Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1854-10-11

How auspicious the present. No longer is Beau
fIrt Harbor object of neglect and cold indifer-
ence. The public mind of the State sees the impor-
ancc and manifests interest in securing us and
posterity the rich fruits it new presents The heart
pulsates with pride as it contemplates them. Here
we have solid hope that energy and the commend
able spirit of enterprise will realize our most san
gune expectations. Here we will not for a moment
permit ourselves to gaze upon the dark picture of
retrogression but looking upon the magnificent ex-
panse that stretches before believe that the good
Old North State will enrich with her productions,
the embryo city of the South. Such hopes we hon.
esty cherish and in them feel there is something
substantial.
Again: as public opinion has been directed to this
point and surveys been made to test the truth of
the various representations made throughout the
State pertinent to its depth of water and protection
from storms, should now be satisfied that legisla-
tive action is alone necessary to accomplish what ev
cry true patriot desires. Need ask the depth
of water on Beaufort bar? Need we now ask, is
shipping secure in its harbor? Are these nterroga-
tories necessary? Are We so ignorant-so destitute
of information, as to require any explanation these
subjects9 Has not the press repeatedly stated its
advantages? Upon that bar a ship may float draw
ing eighteen feet-n that harbor she may cast anch
with safety when the mountain-billows assail
coast, and the hurricane RACES the bosom of the
deep. Nor is this all. Another great desidaratum
to shipping is its proximity to the ocean. Weigh
ing anchor and spreading canvass, the merchantmen
in twenty minutes is on the broad sea. Are such
commercial advantages to lie dormant? Are We left
with the slightest excuse if we neglect them? Are
we content with our present position, wearing the
soubriquet of Rip Van Winkle ?-an epithet an in
delible stigma? No; but with eye to the veal of
the State shall crowd its tranquil waters with ship
ping and bless land with long years fprosperty
1t is not my intention to speak Of the advantages
OF any particular point on the Harbor the termi
of the road Too much i'll feeling already exists
at Beaufort growing out of this matter reprobate
the spirit. Selfinterest should not for a moment
Danish from our minds the paramount interests of
the State. It is best for the State ascerained by
surveys, that the road should 60 to Gallants Point
mite upon that point or if Shepherds point, or
Lennoxvie, yield all preferences to the good of the
great stockholder. Let all petty differences be
conciled, and the particular point regarded minor
object when compared to the road.
If there is anything to be deprecated it is the
jealousy which generally springs up between
board towns. Is North Carolina too poor to support
two cities? Are the products of her vast territory
insufficient to support two, to the detriment and
ruin Of the one? If So it would be better to
age the old seaport. do not believe such to be
the case Let the road stretch through the interior
penetrate rich vallies and terminate with the
western line, and from our inexhaustble granary
two large cities draw sustenance and life Beau
fort certainly from the depth other water has claims
upon every Carolinian, which should not be over
looked.
close this article Mr. Editor not without feeling
how feebly have expatiated upon the theme.
have written it is with warmth and enthusiasm,
for love the old North State The legislature
which is soon to convene is an important one, and
let trust it will consummate the great object
desire believe that body will be patriotic. 1 be-
lieve local spirit will swerve it from the path of
| duty believe it will make this year, one dear in
the annals of our history. look forward to the fu-
ture with pride. l think can see down the brigh
vista of coming years. great and popuous State, a
happy and enterprising people. As roll after roll of
that curtain is removed, new and brighter prospects
reveal themselves to my "enraptured vision" still
look, and no more docs the stage-coach "drag its
slow length along" but the neighing of the steam
horse is heard from the mountains to the seaboard
and from the wharves Of thriving Beaufort the
chandise of Europe meets with its proper exchange
| the produce of an American State. This is the
picture the eye can dwell upon with pride and thus
may it be. W. V. G.
Elizabeth City, Oct Cd, 1854