Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-12-15
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Our readers have by this time had an op-
portunity of perusing the late and last mes
sage of Gov. Graham. 1t may be expected
that we, in common with our contemporaries,
should say what we think of this document
Well, then, we would simply remark, that
Gov. Graham, according TO our UNDERSTANDING
very clearly proves that the State is deeply
embarrassed in her financial affairs, and he
thinks it is proper that the Legislature should
adopt some method to relieve the State from
her present unfortunate situation, by the issue
of State bonds or otherwise. The message re-
commends a liberal system of Internal I'm
provements by the State and in consideration
that the State is now sole owner of the Raj
eigh and CASTOR Rail Road, he urges the con-
struction of Road from Raleigh TO Charlotte,
and thinks the Stale ought to take about one
half of the stock. We are not surprised TO
see Gov. Graham recommend this measure so
strenuously, when it is well known fact
that the State is now the owner of the CASTOR
Road at much larger price than the State
could have obtained it for. He doubtless feels
sore about the matter, and with view of get
ting the State out of the unfortunate position
in which he has placed her, he recommends
the building of the Road from Raleigh to Char
lotte But at the same time he entirely over
looks the interest of the State in another direc-
ton and amongst all his urgent appeals for
the Road to Charlotte, he thinks that too
much should not be undertaken at once but
what may be attempted should be thoroughly
completed" We fully agree with the mes
sage in this latter particular, and we would
respectfully make the inquiry, how it is that
1t has so happened that another great interest
of the State has been so wantonly lost sight
of? North Carolina is interested in two Rail
Roads. One has never paid the interest on
the money that was paid for its construction;
the other has paid, regularly, the interest, and,
also, some of the principal; and the State is
still bound for her to the amount of her in
debtedness. The latter Road, Gov. Graham, it
seems, desires to convey the impression, is Of
but little consideration TO the State. Now,
we think, and we believe we are not alone in
so thinking, that if the State is disposed to do
anything for Rail Roads, helping hand should
first be extended to that work in which the
State is most deeply interested, and most like
ly to receive benefit from, and place the same
in such situation as may, in all human pro-
liability, eventually secure 10 the State the
money which she has expended in the project
We allude to the Wilmington & Raleigh Rail
Road, and the building of the Wilmington and
Manchester Road. The CASTOR Road is evil
IDENTIFY so much money sunk to the State. Its
credit can never be retrieved, unless it is at q
very great expense, which must nearly, if moi
all, fall upon the State. With little aid from
the State, the Manchester Road can be easily
built, and we are surprised TO see that the Go.
vernon has entirely overlooked this important
work. The State is more interested in the
welfare of the Wilmington and Raleigh Road
than she is in any other work within her do
minion, and we think it is her duty to do some
thing for the Road, if it can be made to appear
that by SO doing the State is TO be benefited
thereby. We, in principle, are opposed to the
States having anything to do with Rail Roads,
and would only recommend it (where individual
means are entirely unable to effect it,) as a
remedy to check the emigration of our people
to more improved States or TO better lands
and then merely recommend aid by the State
to individual enterprise. We think we have
had experience enough in this matter to con-
vince any intelligent person that such works
are managed better by individuals than they
are in the habit of being managed by States.
But we are for saving all we can, and would,
under the circumstances, be willing, as the
State is stakeholder in the Wilmington and
Raleigh Road to a large amount, and also its
endorser, to see the State extend some aid to
the Manchester Road. We believe that if the
Manchester Road is completed, which we look
upon as of the first importance, that the State
will be enabled to realize, in a short time pre-
MUM on its stock in the Wilmington and Raj
eigh Road and then we should have nc
earthly objection TO see Road constructed
from Goldsboro' to Raleigh, and from thence
out West. Thus viewing the subject, we
think with Gov. Graham, that :" too much
should not be attempted at once; but what
we have " attempted should be thoroughly
completed We do not feel disposed to GO
into comparison of the results that may hap
pen to the many improvements recommended
by the Governor; many of them are, we think
wise. We may at some future time speak o.
the message again, but for the present we
have no room to say more.