The North-Carolina standard., 1849-01-24
For the North CarolinasStandard.,s 8

Mr.. ED1ToR. As have been spoken of In con-
neetion with few Others who did not vote for the
bill to establish an Asylum in this State for the bene
fit of the Lunatics, conceive 1t to be my duty to
place myself in proper attitude before the public
It is tfue sir that need institutionof the kind
in our State, and person is more anxious for its
establishment than myself. No mans heart beats
more responsive to the dictates of noble philan-
throphy. No man is Influenced more by the warm
est sympathies for the sufferngs of humanity than
myself No man more highly appreciates the beneyo
No person is disposed to place higher estimate
upon the services Of distinguished philanthropic
guest who has been exerting her influence in behalf
of this cause, and who appeared among US as min
stering angel, appealing to the most profound SYM
pathies Of human nature, behalf Of this afdict-
Led portion Of our race. But, sir, while 1t is the
duty Of every legislator to exert himself in eleyating
the character of his State; and while he should III
woke all the energies of which he is master in the
consutIration of this great object, let him act
precipitatefy under the impulse Of morbid excite
ment of the passions let him recognise no superior
governor of his conduct the judgment. Let judg-
ment, reason, and the passions act in concert and
harmony. Let him not discard those principles of
political economy which should Influence and actu-
ate every BOSOM l make these remarks because
did not see proper to for the bill under the im-
pulse of the excitement which prevailed at the time
vote taken; for sir, two of the most powerful
appeals had been made to the passions-the judg-
ment was fettered, not free to act. My impression
is, that one half the amount which this bill will
raise is amply sufficient to the demands of the
State. was opposed to it, because it proposed no
definite amount. ~ sa'~ .e'- -t7a -a'''- ->'-5" t-
Experience and observation will teach every man
that if he wishes tosanction extravagant scheme
of any kind, let it be commenced under the auspi
ces of the State, without knowing in advance the
probable cost. Sir, my word for it, it will cost dou
BILE the amount contemplated at first. For the State
is very good and solvent endorser. and generally
speaking the superintendents of such schemes will
not have eye single the real exigeneies of the
State, but to the ability of the State to sustain the
most eXtravagant scheme. e ,~-s@.r-f- - 11t -
should not be surprised if the cost of that build
ing is two hundred thousand dollars before it is
completed for after one hundred thousand are ex-
pended upon the work and it be halt. completed,
economy would call loudly upon future Legislatures
to make appropriations, in order to save what had
been expended, am, and shall ever be, unless ]
am convinced of my error; opposed to entering upon
any great scheme of Improvement, with such an in
definite undertaking of the 1t is true, that one
and three-quarters of cent every taxable POLL
and five and quarter cents on every hundred dol
lars worth of land, is small amount But, sir we
to look at the aggregate amount If hundreds of
thousands, and even millions of dollars raised
by taxation, it might be small each person. but
the aggregate would be- great. The pecuniary en-
barrassment of State will not justify US in toer-
ating such extravagant schemes. i am Informed by
of the skilful and scientific Architects in
the State that fifty thousand dollars amply su-
eent to erect an Asylum sufficiently large and CON-
modious to meet the necessities of our State
that amount less be enough, why raise more
For these reasons and many others, saw proper not
to vote for the bill, and my has received the
approval of my conscience course dictated, not
only by my judgment and by my idea of correct prin
ciPles, but by my idea of duty to my constituents
and to the State do not wish to attach any blame
any person who thought proper to differ with me,
.'15il''a7' c. E. BALLARD.