The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-09-27
For the Camden Journal.
Rail Road Meeting.

a goodly number of the citizens of the District
assembled this day at the Court House. On
motion of w. Thurlow Castor, Major John
Rosser was called to the Chair. On motion
of Tho. J. Warren, Esq, Il. ]. DELAY was re-
ouested to act as Secretary. The Chairman
addressed the meeting, substantially, as fol-
lows:
The object of this meeting as stated in the
notice issued by the Commissioners, is to con-
suit on the proprety of subscribing to the Lam
caster Railroad.
The construction Of this road is, as con-
slider it, of vital Importance to the town Of
Camden as a place of business. True, we have
road now terminating here, which report says
is moi paying its own way. That road acts
towards US as drain carrying of, but re-
turning nothing What we want now, and
what the Lancaster Railroad would be, is a
feeder-something to keep US up-somcthing
10 sustain US rs we are.
Camden as town, is to he the greatest
beneficiary in this enterprizc. Camden will be
the largest town on the route, even when fin.
i>hed to the North Carolina road This will
be tie point of trade from above, and one Of
the stopping places for travel. Build this road,
and my word for it, you will see every kind Of
business increase among us-mercanti'e, me-
chanical, and professional; foundries, factories,
schools and banking institutions will spring up
and receive fresh vigor, and there will be a
permanence in our establishments then, that
has never been felt before. The building Of
the road itself will put a great deal Of money
into the Camden purse. The purchase of TOOLS
provisions, clothing, negro-hire, &c. &C., will
be considerable. In other sections Of the coun-
try We see towns built up and fourishing on
the sides Of rail roads.
1t has been urged us an objection, that when
this road is built, every thing that comes on it
will 90 on to Charleston. | meet this oblec
tion by telling you,that it will be no easier or
cheaper to get to Charleston then than it is
now. We are 100 miles from Charleston, and
no town between here and there. We might
as we'll say because people can get to Charles.
ton by steam they will 60 on to New York, or
when they get to New York by steam they
will 60 on to Europe.
We need not expect to reap any great ad-
vantage from the terminus of rail road, when.
ever there is IL demand for its extension. Such
thing as terminus to rail road will not be
talked Of in few years; they will either con
meet with another road, or with the sea board.
Wherever there was intercourse by inland
navigation or mailcoaches twenty years ago,
there will be rail road communication in less
than twenty years from now. 1t is second na
ture with our countrymen to make progress, to
design, and carry out Improvements. Progress,
progress, like honor, is first principle with
ue. The establishment of our government, our
commercial history, the increase Of agricultural
knowledge, the advance of education, the ex
tensve use of steam and electricity, all 60 to
show this. There has not been any stand
still point arrived at yet by Amcricans-good,
better, best; great, greater, greatest, has been
our aim. These internal improvements do not
tend to make the rich man richer but TO mul-
tiply the number of the rich; they enlarge our
means, our power, and our enjoyments, with
out an increase of territory. As we are situa-
ted at present in the South, the enlargement is
important. They bring us as people more
on level; they have tendency to equalize,
elevate and emulate. Figures cannot calculate
their benefits. They are too broadcast, and
penetrate too generally for that. The use of
steam for every purpose where it can be ap-
piled, is the order Of the day in these United
States of America, and may it increase.
have not heard Of any man who has ruined
himself by his efforts to improve his country.
The pleasure alone Of doing good is something
Of a compensation in ITSELF We'll done thou
good and faithful servant, or thou good and
faithful citizen, friend or neig ghbor, will ever be
grateful greeting, while the scorntul reproach
of having lived in vain, or ent:re $ for ones
SELF will be excruciatingly painful. Cold
blooded selfishness in this happy land of liber-
ty, christianity and abundance, is an almost
unpardonable sin against ourselves and our
feIlow.men. It's social delormity, hateful
to look at.
This is work in which we are called on to
day to help. think its completion will be
good for Camden and for kershaw District.
believe it will finally be good for those who
take the stock. think it will be one of the
best paying roads in the Southern States when
finished carrying the trade and travel between
Catawba and Peedce, between Georgia. the
two Carolinas and Virginia.
1t will not be n long road, and can be built
cheaJly 1t will be the central road of South
Carolina, taking the most direct course from
Southwest to Northeast, Travelling custom
is the best for rail roads, and this We hope to
get.
Lancaster is our old ncighbor and what is
remarkable, hitherto we have gone together in
every thing. In 1914, in 1892, in 1886, in
1876, and perhaps in other instances that
cannot recall. She wishes US to unite with her
now by new and stronger ties. Let us meet
her halfway she has shown us that she is in
earnest, and we admire her spirit. This is like
ly to be the last rail road enterprise we will
ever be called upon TO aid, and If VIC succeed,
believe it will promote the prosperity and the