Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-08-16
For the Standard.

R. L
notice editorial headed " Proof Proof!" to the
charge made by Gen. Dockery at Asheville against
Mr.. Bragg, with having stumped Northampton
County in 1916 against Internal improvements"
copy of letter written by David A. Barnes, Esq,
of jackson, dated July 18th, 1854 and in answer
to one received by him from Gen. Dockery.
have, Mr. Editor, carefully read and studied this
letter in order to if could find any word or SEN
tence in it calculated in the least sustain this
charge of Hostility" the part of Mr.. Bragg ''to
Internal improvements" and [ have not been able
to do l am utterly unable to comprehend how
any man, having the least understanding of the
meaning of words the construction of language,
and understanding all the circumstances attending
the discussion of the question of internal improve
mentS at that PERIOD could deduce from this letter
of Mr. Barnes any such idea, unless it be the ex-
preston of Mr.. Barnes " understanding as to Mr..
Braggs opposition to the Investment of the public
money in Railroads" But from this expression
cannot, however, infer any hostility on the part
of Mr.. Bragg " to internal improvements" He was
attempting to show, he did conclusivey, who were
responsible for the wasteful and extravagant" ap-
plication of the public money For Mr.. Barnes says
explicitly that &c know in his (Bragg's) public
speeches. he charged the wing party with being res
ponsble for the wasteful and extravagant expendi
ture of the public money in the Raleigh and CASTOR
and Raleigh and Wilmington Roads, and to sus-
tain this charge either read the Journals of the Leg
slature or prepared statements showing" &c.-that
is to say, showing who and what party were respon
sible " for the wastefu and extraVagan expenditure
ton was to produce conviction in the public mind of
his County that the Wing party not to be trus
ted with the application of the public funds, (and
how any doubt the fact,) that party was
known to be wastefu and extravagant in all of their
notions and would lavish their bountes, rather
the peoples, upon corporations regardless general
ly, of their ability to meet their engagements to the
public to harmless the State who had en-
dorsed their bonds, and not to manifest any hos
tity to Internal Improvements" We all know, who
have any knowledge of the history of those times
that the Railroads in and out of the State were
wretchediy managed during the time of their
styuction and for long time afterwards, until wiser
economy and more efficient supervision on the part
of the Presidents and Stockholders substituted
in the place of extravaganza looseness aziness and
Indifference both as to the progress of these works
we'll the application of the funds of the Com
pany, involving them in heavy liabilities beyond their
to pay-all incurred account Of their trust
ing too much, and in many entirely to the man
agement of their sk-stockinged and silk gloved
Presidents Directors and Engineers, many of them
enjoying sinccures, instead of having practi-
cal working at the head Of their affairs. From
these liabilities, thus incurred these Companies ask
cd to be relieved by the State either endorsing their
bonds or assuming their payment. The wing lead
willing to do either or both, regardless
tirely of the safety of the public moneythe States
credit or the utility of these works. 1t against
such legislation this that Mr. Bragg directing
his artillery" and not against useful works wise
", well and judiciously constructed and managed
by competent and industrious officers, who
were not afraid of sun, rain or fire. We know also
what cutlery raised by the people who were
to be benefited by these roads, against the hardness
of their construction and the bad management of
the officers and agents of these roads, well
calculated to produce dissatisfaction in the public
mind and to damper the ardour of the most enthusiast
tic friends of these roads, among whom the wri-
ter; and to whom is known gentlemen of both par
ties being stockholders who became disguised at
the mode and manner which the affairs Of these Com
panies conducted that they sold their stock for
so TO 70 per Ct below par, and have ever since
fused to cooperate in any wise, with the friends of
Internal improvements. If Mr.. Bragg at any time
up to lS46-the time he is charged with being hos
tile to the States being Stakeholder in Railroads
had doubts, and expressed himself as to the pro-
priety of such course on the part of the State
they arose from perfect knowledge he had to in
efficient manner in which the affairs of Railroad Com
panies had been and were then managed, not yielding
and not likely to yield any profit to the Stockhol-
ders and to the just fears he entertained that if the
State embarked in them to any great extent, her
citizens might be burdened with heavy and oppres-
sive ia and debt such that incurred
by other States, inducing reputation in some of
them What man is there, loving his noble old State
and jealous of her honor and credit who would not
wish her to move on cautiously and surely with her
public works. rather than to her leap headlong
in all sorts of extravaganza and finally into repudia
ton? 1t there be such one possessing influence,
the sooner she is relieved of him the better it would
be for her citizens. | sincerely trust that the day
will never arrive when reputation shall be stamped
on her fair brew! or that her citizens shall be bur-
dened with taxes so heavy to cause just COM
plant on the part of her people; but that their rep
in projecting schemes of internal i'm
provements may have an eye to her honor and glory
and the general interest of her noble people, without
mourning too great and heavy responsibilities at the
start Let them do this and they will avoid the rock
upon which the credit and honor of other States have
been shipwrecked. PHILO.
EXTRAORDINARY YIELD. There will be no famine |
in Illinois this year. From every direction we hear
Of most uneXamped crops of Grain The haryest is |