The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-11-24
The Middle Route.

Tho route from the Mississippi to the AT
lsutic that has he fairest promise. because IL
occunies the golden medium between the
South and the North, is tina, uia the James
and Kauawha valleys to the Ohio. The raul
road now built from Richmond to the ONO
puts in motion the commerce OF the west
bv this route under obstacles which VIII GER
tainly be removed at an early day. 1t Is
only needed TO complete the connexions OF
thjs road with Louisville, st. Louis, Cincln-
natl. and Chic lgo, to make it the artery OF
commerce so much beyond its capacity that
second track will be needed to do the bust.
ness that will be thrown upon it.
This great advantage, gained TO both
West and East, we cannot but believe VIII
be followed by the completion Of the water
line so properly denominated the Central
water line, whose construction Will secure
the most important national as well as Sec
t;opal benefits to the nation.
The Central watcr-line will be the very
best friend and supporter OF the great rail-
way along the same route. The mere ous''
ness growing out OF the building OF Tue
canal will 90 far towards cnrchnS the
railway company; and when the canal Is
done it will pile up business on the railway
in the line of lighter freights and passengers
that will make it one of the most thrifty OF
all railroads in the country.
The establishment of these great works on
the Central line will impart the greatest ma
tional blessings. II will keep up the COM
munication between East and West at all sea-
sops. being in winter almost freed from the
obstructive trosts. and in summer Unaffected
by the malarial diseases of the South. Inc
greatest Of the northern arteries, the Erie
canal, is closed five months in the year snd
high temperatures, their injury to perSoable
articles. and their effect upon personal health,
materially reduce the usefulness of the south.
ern lines in summer. The Central line is the
safe and desirable route at all seasons.
There could be no better illustration of its
comprehensive benefits than the fact that it
will be q good and efficient substitute for
the Erie canal in winter, and that it will be
q cheaper route for freightS from New York
to the Mississippi than any that now exists.
New York could in no betteDway promote
hsr own interests than TO secure this Cent? al
water-line. 1t would be altogether advanta-
geo,ls 10 her, and cause her to hardly feel
the suspension of the Erie canal in winter.
Nationally, it would intellectually promote
tie harmony of the Union. The Mississippi
river has always held prominent point in
the theories of all great statesmen in refer
ence to the economy and endurance OF this
country. We have often referred to Mr..
CALuorNs opinion about it. PATRICK HENRY
had before him seen the great political inn
portance of the Missssippi; and very re-
Gently Mr.. WILLIAM G. RlvES warned the
southern States that the Mississippi would
prevent the division Of the republic and ut
tcrly PROSTATE the efforts Of the southern
States 10 secede.
These statesmen did not oyerrate the con-
sequence of the Mississippi. The proposed
Central water-ine would be like the umbli-
cal cord that united the SiameSe twins. 1t
would bind the Mississippi to the Chesa.
peake bay by an ndiSsolube tie--one that
would be so much more powerful than that
Of the twins that as long as it endured death
could not enSuc. 1t would be also medium
Of circulation that would invigorate and en-
rich the East and the West in their com.
mcrce, and in their mutual sympathies and
friendships, so that they could never become
alienated.
We cannot overrale the importance Of this
middle line. The nation can in no way at
part so many blessings and help so much to
promote the contentment and endurance Of
the Federal Union.