| From the Richmond Dispatch |
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| February 5, 1861 |
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| The Covington & Ohio Railroad |
| A bill has been reported by
the Committee of Finance to enable the contractors on this great work
to continue operations. Under the present condition of financial
affairs, some relief is indispensable for this purpose. The best
interests of Virginia, financially and politically, urges the
completion, with as little delay as possible, of this chain which is
to bind the East and West in a commercial alliance. Dissolve the
Union, do what we may yet a link through Virginia to the teaming West
must command and control a commerce of inestimable value — a trade
whose course will thus be directed by those immutable laws of nature
which man cannot controvert. |
| It is not proper that in the
present unsettled state of national affairs we should entirely
overlook our State interests. It is not probable that any event will
occur that will suspend our enterprises for any length of time. By no
means, as long as we can avoid it, should this great Covington and Ohio
Railroad be permitted to pause. One
involving so deeply the future greatness and prosperity of Virginia,
should not stop as long as there is a copper available for its
continuation. |
| When the contracts were made
for the building of this great work, State bonds were at 95 to 97
cents, and there was no apprehension that they would fall below those
rates. Contractors then agreed to receive them at par, and put in
their bids at cash prices. These bonds are now reduced to such low
rates that contractors must be ruined unless the Legislature extends
them some assistance. This they can do without any loss to the State;
while, if this is not done, the work must stop and the State sustain
incalculable injury by the dilapidation of the work already done. |
| There is another consequence
which appeals strongly to the humanity of all. The suspension of the
work throws out of employment some six thousand persons, who have been
induced to go to the mountains, and who will be without the common
necessaries of life, thrown upon a community illy able to sustain
them. |
| These considerations, we
trust, will incline the Legislature willingly and liberally to give
the necessary relief to the contractors. |
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