The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-05-26
RaIl-Road Meeting.

On Wednesday, the 18th instant, meeting
was held ia the Court House TO express the views
of our citizens in regard to the building of the
Atlantic, Tennessee & Ohio Rall.Road, anu 10
respond to an invitation from the citizens OF WEI
mington 10 meet them in Convention on the 25h
instant, TO devise ways and means 20 clean out and
otherwise improve the Cape Fear Bar.
1t has long been desideraturl TO establish, II
possible, seaport town within own borders
and Wilmington from its natural position and the
accumulation Of capital together with the enter.
prise and public spirit manifested by her people
seem to indicate that that is the proper point. II
the Legislation Of the State can be so directed as
10 accomplish that object without either creating
monopoly or acting with injustice towards the
other portions OF the State every North Carolin.
ian should desire its success. We believe this can
be done by constructing road from Jonesboro',
Tennessee, via this place to Wilmington. The
Road would penetrate one of the richest and most
productive countries the globe section that
has felt the fostering hand OF the State allie.
Whiting its isolated condition, and providing
outlet for its surplus productions. From what we
know of the geography, this route will not conflict
with any of the Improvements in which the State
is interested,
We progressive Democrats, and Of course
are In favor of liberal, enlightened and judicous
system, that will bear alike, far as practicable,
10 monopoly and believe it a great principle OF
right and justice that any community is entitled
to charter to build Rail Roads or make any other
Improvement in their condition, provided they do
1t with their own means-that the Legislature
cannot, without abrogatng one of the fundamental
principles of Free Trade, force people TO send
lis products 10 any market that their interests do
not jusfy-that the people have right to buy
where they can buy cheapest and sell where they
can to the best advantage, and consequently are
entitled TO those facilities TO market, which their
own interest, enterprise and means enables them
to provide-and that the State, so far from throw.
ing impediments in the way, should lend them a
helping hand. The Road now contemplated is
free from objections to the most jealous
guardian OF The States interest 10 the scheme
now commenced 1t will be a chain that will
bind the East and West together in one common
brotherhood developing the resources Of the one
and building up seaport and commercial empo-
rum for the other A scheme more happily de-
vised and fraught with more beneficial conse-
quences to the good old State could not be pro.
jeced. From this point to Wilmington by the
contemplated Road, is about SO miles nearer than
to Charleston, and If the bar is removed will be
the market for the produce on the entire line.
We hope the Convention in session will
agree upon the best route and be able to present
so strong case to the next Legislature that it
cannot refuse its aid. This is new subject and
we await the action Of the Convention with good
deal of interest We hope that statistics will be
brough: out that will enable to present the
scheme to our readers in its proper view.