The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-08
The Janes-River Railroad.

The James River Railroad.
we desire to impress il upon the citizens
.; acknowledged all Of thcnl, but espe'
cislly upon men OF influence and pro-
rerty--that the question OF building rail.
road along James river up into the noun.
tains is one of greater Importance than
any other question relating to physical I'M
proYement ever presented to this commn'
nifty. &
The Biographies position OF The James.
River valley, its mineral and agricultural
resources, and the wonderful field 1t AFFORDS
for enterprise, cause it to DC the oDlect OF
srca, interest. For years It has been con-
tenn,ated with admiration by iudicious and
practical people. From Cincinnati and the
Ohio cities to Pittsburgh, and from Penn
sv,yania manufacturing and mining conf
munities, and from speculative and enter
pris:ug people elsewhere in the North,
there have been coming to Virginia for
wears practical men who have, after careful
observation, determined that here was
field for enterprise, grand and expansive,
and that ii was destined to immense pros
pcrity. They have all felt that il. wanted a
railway, and that nothing could be done un-
I'll there was one running near the bold and
benefcent river.
The frequent examination Of the valley
has caused quite Il pressure upon the sub
iec:. Within few years past there has
been a great deal Of conversation about it.
the Improvement might be made. and some
others have gone so far as to name what
they would. upon certain conditions. do III
the gay OF building the road. Besides
this, we I'll know how existing interests
may be affected by such highway. and we
naturally look for movements from the con-
trolers OF those interests with regard TO
the proposed railway.
knowing these things, we cannot but
know that there will certainly be some
strong efforts made 10 get possession OF
charter for the important road and to take
who should, beyond all question. hold on to
il al every hazard. Therefore our citizens
should be fully alive 70 the question, and
should unite their saSaciry and influence
With promptness and determination.
We do trust that the meetings fer confer
ence amongst our citizens that must soon
take place will show by the numbers pre-.
sent The deep interest that all feel in it. We
say what we profoundly believe to be true
when We say the proposed railway is the
real hope and trust of this city. II we
build it not we may :. hang up our fiddle"
and quit the field Of competition. Build |
the railroad, however, and We reappear in
the commercial arena, EARNED in proof"
and able not only to defy but conquer the
alien influences that have for fifteen years
been draining not only the trade OF Rich
mond but the wealth OF Virginia TO enrich
tie Golfers OF alien communities.
We have been pleased to converse with
some Of our most energetic, sagacious, and
patriotic citizens, and not one of them but
showed new hope and confidence in the flu
.ure OF Richmond and what is better,
they showed perfect conviction in the
power OF Richmond TO carry the project
through, and thus redeem herself and Sc
cure to her people prosperity and wealth
ha. will bring her to the advanced rank
among enterprising and fiourishing interior
titles.
In what other way can so much be done
or Virginia? Had railway been built
rom the Southwest to Richmond when it
vas proposed by WYNDHAM ROBERTSON, in
he third decade of this century, Richmond
would be now able to pay the public debt
sith very little tax upon the people. Let
he State now give Richp.ond the benefit of
! liberal charter, and sne will in that way
make the best atone .nent that is possible for
lie impolicy am. folly Of the past, which |
most seriouslv injured herself as we'll as
hat city W. Itch has prospered under all adj
1ersi1ies and whose welfare it should be
her p..ide, as it is clearly her interest, to
lfor .ote.