Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-05-13


{ Ashe, to one of the editors of this PAPER without
comment. 1t speaks for ITSELF and makes remark
unnecessary Its plain statement of facts could de-
rive no strength from elaboration, nor could eulagy
render more complete its vindcaton of tie writer's
course, from the covert attack of former colleague
Gen. Dockery next alluded to the improvement
of RiDers and HGrbors and in this connection refer
red to Our own Bar, and paid high compliment to
the efforts OF Mr. Badger in procuring through the
Senate appropriation of 100000 for its improve
Lient. He also commented upon the efforts of Mr..
AShc in the same cause; and while he charged Mr..
Ashe with no delinquency Intention as regards
this very important business, because he believed
he would exeret himself in behalf of the interests
of Wilmington, he nevertheless showed that titus
far his efforts had been unavailing ard proceeded
explain the reason therefor 1t was impossible to
fl1ne prevailed for member of Col.g coul,,
get appropriation for his own Port when lie
steadily refused to vote for appropriations for other
ports on the ground that it was unconstitutional to
do So"
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 4th, 1854.
DEAR FULTON: With feelings much sublued by
Sickness In my family, and my mind much harrass-
ed by business it is with unaffected pain that enter
into disputation with any one Oh any subject.
But justice to my position Representative in
Congress, from the Wilmington District demands
immediate denial of the nsidious charge made
against me by Gen. A. Dockery, as contained in the
enclosed extract taken from the Herald which you
will be pleased to publish with this
Dockery paid to Mr.. Badger. He was entitled to it
and he received the same, previously, at my hands,
in most sincere and cordial manner. But his in
situation that it is impossible in consequence of my
constitutional scruples, party affiliations, to OBJ
tain the enactment of laws, for the promotion of
the interests of those WHOM have the honor to
present, is as unfounded as it is unjust.
Since have been in Congress-, two bills for Rv
erS and harbors have passed. the House, each con-
tanning such an appropriation as was recommended
by Professor Bache, for the Wilmington Bar. One
of these passed the Senate and became law of the
laud. The other failed to pass the Senate, although
Messrs. Badger and Mangum were both of that
bo!y, and neither of them Cverburdened with
stitutiOnat scruptes.
But let see how the truth of his assertions &C
cords with his knowledge Of facts.
General Dockery heard me, the floor of Con-
grcss, declare, that long the revenue of the
ULited States was derived from duties on imports,
it was obligatory Congress to remove such OBJ
structons from Harbors DISTRACTED import atoms.
He present, and voted with me, as reference
to the Journal will show. This should have salts
fled him, as it proves to the country that my
nection with the democratic party no obstacle
to the success of any plan to improve the Cape
Fear IIarbor.
But, exclusive of this record, which should have
restrained Gen. Dnckery from making any sucl false
charges against me, slight inquiry among his
friends in Wilmington would have informed him,
that the only vote of mine, which my late oppon-
ent, in my last canvass for Congress, disappruved
and condemned, in favor of improvement of
Rivers; yet General Dockery did cordially and
warmly support Mr.. Leake, did most of his Wing
friends. If mistake not he received 40 Wing
votes in the town of Wilmington where this fact
was notorious.
Yet, as Gen. Dockery is pleased to hold a
useless representatives, on account OF my connection
with the democratic party, shall be excused in
ferrIns to some matters, wherein he may be saddcd
with the same charge, and with far more justice.
During the last Congress there were several bills
introduced, proposing to suspend the time of pay
ment of duties on Railroad iron. But two passed
one for the relief of the Wilmington & Raleigh, the
ether the Wilmington & Manchester Railroads. The
stockholders of both of these Companies, have in a
COM limentary manner acknowledged my inStru-
mentality in passing these laws.
Why did not similar acts rass in favor of the
Central Railroad and the Raleigh and CASTOR Rail-
'oad both of whose applications were warmly press
ID? The that the leaven of the old Tariff
This party fearful that the passage Of this bill
would cndanger their hidc-bound, ante-diluvian
policy.
How did General Dockcry vote on these qlcs-
ions? Was he for us, or against us? We find from
he Journal that lac voted to lay these bills on the
able, which is equivalent to rejection.
1t will be Lorne in mini that the General Assem- |
lily of North Carolina instructed hey members to |
lsc their best exertions to obtain the desired relief
VI these Roads. Yet, shackled by the strong ties |
# party, he votes with his tariff friends, not only
opposition the interests of the State but against
he instructions Of the Legislature.
| have written the above in haste, and only in
of myself; and will add, in conclusion,
hat office does not glsten in my eyes t" cause
to desire its possession when constitutional scru-
lies party affiliations may render me disqualified
Or usefulness to people'who have so often horored
ne with their confidence. WIN. S. ASHE.