Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1852-07-24

tally unprotected. From Georgia to the Rio
Grande, L am not aware of single outlet from
the interior, other than those constructed by Prov
dence, and they in most instances are subservlent
to our use, only, at certain periods OF the year
Suppose some unforeseen difficulty were to plunge
US into a foreign war Is 1t not reasonable and
altogether compatible with common sense to pre-
sumo the weakest and most accessible parts of the
country would be first attacked? Look then for
a moment, at the comparatively inadequate amount
of Navy to fortify against ingress into har-
bors, towns and soil, in the event the supposed
contingency should arise, and the exgency of
Rail Roads must be inevitable, as they afford the
most speedy and safe means of transportation
Under a judicious and economical construction of
these thoroughfares, but few hours notice would
be necessary to raise in the Interior sufficient
numbers of volunteers, to arrest the progress of
the most formidable foe, at any given point or
points favorable to an attack Not having before
me the Naval statistics of the different Nations
with whom most probably we might come in con-
iict, must rely on my memory of them, taking
care to avoid exaggeration, as l rely on facts and
not fancy to satisfy my doubling companions
The British Fleet comprises about 600 vessels
that of France about 400, Russia 800, while that
of the United States does not exceed $50. With
this pitifu number she has not only to defend her
commerce, but more seaboatd than all the others,
In the face of this alarming state of things, with
Tue great e.Fy anu Jealousy to"dlu Us,
in consequence of our rapid growth in National
Importance l fear the time is not very remote
when energies, means and patriotism will be
brought to bear, contributing alike our pro rata
share of each in the defence of National existence,
or it may be of INDIVIDUAL RIGHT guaranteed us
by fathers. 1t behooves therefore, to contrib
ute freely and without murmur, mot conflicting
with demands devolving individual relations
to every enterprise, which has for its object Ma
q nd ipIi al
Mans skill and ingenuity, which were given
him by his Creator as benefactors of his own well
being and happiness, have amply proven to the
world the efficacy of this system of improvement,
as more conducive to that end, than all others
Shall we then stand still, in the face of northern
monOpolies, impoverished commerce, with
prospective channel across the Isthmus which
must make the Gulf of Mexico the great recepta-
Gle of Indias and Chnas merchandise, and which
must be borne in mind not considerations OF
secon Larry importance, in calculating the benefits
of recovering and restoring back to the South IN
enfold measure all its lost advantages, its foreign
commerce, its direct trade, its importing business
and commercial prosperity, say no! but earnest
Iy appeal to you SOutherners, to look to South
ern interest, and lend helping hand in the recoy-
cry of your long lost advantage.
Having in a hasty and imperfect manner given,
what in my opinion constitute few of the many
advantages, both in National and commercial
point OF view resulting from Rail Roads, l beg to
be INDUCED few moments longer, that may give
my reasons for being in favor of constructing
Branch from this place interse ting both of
! the contemplated routes On the West Before,
however, fully entering into the merits of this
own Road, | wish to correct an impression quite
rife IN thu country, unjust in It's character and false
as to fact relative the burhen and profits of the
same. 1t has already gone forth, that the prop
erty holders of Town are in favor of taxing the
( for heir hone he
benefit no other class. If such the case, l
should not be an advocate, but on the other hand
its open and ayowed enemy upon the principle
have already used argument In its favor, that
of monopoly. Let then the wilful misrepresenta-
ton sleep. but not to the defeat of enterprise
hope to be able to prove as much to the interest
of the planter, as the merchant and equally con-
duciye TO the owners of real estate out of and in
4 Town. Columbus being the seat of justice Of
your county, consequently the principal place of
business and trade, from its central location and
other advantages, comprising population of some
5000, majority of whom rel ying on the surplus
of the country tor support, make 1t market OF
Indispensable Importance 10 all the small farmers
who trade to it. Increase It's population, and de-
mand in the ratio for your corn, flour, bacon
lard, fodder, oats, potatoes, peas, melons, DC,
is increased. Nor does the advantages accruing
to you sop here, or cease with the demands OF
Town, as the Road, when the market either from
supply or other causes will not afford you living
profit or fair compensation for your labor, brings
YOU directly in contact with Mobile, New Orleans
or any other mar et it may be to your interest to
go. These convenences being equally desirable
to those at a distance, becomes a matter of Dol
lars and cents to your property, and he who con-
t sders them of more value than yourself pays the
per cent of difference which by the time the Road
is complete range from 25 to SO per cent. owing
to the distance you are from it. Again to this
: class of agricuturists, some of whom are more
egitimately engaged in planting, raising from 5
to 10 and 5 bales of cotton | more particularly
| call your attention to this Road, from the fact
your crops not of sufficient importance to that
: class of commission gentry, who making large
fortunes at the expense of the planter in denying
d him. under municipal regulations, the right OF
: selling his produce, to make it an object to
cultivate your patronage, advance your pecuni-
), airy facilities.
ket which will enable you to control your own pro-
n duce, and thereby bring yourselves on an equal
: footing with the Weather class, who from then
: heavy patronage to the merchant can hold or sell
at discretion, whilst you are forced into market,
9 as small change for the counter.
? Build your Branch, and you are within l. Oh
{ S hours of Mobile and New Orleans, which ndu
u Gus buyers at once to your door, who will pay you
. the market value of your produce, deducling the
e cost of transportation. Moreover, the compe
o tition which must necessarily ensue between the
q contendng points, Mobile and New Orleans) viii
: make Columbus better market for small planters
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