Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-02-09

the democratic candidate for governor in par
ticulaf, did not hesitate TO avow themselves in
favor of some General System of Internal In
provement commensurate with The wants and
requirements of the State. The objections
that were constantly urged before the people
to the Wing party in this particular, were
founded on the reckless extravaganza and mis-
management which they displayed in the
works of Internal Improvement which were
begun, established and assisted under their
auspices. We have never understood that,
throughout that canvass or any previous one,
the principle OF opposition 10 all Internal I'm
provement by the State. was ever avowed or
maintained by any respectable portion OF our
party or the people. The objection was to
the sectional. useless and clumsy forms in
which legislation upon this subject appeared
never to the principle! We denounced in no
measured terms, the recklessness and misman-
agement with which these partisan schemes of
sectional Improvement were conducted; but at
the same time every occasion was taken for
the avowal of our desire for some safe and ju-
deious system; general in its scope, and cal
culaied for the benefit of the 1chole State.
II is true, that at the meeting of the Legisla-
ture, and down TO very recent date, we had
not anticipated that the period had arrived, when
it was proper to undertake this system We
thought it right, however, that the State, being
already deeply interested in the fate of the Will
mington Road, should take some measures TO
secure that line from impending ruin. She
owned 100000 of the stock, and, as mea-
sure of precaution, we recommended aid in
some shape to the Manchester Company. We
were willing that Indulgence should be extend
ed 10 the public debtors for stock on the Gas
ton Road. In these recommendations, we
contemplated no more than a transfer of the
fund already invested for the benefit OF the
fund itself; and in the event of the construc-
ton of the Manchester connection-now quite
certain-we saw the approach of the period,
when the State might safely re-invest, and
perhaps increase the investment, and devel-
oPe lue UTILITIES VI d NIUE 6ch0Ae14 anu lAo0Ied
system.
This was our position. Many of our friends
thought differently. There was something in
the aspect OF the times, that, in their judgment,
called for immediate action. The people all
over the State were, with unexampled Lnanim-
ity, calling upon the Legislature to devise some
plan by which the rich products ofthe western
country could find market within our own
borders. Applications for assistance to various
sectional plans were undeI consideration, and
whether they were opposed or favored by the
party, would tend TO its injury, and, perhaps,
the abandonment of its cherished position. II
they were passed by Democratic votes, ouI
position with regard TO previous schemes
would be liable TO misconstruction and misre.
presentation. If they failed through the same
influence, we were in danger of being accused
with justice, of want of fidelity TO our pledges
and glazing inconsistency. The moment
was propitious in another view, and that, the
equal balance of parties in the Legislature
Our friends thought that the time had arrived
when, under all these circumstances, they
might, with safety and entire propriety, pro
pose the adoption of the General System.
On an examination of the provisions of The
general Internal Improvement bill of the las
session. commonly known as &c the Contra
Rail Road bill,'' together with the circumstan
ces TO which we have just alluded, our read
ers will be able to Judge whether. in yielding
our assent TO the convictions of its necessity
and propriety, we have been guilty of any
regeneration or inconsistency. We can on
ly say, that if, in giving it that jealous supper
which we have denied all former schemes, W.
have fallen into error, the error has been o
the head, not of the heart.
We felt that the moment in which the mem
hers of the Legislature, shaking off the tram
mels of rarity, had suffered the true interest!
of the State TO acquire its proper ascendancy
in her councils, should be distinguished by
some measure honorable to the event ant
faithful TO their professions and pledges before
the people.
Such measure, we were persuaded to con
slider the great Central Rail Road bill and i
does seem, that if we are but true to ourselves
with the exercise of little energy, industry
and discretion, the day is not remote, when
from the period of its passage, happily signal
lied by triumphant vind;cation of Demo
cratic attachment to the true interests of tn
State, our citizens may see the dawn of a new
era in her prosperity and advancement.
Mueller, the celebrated Pianist TO the Kin,
of Hanover, agreeably TO previous notice
gave Concert at Mozart Hall, on Tuesda,
night last. We are no judge of music our
self, but those who were judges. say that h
performs admirably.
THALIANs-We are requested TO state tina
the Italians will perform at the Theatre o.
Monday night next. They have selected a
their princi pal play, on this occasion, " Follie
> of Night" The performance 10 conclud
with the interesting farce, &c Boz and Coz.
Give them bumper" They deserve it.