Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1852-03-24
Mr.. CLINGMAN'S REMARKS.

We copy below the remarks of Mr.. Cling man, as
we find them correctly reported in the Globe, on the
bill for the relief of the Raleigh and CASTOR Road
delivered in the House on the 9Th instant:
Mr, Clingman said, will the gentleman allow me
to make short explanation agree with the gen.
tleman from Ohio (Mr. Cartier,) and the gentleman
from South Carolina Mr.. Woodward,) that Railroad
iron ought to De left free of duty; but ,ha, question
need not be discussed now. Ny purpose in rising is
to say to the gentleman from Ohio that the crcum-
stances under which this Road failed sustain itself
were these: The company originally subscribed
100000 or $800,OOO of stock. That was not suf.
hcent to build the road and they borrowed as much
more in addition. 1t was the borrowing of this
money which obliged them to have the road sold.
The company could not meet its liabilities, and the
State being endorse for the company purchased the
road. The State has subsequently given permission
to the company to become owners of half of the stock,
provided the company relay the road with heavy iron
The company are now relaying it. The road would
have been always good stock and have paid WE'LL had
II not been in debt and the company was so heavily
In debt that the road had be sold in this way The
only question. therefore, at present, is between
the Treasury and the road. is said upon all hands
that the Treasury does not need the money. Why
not give the credit therefore! There is no doubt
whatever that the money will be paid. The road
will be amply good for the money. 1t is mere ques-
tlon OF time In regard to tile payment OF the duty.
money Sufficient to bay $500, 900 worth of iron, it
will be matter of great advantage them to be re-
ileved from the of The duty upon that iron
at the present time. They will get the means Of pay
Ing those very duties in the of three or four
years tor transporting the mail"
Afterwards, in the course of the discussion upon
the bill, Mr.. CIingman said:
" | fully agree with my friend from kentucky lMr.
Ewing in the general views he has thrown out. In
f,-t
thought there was no article which it was so impor-
tant to admit free of duty railroad iron. still
adhere to that opinion and have upon my table an
amendment which intend to offer, exempting rail.
road iron entirely from duty. But, sir, the gentle
man from Kentucky mr. Ewing] must see that a
House. There is difference of opinion upon that
subject; and hence whenever it comes up we shall
have discussion, and there will he good deal of
delay, and man foresee what will be the result
Now, this bill does not raise that question at all. The
only quest proposed by this bill is. that this
Pany shall have credit Of four years to pay the duties
upon their giving bonds for the payment, and also al
lowing the Government to retain the money falling
due to the company for the transportation of the mail
over their road, and applying upon the bonds, Which
will probably be sufficient to pay the duties in two
years.
Now, sir, If we 90 into the whole question Of ex-
empting duties upon railroad iron my friend will see
at that this bill may not be passed for weeks
months, even if it is passed at all. In the mean
time, this company is importing iron. and there is a
delay in laying down the road, upon which the Post.
master General has been obliged to stop the daily
mail. 1t is, therefore, important that act upon
this bill at once Now, am very glad that we have
got into this general discussion. am glad to hear
gentlemen upon all sides of me out and say tha,
they are ready to exempt railroad iron from duty.
shall go heartily into this question anybody, il
this question now pending be got out Of the way
will vote to get at that general question at any mo.
ment, but do not like to enbarrass little PROPOSE
ton like this. Gentlemen say they willing ex.
empt all roads: then why not relieve this now
AS know the House is impatient get at another
question: and hoping that the gentleman from Massa
chusetts MIR. Davis] will be allowed TO occupy the
floor to day he desires, will move 10 lay this mo.
ton TO reconsider upon the table,