Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1853-05-18
THE STATE GEOLOGIST.

i lie DIAL T. UEOLOGlSl.
We find the following articles (says the Will
mington Herald, in the Fayetteville Observer, (he
first by correspondent, the second editorally,)
and we transfer them to our columns with the sin
cere desire that the rumors therein alluded to may
be proven utterly destitute of foundation:
"MEssRs EDIToRs Can you inform me what has
become of the State Geologist! l have not heard :,
with any degree of certainty, o.! his whereabouts for
some me and have begun to fear that the portion of
the State in which live will not have the advantage
of visit from him.
1t is rumored that he is making a survey of the
mineral lands in the central portion O. the State, and
has been, probably, ever since the adjournment of
the General Assembly. With due Difference 10 eve.
ry body who may differ from me, think that the
main purpose Of the Act Authorizing survey was TO
benefit the Agricukurists Of the State, who constitute
by far the most numerous portion of citizens, and
therefore their claims ought first 10 be attended to.
few may make fortunes ont Of coal and copper and
gold, but the chief source of wealth must always
be in the productions of the soil.
1t has been rumoIed, too, that the distinguished
Professor whom our Governor employed to advance
the interests of our people. by pointing out to them
the means of increasing their incomes, has been using
his knowledge in The way OF specuations, either di
! rect or Indirect. 1t is said that he examines the
minerals, tells the owner if he can get s. for his
estate, to SELL and thereafter another person
comes along. offers the price, and buys the land for
Northern Spectators.
do no. mean by the foregoing. to charge that the
allegations made against Prof. Enmons true.
Far from it. hope they are not. l have always re-
garded him as man of high character, and thought
the selection Of the Governor most capital one.
think yet believe that great good will result
from the survey ordered and which Prof. E. ap-
pointed to make. look upon the Act of 1851
as the most valuable Act of Assembly passed for
years. II certainly will be, if all things managed
as they should be-
| Now, srs, as the rumors which have indicated
above rife in the section in which live, il is due
to Prof. Emmon's character that answer TO them
should be made. / hope he may make one TO satisfy
every body n the State. Ifunfor,unaely they should
be true. (Which do not beieve,) such conduct de-
serves the severest apprehension.
Very respectfully, AUSTRALIS.
| The STATE GEoLoGIsT. 1t is not without some
reluctance that We publish the communication signed
" Australis." We have often heard the runors
therein stated, in regard to alleged speculative ope-
ations of the State Geoogst, of his friends and
correspondents by his agency, but We knew nothing
certain in regard to those rumors, and unwilling
to do or say any thing that might affect in uriously
either The Geologist or the Geological Survey. To-
wards the former we have no unknd feeling; and in
the successful progress OF the Survey feel deep
| interest Its value to the State is incalcualable-
not to be reckoned in hundreds of thousands of dol
lars. But this communication comes from known
source from whose official position not less than
his personal standing, entities him TO be heard.
We shall esincerely rejoiced ifby this publication
Professor Emmons' attention shall be called TO the
subject, and he shall thereby be enabled to make
prompt and conclusive refutaton of the rumors."
Prof. Emmons is now, and has been for some
weeks past, in Albany, engaged in analyzing soils
specimens of minerals, &c. His laboratory is in
Albany, and j. is therefore, indispensable that he
should repair to that place occasionally for tho
purpose referred to. His Assistants are, however
and have been, actively engaged in their abors il
this State.
The rumor alluded to by the Observers Cores
pondent has been in circulation here also and wt
understand Gov Reid has already written to Prof
Enmons ON the subject instructing him not tc
purchase mineral lands, nor permit his Assistant
to do so, while engaged in the States service ",
have full confidence in these gentlemen, and do
not believe they would act unfairly in making pur
chases or mislead any one as to the value of land
examined by them; but the better course on thei
part clearly is, to avoid every thing calculated tt
cast suspicion, however unjustly, on the very i'm
portant work committed to their hands.