Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-11-16
The Central RaiIrooai---A state Project.


Wehope that will not be assailed with the hack
neyed outcry of being iberal, OF behind the age"
when we aver that had not the North Carolina Rail-
road project been presented to State work
as emnently North Carolinian in its inception char
acter and tendencies-we would have opposedit
g tooth and toe-nair' from the start-nay more, we
feel perfectly confident that had it not appealed to
the State pride of the Legislature, it would never
have become law. When it was introduced the
partizans of the Charlotte and Danve Road, backed
by the Virginia interest, knocking at the door
of the Legislature for charter to connect these two
points. 1t substitute for this project which
would have cut the State in two and carried all its
central and western trade to the Virginia markets.
that the Central Railroad bill was passed Nothing
but desire to build up market within own
borders-to foster trade-to avert the i'm
pending ruin of our own public works already con-
structed and to prevent the draining of our
ces to swell the commerce and prosperity of
neighbors at the price of our increased mpover
ishment, could have overcome the scruples which
listed against the States becoming farther involved in
any projects of internal improvement, which, they
must in some measure be confined in their effects to
special localities should if possible, be constructed
by those who expect to behe peculiar recipients of
the benefits to be derived from thena Such being
the facts of the case, cannot regard without jea
ousy and apprehension, the strenuous efforts which
are being made in advance to divert the work from
its legitimate object and to make it subseryent to
the interests and wishes of our Virginia rivals We
notice lately the holding of town meetings in Peters
burg upon the subject of appointing delegates to the
Greensborough Convention, and we also notice the
presence of Ex-Governor MoREHEAD, of this State,
who made long speech on the OCCASION setting forth
the vast accession of trade which the Central Road
would bring to Petersburg. We have noticed the
same disposition among many of the leading polti-
clans of the West, with whom the idea seems to be
gaining ground that Petersburg Norfolk is the
al point to be reached, The people of the East-the
friends of the Wilmington Raleigh Railroad--those
who feel any interest in the property which the State
holds in the Road-should look to this matter. If
instead of being State project having its outlet
within borders, it is to be converted into q
feeder for Virginia markets, no earth
ly in the people of the State going in debt to the
amount of two millions of dollars to build it nor
in individuals subscribing their money for the bene
fit of rivals who will not thank them. Not far
thing should be subscribed without guarantee thai
the connection should be made at the point where
road crosses the Neuse River When that connection
is established let it find an outlet in North Carolina
We think Wilmington affords that outlet and will
furnish desirable market But that, of course is
matter for the people themselves to judge. The,
can choose any market which may suit them best
but let the Road have terminus in accordance
with the intention of the Legislature in passing
the bill, and of the people. who assented to it.
Governor MoREHEAD ct i'd genus omne belongs to tn
class who always prating about g State pride,
"public spirit ct cetera, and examplfy it by frs
securing their interest and that of their friends
and letting the State pay the piper. Such men ar
not to be trusted with the direction of such matters
1t behooves the people of the State who have to pa
for such improvements to see that they answer tn
ends contemplated else they had better not be mad
at all.