The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-04-17

more ulreotIy 10 De ouected II the pf0-
jsct is successful, he proposes to get at
the popular idea concerning it, With
this view. he addressed letter to the
several Executives, of which thu follow
ing, received by Governor Moses, is O
copy:
STATE OF GEORGIA,
Executive DEPARTMENT.
ATLANTA, GA, April 2, 1878.
HIS ErccAency Franklin j. Hoses, Jr.,
Gouernor Of South Carolina
SIR: 1 had the honor in November last
Of calling the attention of the Governors
OF many OF the States to the Importance
OF the Atlantic and Great Western Canal
BY this work, it is proposed to connect
the Tennessee River, and, through that
river, the entire system OF inland nayi.
cation OF the West. with the Atlantic
Ocean at Savannah and Brunswick,
Georgis. then invited the Governors
OF many of the Western States to meet
at Atlanta, for the purpose Of consider
ing and discussing the steps to be taken
for the accomplishment of this grand
enterprise. Owing to unforeseen cir
cumstanoes. however. that meeting was
unavoidably postponed. Since then,
the interest felt in Congress and among
the people generally in increasing the
means OF cheap and easy communication
by water between the great producing
and consuming sections Of the country
has deepened and widened. In my
Judgment, the time has come for meet.
ing, suoh as the one mentioned, in order
that the advantages of the proposed en-
terprise may be more thoroughly dis
oussed and understood, and some def
mite plan OF action for its accomplish m ent
matured.
My object in addressing you this COM
munication is to earnestly and cordially
invite you to unite in q convention Of
the Governors of the Southern, Western
and North western States, to be held for
the purpose mentioned at Atlanta. Ga.
on the 20th day Of May next.
AS the proposed canel will run in most
OF its length through this State, it would
seem proper for me, as the Executive
thereof. to take the initiative in this
matter. The advantages to result from
the enterprise under consideration are SO
obvious, that mere reference to them
here is deemed all that is necessary. It
is, in fact, the only line of water COM
mnnioation between the Atlantic sea.
board and the Vest, which can be oon-
at reasonable cost, and which
would be unobstructed at all seasons OF
the year. The; best means Of securing
cheap transportation, to meet the rapidly
developing resources Of the country, is q
question which should engage the
thoughtful attention of statesmen. It
Is. moreover, my earnest desire that oiti.
zehs of other States occupying official
positions should visit onr State, examine
for themselves the facilities that can be
afforded for this great avenue of trade,
and, at the same time, enjoy the hospi-
talities Of our people. Snch visit
would, ia my opinion, oonduoe, in no
small degree, to q complete. restoration
OF harmony and good feeling between all
sections Of ous common oountrys
If it should not suit your convenience
to be present in person at the convention
mentioned, may ask that your Excel
lency will do US the honor to send such
delegation thereto as will represent
your own wishes and the interest of your
State? I enclose herewith copy OF the
report submitted to Congress by the
Committee on Commerce, to which I
would respectfully invite your earnest
attention.
Hoping to receive an early and favor
able response to this communication, I
am, &c., &C.,
JAMES NJ. SMITH, Governor.