Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-05-25

The PusLIc LANDS The great gun-the only
gun in fact--of the Wing leaders in this District
seems to be The distribution of the proceeds Of the
Public Lands. They tell usiLat with these proceeds
we can build railroads, establish schools and ensure
general prosperity. just what they used to tell as
would be effected by United States Bank and q
High Tariff. without which the country was doomed
TO ineyiiabe destruction. But have progressed
and prospsred without either of these measures; and
we think we very clearly prove that we can con-
tlnue oprogress and prosper without this dlstrlou,
tIonIn fact, that such distribution would not at
advance the prosperity of the country, but on the
trary, Tetard il.
The manner in which the argument in favor of this
distribution is put is well calculated to deceive the
unwary; and the usual resort to it is by no means
complimentary to the Intelligence of the people, fol
when properly understood we think there will be but
few in favor of it. For instance, we are told that
North Carolina is going in debt for internal improve
ments nd that her literary fund is small
complish its design. So far, true. Then, say these
Wing leaders, let divide the proceeds of the sales
OF public lands among the several States and North
Carolina will draw enoug6to build her railroads and
put her system of free schools upon firm and eff
cient basis. Why mot! Il sounds well, 1t looks
well-what is the objection to it? We will see.
Our government is now in debt, and besides the
annual expenses this debt must be paid. This re-
quires large .amonnt of money, and it must come
from some source. Why not apply the funds arising
from she sales of public lands to this purpose! This
is what understand to be advocated by the Demo-
cratic paIy-a measure dictated by economy, by JUS
tce and by every consideration of policy.
Suppose we divide these proceeds among the States:
then the expenses and the debt of the general gov
eminent must be paid either by direct taxation by
an increase of the tariff In either il will only
be putting money into pocket and taking out as
much or more from the other. And the fingers that
perform these kind offices of addition and substrac-
lion will naturally retain of the proceeds, there
by lessening the amount they put IN and increasing
that they take out Sound policy, then, demands
that these proceeds shall go into the public treasury
and be dsbursed other moneys in defraying the ex
nf and afTSf IohN
The distribution of the proceeds of the public
lands is but an indirect mode of accomplishing that
which The people of the South have already conden-
ned, viz: high tariff. This was once measure
avowed and advocated by the Wing party, but the
people rejected it, None dare advocate it di-
recy and openly, and sought to be foised upon
the country in an indirect manner, and with decep
tive show of generosity and liberality. the film
of sophisry is thin, and the disguise will be
off and the same old monster, High Tariff, will
stand revealed in all its naked deformity.
1t will be seen that we have not touched the con-
stitutionalty of this subject, about which there are
TO say The least, many grave doubts; and as safe
rule, Congress should never exercise doubtful pow
lions, exPediency stands opposed 10 any such dstr
button.
The Wing party has been driven from its Gbral-
ter of United States Bank, from its San Juan de
Ulloa of High Tariff and has rallied its
naining forces behind the weak and totterug fortress
of Distribution. One fire from the old Democratic
cannon will demolish this fortfcation, and again
scatter its defenders to seek other protection
We invite them into the Democratic fold, where
alone they can find peace and safety.
Salisbury Banner.