye!epc the great resources Of the
West.
Representative Loushridgc was glad 10
sec so many members present from the Mis-.
sissippi Valley. NO one question interested
them so much rs cheap transportation. They
were too apt, however, 10 forget there was
any other section than their own. lie
wished TO take in the whole country and OBJ
tain such improvements az would be of na'
tional benefit. The cost was nothing in thi,
matter.
Representative Stanard. Of Missouri, said
there were two subjects which commanded
more attention than any others-vz., finance
and the transportation interests Of the coun
try, and these were closely united. The
country had grown beyond the transporta
tion facilities, which have not increased in
the past ten years as the productions have
increased. The railroad lines have had a
monopoly for years. aud charged their OWL
price. He proceeded 10 show that the object
in view could be effected in no better way
than By the Improvement Of the Mississippi
river. BE said it was the duty of the Gov
ernment to do this no matter what 1t cost.
Representative Clark, of Kansas, said the
tine had come when the West would de-
munstrate that there is west. lie was II
favor of the James River and kanawh;
canal, In favor of the st. Lawrence route
aud the Atlantic aud Great Western canal
aud he favored the Improvement of the
harbor of Galveston, and he now asked hl:
eastern friends to open up the Mississippi
river to the people Of that valley. III
then offered resolution that the meet
ins was in favor OF the Government i'm
proving the mouth of the Mississippi:
After some debate the Chair ruled th'
resolution out of order, as he did also 4 re
solution by Representative Fort OF Illinois
providing for the appointment of commit
| tee of nine TO collect information US to tb
| facilities and cost OF transportation oy tht
| various proposed ways of communication.
RepresenIatiye Mclean. of Texas, offered
n resolution that the meluberS OF the hollS
| whose constituents. are Interested III cneal
TRANSPORTATION will direct their efforts Il
| bring about unity OF action OIL tue part Q
said members IN the legislation Ot Congress
Objection was raised to Mr.. McLean's res
olution. but the Chair decided 1t in order
and it was adopted.
Pending the discussion ON a resolution L
adjourn to a future day, motion 10 aolour
was made and carried.
| II is understood future meeting VIII .
held at The call of the chairman.
| The Civil.Rights Convention.
WAsH1sGros, December 13.-Tbe Nations
| CiyiI.Rights Convention, which adjourned
a late hour last night, say in the addre'
adopted by them that their grievances al
many. They take it for granted that actlo
will be had by Congress protecting theI
from inyidious distinctions in the enJoyEel
OF common carriers, hotels, and other publ
places of convenience and refreshment,
public places Of amusement, and in epjoylI
other civil rights, including public school
| without regard TO race. They want tt
denial Of these rights punished with pena
ties.
Washington Items.
| WASHINGTON, December 13.-Persons WI
have canyassed the Senate are satisfied thu
Judge Williams will be confirmed Chic
Justice.
General Spinner. United States treasure
goes to Florida in 4 few days for his healt
Commodore William Reynolds will su
ceed Rear.Admira! Jenkins, retired.
| The President told member of Congre>
] e, I;..-;,,;u 70 .Inr that l,n would ON Mnl