The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-02-13
[For the Dispatch.]
The Canal and Richmond.

d Messrs. Editors: Some OF the people and
papers along the upper James have been
indulging in wailing and cursing by turns
because our city legislature refuses to give
S25, 900 for repairs. Now and then we hear
some Of our own citizens say. ".Hadn't we,
better let them have this amount?" &c We
had better not make Lynchburg, Botetourt,
Rockbridge, and their friends our enemies
by refusing it," &C., &c. On the contrary,
the Council is. right in this matter. 1t is
time Richmond should take q stand and
demand that recognition to which she Is en-
titled as the metropolis and chief, taxpayer
Of the Commonwealth. It is time she should
let these people understand that she cannot
be again flattered and caioled into giving
thousands to this, that, and the other inn
provement away off from her. 1tlst to see
all its favor and patronage, when compile
ted, used against her, and all the influence
of Legislators from those sections especially
benefited by Richmond money invariably
and persistently arrayed in behalf Of mea-
.sures hostile to her Development
Richmond has taken her position in this
matter. 1t is not injurious to the interests
Of any other city or county, but is in the in
terest OF all. She has decided that she will
have no more of this monstrous failure; no
more of this canal, which has been making
great promises and holding out bright hopes
only to deceive and disappoint her; no
more of this canal, which has been deyasta-
ting and depopulating the valley OF the
James for more than quarter Of century.
Richmond has spoken in unmistakable
terms ON this subj and has also indicated
in almost as positive terms that she WAITS
railroad. along this valley, and il suitable
protection is given she will build it herself,
and build 1t at once. rs t.s*l
: Now, why don't suffering Botetourt,
Rockbridge, and Lynchburg come to Rich
mond and give the needed protection and
get the needed outlet and hig hway !? One we'll
qualified to speak has said the road can be
completed in eight months. Why don't Major
Johnston turn some OF his much-laudede ner-
gies towards getting the necessary charter
through the Legislature, instead OF oppos-
ing Richmond and her interests by pressing
with all the argument and influence he can
muster another bill looking to the construc-
ton Of road from Clifton Forge to Lynch
burg, with strong probability that it will
neuer be brought aaearer2
It is unfortunate for Richmond that at
this opportune moment for having this
great railroad built the president OF the
canal company happens to be resident OF
Buchanan. i II it bad so happened that
Franklin stearns, OF Richmond, had been
in that position when God in his wisdom
the food to come and wash away
Che canal, we believe that before this time
q suitable charter would have been granted
by the Legislature, 90. 000, 900 appropriated
by this city, the railroad under contract,
and the canal repaired to Buchanan, to be
used till the railroad is completed.
Let Richmond stand her ground. Her
position is magnanimous, patriotic, and
Just. Let Mahomed know that the noun
tain does not move, RICHMOND.