Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-02-24
The River and Bars

The River and Bars
Our citizens received, with feelings Of the highest
qualification, the news of the prompt passage through
the Senate of independent BILL making further ap3
preparation for the improvement of the Cape Fear
River, as also for rembursng our citizens the sixty
thousand dollars advanced tor the carrying on of the
work In the mean tme-the whole amount appro-
prated being 100000. The vote upon the bill was
nearly if not quite unanimous, showing the appre-
citation of the work. both in regard TO its national
utility and absolute necessity, entertained by that
exalted body. 1t is sincerely to be hoped and trust
ed, that work which commended itself so strongly
to the Senate, will meet with equally prompt action
in the House. We cannot foresee any reasonable
grounds of opposition which be taken against it,
and we coincide fully in the views expressed by Mr.
Dodge that such works should come in, each stand
ing ION Its own merits. We now waive as we did on
former occasion, all our own individual feelings
which might have arisen out of some occurrences
last year, and, as citizens of Wilmington and con-
ductors of public press, join in the general ex-
preston of obligation to Mr.. Badger for his active
and efficient exertions in favor of this much needed
work-a work also which appeals to the general
government with the force of moral obligation,
since the distractions complained of have been to
considerable extent at least created by works erect
ed for the protection of United States property
In our opinion, we run no risk in pledging the
united support and exertions of delegation in the
House to this appropriation. At the last session Of
the Legislature of North Carolina, resolutions were
passed pressing this work in strong and emphatic
language upon the favorable attention. Mr. Ashe
know, has it deeply at heart, we believe all thu
other North Carolina members have, at least all will
whom we have had the pleasure of any acquaintance
The constitutional reasons which would operate t.
prevent the Democratic members from voting TO
any general bill containing measures of more thai
doubtful consttutionality will not apply to this. w
remember having conversation with Hon. J. K.
Daniel this subject nearly two years ago, and thi
was his view. Mr. Daniel, it will be remembered
was while in Congress, of the strctest of sric
constructionists, and inclined to believe tina
what came within the just and proper jurisdiction {
Congress- as understood by him. mi ght be safely take
on credit This work acquires still greater importanc
from the effort being made by our citizens fc
the establishment of Steam Communication wit
Havana, and the near approach of the time whe
this will become point of shipment for coal.
Ba~Tn the Senate of the United States on the / 81
inst, Mr.. Badger in pursuance ofnotice, intro lace
a bill, making further appropriations for the improv
ment of Cape River. North Carolina
Mr. B. said he would not ask to have the bill req
second time with a view to reference, but that
should lie on the table and be printed, together wi
some documents which would show thai it i
dispensable that the work should be done witho
delay, or there would be danger that the navigate
would be entirely closed The moment the bill al
documents were printed, he should move to take
up and have it passed at once.
In the Senate on Tuesday the following procee
ings had
CAPE FEAR RIVER.
On motion by Mr.. BADGER the Senate proceed
to the consideration, IN committee of the who
of the bill Is. 202) making further appropriation
the improvement of Cape Fear river. North CaroIir
which read. 1t app opnates the sum OF o
hundred and forty thou sand dollars for the year
ding June 30, 1855, to be expended under the supC
ntendence of the Secretary of War for the cOntn
alton of the improvement of the Cape Fear nv
North Carolina, al or near ITS communication WI
the ocean and the further sum of sixty thOusa
dollars or so much thereof as may be necessary,
refund to the citizens of Wilmington, North Cal
lina the amounts contributed by them to said i
provement, and expended thereon by the agent Of I
United States in charge of the work
No amendment being made, the bill was report
to the Senate.
Mr.. DODGE, of Iowa. I wish to inquire of t
hoorable senator from North Carolina whether
bill has been reported from the Committee Co
merce, and whether the appropriation is in acco
ance with the estimate of the department.
Mr.. BADGER. will state TO my friend that
bill has not been reported. 1t not referred
the Committee Commerce. the sub ject is p
fect.y understood by the Senate, and my friend
the head of that committee thought there
cessty at all for referring the bill to the comme
Mr. DODGE, of Iowa | wish Mr.. President
express my entire appreciation of the VIII
has been pursued by the honorable senator fir
North Carolina in reference to this matter and i
one which intend to pursue in regard to matter
great interest to the section of country from whe
come think it is proper and rightin cases of
kind to allow bill TO stand upon its mel
without being connected with any other. | 81
vote for this bill with great pleasure.
The bill was then ordered 10 be engroSsed fC
third reading and by unanimous consent, it was +
third time and passed.
This bill is now before the House of Represel
tives, and will, we feel certain, be pushed with
ergy and, we hope, success 1t would be a g
thing for this place By concentrated effort it I
be got through, for we can see no reason opera
against it, either of constitutional scruple
practical value.
HON. JUDGE STRANGE-We regret to hear of
very severe-and, it is to be feared, likely to p,
fatal-illness of this distinguished gentleman. So
time in the early part of last week he was strc
with paralysis and has since been in a very prec
GUS state, being unable 10 articulate save in me-
syllables. We hope that the state of Judge Stran
health may prove to be less critical than rumor
represented; and that he may yet he restored 10