The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-12-15
,a,tl,n,uaa 1lspatcll.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 1877
Strange.

Oh ..sssas 49,
Lynchburg /. taking the initiative Tor
herself. Our feeling for that place IS such
that we would have been gratifed had she
proposed Joint action with Richmond. Az,
former time, owing to circumstances s,s.'
more Of personal than any other cnarac-
ter, there was disappointment WIN many
citizens OF both Richmond and LyncnDu'R'
An Improvement which had been conduct
ed with anticipations and hopes that were
J. mutual between them, and to materia' de.
-rec az ,oint effort, was, after It reached
th.,c;ty. so diverted In its course rs to dis
continue the cooperative relations between
the cities, and we believe, to the disadvantage
Of both. Now, when a railroad is begun 10
the Jamcs-Riyer valley, Lyuchburg is in
haste FOR local and limited charter, which
makes Lyucbburg terminus OF the James
River Valley railroad. - '+t@1 ".
We say wcwouid rather have seen re-
newai OF the fraternal feelings OF the two
cities so unfortunately interrupted on q
former occasion. because we believe the
reasons for suchreiationship are overwhclm-
ing, The true interests OF Lynchburg are
in maintaining the integrity OF the COM
merce Of the James River valley. Any en-
tcrprise OF Lynchbarg that only ends in
: throwing the commerce that reaches her
upon the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio
and the Piedmont lines will fail to enure TO
her advantage. or this there need be no
better proof than that those roads have
done her little good. When she had the
canal and no railway she was prosperous and
lively. What has she been since the Atinn-
! tic, Mississippi and Ohio was consolidated,
and since that railway, so exhausting to
Virginia, cut the throat OF the canal? Her
1 citizens can answer the question.
= We say that il railway was built from
Clifton Forge to Richmond it would be the
agent OF protecting the State from alien in
terests and from that fearful drain which has
prevented the increase Of wealth and popu-
lation in our own cities. This road would
concentrate wealth and population in Rich
mond, which would cause an increase OF the
power and enterprise OF Virginia, and that
would enure to,,the growth and thrift of
Virginia cities. The drain through alien
control and alien interests certainly cannot
help the State or any OF her cities. - Z, .
James river is the main artery OF the
State It leads directly to her heart. II
the artery be dried up, can the commercial
life and visor OF the State or her nanufac-
turing enterprise be nourished and strength
ened? Clearly not. Lynchbnrg is seated
upon this artery-tbis noble river. The
failure 10 make that line OF transportation
the first highway in the State will surely
continue the trammelled condition OF
Lynchburg. 10 huild this line should be a.
work in which All James-river interests
should combine-they should combine for
their mutual welfare, for native pride, and
for the promotion OF the real interests and
independence Of the State. Amy James
river interests that may be deluded into in
difference for or opposition to this improve
ment would be a party to their own injury.
The James-river. people and towns have
their real hopes and promises in the James
river. That stream runs in the happy line.
To attempt to take, trade out OF that line
weuldc only be detrimental to all the people
and all the towns. Morally it is q sort Of
notification OF the Just and philosophic law
by turning trade at Lynchburg out Of the
course of the river, just as it would be yio-
lation OF the statutes that protect inhabit-
ants upon the river from injury by divert
ing the current OF the river itself from its
natural bed. 4. - 4 III J~!
do not believe that the disposition of
.Lynchburg can permanently be. alien to
Richmond. We doubt whether it is SO now.
Nay, we do not believe it. We suspect
some manipulating processes are ON foot.
Depend upon it, Richmond will play part
in the game that will protect alike herself
and Virginia, and, as we believe, in all sim
cerity, Lynchburg too. ri IS