The North-Carolina standard., 1845-04-02

only SIX thousand dollars. Now, Sir, aadpllllQg
this to be trnc, yet the principle is lhe same. We
cannot m justly interfere with private even 20
that extent. But, Sir, the gentleman is greatly
mistakeain his estimate OF the .diuainurlon of the
value Of this Road, if the Supreme Court should
decide lH1fayor Of Mr.: Rives. ), The purchaser
would not conine his calculations to the mere
value of the wood and iron op that part Of the
road claimed by Mr. Rives, but he would calen-
late also tie Inconvenience, delay, and loss con.
sequent upon the destruction Of that part Of the
Road, and the breaking up Of the connection with
other lines Of communication, and would diminish
his bid accordingly. ~f-
Again Sir hold that sale of this Road, nn-
| der such circumstances, would be manifest in-
Justice to Mr. Rives. L would be raising up new
adversaries, and opposing new obstacles to the as
sertien Of his rights. And fthe the State Of Vir
GINA should become the purchaser, as.is centem-
plated by this bill, she will be formidable adycf-
&ary indeed ask my. friend from Halifax, be-
fore what tribunal, or by what process he will in
that event assert bis rights against Virginia ?
He will have no other resource, but to throw
himself upon the clemency and kindness Of the
Legislature. Now, Mr., Speaker, he has wthin
the last year appealed to one legislative body for
redress Of grievances, and from the reception he
there me-, he will have, imagine, no great de-
size to try another. - .,sr. ,.-r.
But my friend from Halifax says, that before
the law which he pow proposes to pass can be
executed, the case Of Mr.. Rlves will have been
disposed of by the Supreme Court. How, does
he know that, Sir2 Ii was supposed the case
would be determined at the last Term, but it,
though fully argued under advsement, was con-
tinued; and there arc many circumstances which
may produce continuance at the present Term.
Besides the case now before the Supreme Court,
| is an indictment against Mr.. Rivcs for tearing
tup the Road. Now suppose the Court should
decide that whether Mr.. Rives had property in
the Road or not yet public highway, he had
no right to destroy it. to the public Inconvenience,
leaving the right Of property to be seuled in the
civil suits HOW pending in the Superior Courts of
Northampton would not SALE such as is conlem-
plated by this bill, do manifest injustice to him 2
What right, I ask, have we 10 anticipate the ac-
tion Of the Supreme Court upon any matter pen
ding before i,4 None Sir: none whatever; and
1 will not sanction the proposed proceeding by
any Legislative action Of mine.
But, Mr.. Speaker, there are other objections 10
this bill. 1t provides that Company may be or
ganizcd by law 10 be passed by the Legisla-
ture Of Virginia, which is to have operation here
without being previously submitted to The LcgisLa-
ture Of this State. Mr.. Speaker, l hope l enter
tain as high regard for Virginia as any gentleman
on this floor If 1 know my own heart, have
no prejudices against the" Old Dominion" But.
Sir, am not willing to trust Virginia or any 9TH
er State to legislate for people. am not viii
ling that the Legislature Of Virginia should exer-
else for a moment n legislative power within the
limits of North Carolina. To our people and
their representatives belong the whole porer Of
regulating our domestic concerns We have
never granted, nor will join in any measure by
which we are to grant to the people or the Eegis-
latnre of another State, the v,ry smallest portion
ofthis reserved and necessary power. Sir, Ishould
native State, could for momchtary advantage
or temporary expcdency, Set an example SO, full
Of hazard 10 the dignity and authority. Of the Old
North State. Shall not find supportin the posi-;
tion | occupy? Sir. I call upon ME friends OF
State rights on this floor to stand up for their
principles on this occasion.
will mention, Mr. Speaker but one other OBJ
jection TO this bill no man can read it wlthout
at once ,perceiving, that purchase Of this Road
by the State os Virginia, is contemplated. I do
not propose to discuss the question now, whether
a, right of property in the soil over which the
Road passes, OF only 10 the materials Of which it
is scomposed. Such discussion is unnecessary 10 my
pur pose for it is admitted that she would acquire
a right of way over that soil, with the exclusive
possess Of the soil ITSELF make that right efec
tual. Now Sir, this is clearly real cstate-an in
corporeal heredaincnt, exercisable upon the land,
and accompanied with right of possession. |
Should Virginia purchase, we shall have present
ed an anomaly. Oae Sovereign possessing such
rights within the dominion of another--;e state
of things unprecedented, believe, in the history
Of independent Governments Sir, this would be |
wrong in principle, and might be disastrous in its
What collisions might not arise
between the said States and how would they be
reconciled or determined Sir, cannot lend my
aid to what may be so injurious in its CONSEQUENCES,
and is certainly so vicious in principle.
In conclusion, Mr.: Speaker; I will repeats ihatthere
is no member Of this House more sincerely ANXIOUS
for the preservation of the Portsmouth and Roam
oke Rail Road, than am. / know it-is work |
In which the people in The Eastern part Of No-ah I
Carolina feel much interest and at propertime,
and Under different circumstances L would do any
thing in my power to promote the prosperity and
success Of that improvement. But to promote
this object now, and by the means proposed in this
bill, would be TO place The Sate in false position
Ito sacrifice her dignity and yield her sovereigh- !
ty, and To- make her instrumental in the perpetra.
lion Of injustice to her citizens, and to citizens
of another State cannot believe that thy constit-
uents require this at MY hands; if do what in my
Judgment believe to be right, at least have the
appreciation, of my Own conscience, and shall de-
serve The confidence and respect of my constituents
But if | do what l am satisfied is wrong, I shall
be condemned by MY own conscience. and shall
Deserve ifI do not receive the scorn aud contempt
not only of my constituents, bat ofafl honorable T
miea. Having 5hcn the views which Iaha"e ex-
aressed of the character and tendency of hc meas