Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-08-06
SMrrHF1ELD, June Z, 1853.

SMTTHFIELD, June z, 1858.
To His Excellency DAVID S. Red
Sir The position which have taken in regard
to the relative value of old and new land made the
subject of an address at Smith6eld on Monday
ming. stated to the gentlemen present that lands
which had been titled for half century were now
in good condition to be cultivated with as large
profit at any former time; that they should by
no means be regarded as deprecated in value, and
certainly not to be looked upon worthless
lands which should be abandoned. Probably the
common view which has been heretofore taken of
the old lands has exercised highly injurious feeling,
one which has diminished the population of the
State. Besides this effect the view has operated in
juriously by standing objection to attempt
at improvement, or bar to the institution of a
better system of means for their reclamation. do
not pretend that the hardness of planters to improve
is to be attributed entirely to this but is sufficient
to know that it has had its influence and that inhu
ence is still in operation. find, however very few
are willing to admit that old lands are as valuable as
new; indeed, / found there were those present who
denied it point blank. Unless it is true let the OBJ
ector account for the fact that England produces more
breadstufs and fattens cattle upon the same
number of acres of land than she did one hundred
years ago. And how is it. it may be enquired, that
lands which have been cultivated for two thousand
years are still productive History is in favor
of the doctrine The capabilities of soil must
main good; the power to be improved cannot be
lost-it must and will remain It is really of
the essential provisions of Providence to sustain life
to the end; it is prospective arrangementby which
prOductiyeness of the soil and encouragement to
labor. If we were to admit that lands were contn-
ually depreciatng in fertility that by well direct
ed labor and expenditure of means the productive
of the soil could be sustained it would present
sad prospect for future generations. Planters and
farmers shoould discard the idea that when the orr
gnal elements of fertility are Withdrawn from the
soil that then it is of diminished value and must nee
essarily fall off continually in productveness. The
contrary, have intimated, believe to be true.
believe, moreover that intelligent farmer may and
create it were, second condition which will
moreprotable and more productive than the first
This doctrine has hope in it. and exhaustation will
lead to the institution of manures which shall
tain succession of profitable harvests to the end
OF time. The doctrine that soils designed to
taina permanent basis upon which to improve and
which shall yield results successful in proportion to
the means and skill employed is the only which
Is accordant to those arrangements which prevail
everywhere else Iconceive that this doctrine is the
only one which incite planter or farmer to put
forth his energies to that extent which shall measure
to him the capabilities of his lands do not pro-
pose to attempt to sustain this view by farther argu
ment at this tme my purpose in presenting it in this
form Is answered if have said enough to secure for
it an attentive reflection
am, Sir, most respectfully yours,
E. EIMoNs