Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-06-30
A Hard squeeze and a Long Pull.

Hard squeeze and Long Pull.
After an interval Of over two months, when it IS
reasonable to suppose that memory has had time to
be assisted by reflection and its deficiencies supplied
by repeated suggestions of what might be required
by the necessities of the case find, the result
of much and severe labor in the getting up, Card
from certain citizens of Chowan Co., in which it is
asserted that they were present at the discussion be-
tween General Dockery and Mr.. Bragg in Edenton
on the 10th of April and that they distinctly re-
collect that Mr.. Bragg in answer 10 question by
General Dockery as to whether he was in favour of
the State borrowing money to extend the North Caro-
lima Railroad East to Beaufort, and West to the Ten
nessee line, replied No, Sir; but l am willing to
extend the road as far the and resources OF
the State will Justify" This Card is dated June 18th
1854 too months and two days after the occurrence
Of the discussion to which it alludes, and appears
more than month after the first meeting between
the rival candidates and just month after the pub
LEGATION of letter addressed to Mr.. Bragg by promi-
nent citizens of Edenton, several of whom belong to
the Wing party. The length OF time which has
elapsed and been suffered to elapse, since the occur
renee of the affair which these DOckerY gentlemen
distinctly recollectn-the evident pains and labor
which the parurition of their Card has cost hem
far TO throw doubt upon the accuracy of their reco-
lection while they render ridiculous the attempt OF
the Raleigh Register TO claim for the effuson spon
taneous character.
It somehow strikes us, too, that the Gard is but
slightly strengthened by coming out under the guar
antee and endorsement of the celebrated Col. Paine,
so we'll known in the Mexican war as petulant and
tvrnnnica officer, and since unfortunately associated
with the commission which passed the Gardiner
claim.
But, admitting the certifers to General Dockery's
versions 10 be- doubt they are, respectable men,
If is not to be denied that the length OF time since
the discussion which they report transpred, against
the probability of their distinct recollection, while
The constant agitation of the matter around them by
those DESTROYS of Impresslng a certain version upon
their minds has not been without its effect IN pro-
ducing the desired impression
Connare this with the letter promptly sent to Mr..
Bragg. and produced by him at the second meeting
between him and his competitor The signers to
that letter had the matter fresh IN their recollection,
without having that recollection confused by con
slant discussions and attempts to impress some par
tcular version upon it. Here is the letter sent TO
"EDENroN, May 18TH 1854.
sMR THOMAS BRAGG-Dear Strive, the under
signed having understood that your position taken
on the Internal Improvement question, during the
late discussion between yourself and Gen. DOckery,
in this place has been misepresented desire to make
the following statement, which we believe to be
substantially correct General Dockery spoke in
favor of the extension of the Central Railroad east TO
Beaufort and west to the Tennessee line, and stated
that the debt of the State would be increased thereby
TO the amount of ten millions Of dOilarS He asked
how this debt was to be paid, and said that the Dem
ocratic plan tax the people to pay it, and that
of the Wings to raise it by getting distribution of the
Public Lands You argued to show that, in the first
place distribution could not be obtained, and If it
could our share annually would be not more (taking
the average sales for number of years. than fifty
sixty thousand dollars and the interest of such a
debt could not be thus paid and that the whole thing
was calculated TO deceive In reply to this question
to YOU whether you in favor of the extension OF
the Road East and West, you stated that you wore
that YOU did not know, in the present State OF things,
what amount would be needed to complete II, but
YOU were willing to 90 far the means and re-
sources of the State would admit, not to incur
debt beyond the ability Of the State to pay and that
you were unwilling TO do that, you were opposed
TO repudiation-that you would have the state act
precisely as private individual ought to act i'll the
management of his own affairs &c. &c. This sir,
is substantially what recollect of the discussion
in relation to ''Interna improvements; and we cheer
fully send you this statement, act OF simple JUS
tice to one who, we hear, has been misrepresented
on this subject.
Very respectfully
J. c. BADHAM
A. DIXON,