Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1853-09-21
Gbt Stanbarb*
RALEIGH. SATURDAY. SEPT. II. 1853.
PROFESSOR MlrcHELLs LETTER.

PROFESSOR MTTCHELLS LETTER.
We give place to-day, most cheerfuly, to the letter
of Professor Mitchell of the University in reply to
the article signed &C." which we copied from the
Mining Journal as well as to some remarks of our
own of the 7th instant.
We are glad DIR. Mitchell has it in his power to
state, as he does, that he did not procure auth
orze the publication of his letters in the Mining
Journal. That he has right to 60 into the papers
of other States the subject referred to- any
other subject which he may fit to discuss, one
will deny but as these letters are regarded by
as calculated to diminish the confidence which was
felt in mineral resources publication out
Of the State and especially in the City of New York.
and, insnuated, by his procurement, was con-
sdered not entirely becoming or proper But the
assumption that DR.. Mitchell had an agency in their
republication, turns out to be gratuitous and we
peat we are glad it is
We have taken no part in this controversy, nor do
expect to- for the simple reason that we know lit
ts if any thing about Mineralogy or Geology. To
use thread-bare saying, eve shall not presume to
speak of war in the presence of Hannibal" But
"verily there be t,co Hannibas in the field, for
"G"-judging by the air of authority with which
he writes has gone, in his time, quite deep "mto
the bowels of the land" We trust his copper-not
his shadow" for that is not likely to diminish
may "never be less" Dr. Mitchell, we incline to
think, supposes it may but the Professor we are
sure does not refer to G" when he speaks of those
who have become +" half-crazed" by the copper and
coal speculations
Dr. Mitchell, it must be admitted-whatever may
be thought of his opinions and theories -wields
clear cutting singing pen. He treats G" to quite
a comfortable supply of salt and pepper, and then
does him the favor of rubbing it in. He excoriates
hm-he brings the epidermis at every touch-he
puts him through all the preliminary horrors of
Eastern BATH and then leaves him untoweed, with
his hair standing in three thousand particular drec
tions and his eyes well filled with soap and water.
We have hesitation in saying that the case, as it
stands calls for counterpractice and sharp retalia
ton We think we know COVE believe he is of
true metal and will not shelter himself under fic-
titous name He, too has shown himself well skilled
in attack and retort indeed the apprehension of his
friends generally is that when thoroughly aroused he
may be too bitter. We believe he has given consid
erable attention. of late Mineraogy and Geology;
and if this be So and if DR.. Mitchell be indeed the
"prmer Geologist sc y represents him to be, the
victory of the latter will be easy and complete.
But to speak more seriously, we trust that no i'll
feeling will follow these discussions and that they
may rebound to the benefit of the State Facts,
truth should be the leading object in all controversies
We should regret to personalities substituted for
these things, or passion sway where reason should
alone be appealed to and heard.
az The Wilmington Herald, in some comments
H. oh :n;o obo,,& ood
the Cape Fear, asks suppose the facts should JUS
tify the conclusions of the Doctor, why should he
place himself in the position of an obtrusive volun-
teer weakening the public confidence in great State
work? Suppose the Cape Fear dried up entirely,
what would be to him?" Yes, and suppose Jewetts
comet should strike the earth what would it be to
Burr?N Webeg leave to say to our cotemporary that
the drying up of such stream as the Cape Fear
would be matter in which every would be inter-
ested Suppositons imply possibilities; we hope the
Herald is not disposed to indulge in threats in rela
ton to the river
The SOUTHERN EcLEcr1c We have received sev
eral numbers of The Southern Eclectic. a month
ly Magazine, published at Augusta Ga. by j. H.
Ftten and d. K. Whitaker This work Is composed
Of selections from leading periodicals. of Europe with
contributions from the pens of Southern writer's. It
is well worthy Of patronage, and we hope it will be
sustained and placed on firm footing. Terms-$s
per annum, in advance ~
81 We learn that the Intendant of this City has
forwarded $3.50, the amount contributed by our cit
l.ens for the relief Of the New Orleans sufferers
from yellow fever.
Es The " North CaroIna Star" appears in .
A'" ana handsome dress-an evidence Of the enter
Prize and industry of it's Editor. =