Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

No papers from Washington or Baltimore by the last mail.

The Internal Improvement Convention at Charlottesville.—This truly wise and patriotic proposition, has been favorably received by the people of this Commonwealth. Public meetings have been called and gentlemen distinguished for intelligence and talents have been appointed as Delegates on behalf of many counties. The Convention will accordingly assemble on the 15th of July next.

When we regard the object which convenes this body of able and intelligent men, and reflect upon its probable consequences in the future improvement of this State, we feel grateful to the distinguished individual to whose suggestion it owes its origin. None can certainly oppose its designs as visionary, or ridicule its labours as unnecessary. It is the handmaid of no political sect—the tool of no political party or combination. It seeks the advancement of no sectional views—the promotion of no scheme of personal aggrandisement. But, its sole and undisguised object the improvement of the State.—The establishment of a more general and efficient System of Public Work—the extension of our trade and navigation—its appeal is to the patriotism and public spirit of every man who feels for the general welfare of the community.
We are gratified to perceive such men as Chief Justice MARSHALL, Judge Coalter and B. W. Leigh embarking in this enterprise. If we are ever destined to become a great State, it can only be by retracing our past steps—by discarding the narrow spirit of sectional jealousy which has heretofore characterised our policy, and by embracing some comprehensive plan, commensurate with the wants and resources of the State.

A meeting will take place at the Court House in Martinsburg, on Monday next, to appoint Delegates, to represent the county of Berkeley, in that Convention. Why has not our neighbour Jefferson taken notice of this proposition. She, surely cannot be insensible to its importance.