Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-01-27


ton of the works already undertaken aud the ex-
tension of the same just regard for the interest
of the people may require, and the means and re-
sources of the State will prudently allow.
Upon that resolution [ stand nowtas l stood when
it was proposed part of the Democratic platforms
Do gentlemen seriously insist that by that resolu-
ton any person is bound to vote for the particular
western extension bill now your tablet Why is
it fact that to extend the Central Railroad west
there several distinct propositions by western
gentlemen tho proper route of that extension
about which estimates made varying millions OF
dollars i'm amountP But / am not willing to avail
m yself Of any difference of opinion to the proper
location of the eastern terminus, because 1t may
be said attempting thus to cvade any extension
The same difference ofopinon, however, exists as to
the western terminus But assume that the bill
proposes the best route to ASe0t, is it prudent to
make the extension to Chattanooga? Docs just
regard for the interest of the people require" it?
Will 'the means and resources of the State pru-
IDENTIFY allow"it?
danger in voting the appropriation because the in
divdual stock will not be taken in the mountains:
Adopt this reason to guide your action, and you will
inspire deusive hopes in the far west, without in
tending afford relief If it is beyond the means OF
the State to make railroad there non, why not
adopt other mode that is practcabn, if one can
be devised, afford the extreme west the means OF
Transportation, and not excite hope that cannot
be realized? Will not this mode of conducting In
terna improvements very much retard the proSecu-
ton of prudent and practical enterprises! AND II
the State is involved in enormous State debt Is
there not danger that miserable demagogue may
cndeavor excite the public mind to breathe repu-
dation the slightest suspicion of which hope neV-
er hear attached in the most remote degree to our
beloved State? But in the most favorable point
in which it can be viewed, will not large debt
of even ten millions of dollars prove very
to the people with present means and Is there
not this danger at least, that although we may not
repudiatc, may neglect promptly to meet our eE-
gagemens and thereby the credit of the State suffer
great detriment? At the risk of having my sincerity
doubted by some, will say that if we had rcdun-
dant Treasury, if the people could without being
greatly oppressed bear the additional taxation requr
cd for the s:upendous enterprise proposed there
is no one in this Senate who would with more heart
felt pleasure than myself vote the necessary appro
priations to the natural impctnents
western fellow citizens encounter in the mountains,
which diminish production and too much separate
our people brethren Of the same political family
Many other considerations force themselves upon ne,
but desSt.
And now as to the bill under consideration. 1t IS
not concealed by the Senator from Chatham, CIR.
Uaughton,) that this Company has been unfortunate,
or let gentlemen say, Ii you please, remlsS In its
management; but assured by the Senator,
and he has besides his own observation and eXpc-
perience, which is entitled to great consideration,
given the opinions of reliable scientific men,
TO the Importance and praCtcablity Of this work
We have embarked in the entcrprsc-an enterprise
leycopc what is believed he of the richest
mineral resources in the State, and by water trans
purtatiOn, the only node by which success
fully transport coal To market. To Wilmington we
opc. the coal trade, and greatly assist in supplying
large quantities of lumber greatly needed at that
place; besides the other direct and incidental advaIi
tages to be derived from the completion of the work.
which the Senator has f'nrcibly alluded; and
if gentlemen wish to still hold up to the Demo
cra: resolution (a!tho,tgh think with great defer
it improperly introduced herc) it is work,
in the language of ihat resolution, already under
taken, and it is petite and proper for the Legislature
to extend further aid" to it,
And now, Mr.. Speaker | have but few words to
add. My judgement may err as to the best inter
of the State, and if differ in judgment with
political friends political opponents, can assure
them have the utmost respect for their opinions
and Judgment. | may be considered tmid lag
gard, but if | know my Own heart | sincerely de-
sire the highest good of my native State.
have not proposed nor do intend to propose
any amendments to cmbarrass, do expect to
sCu1s the details of the bills for Internal
improvements that may be presented for my action
The friends of the several propositions may rest
surcd that the course may pursue will not be die
tatcd by any sectional personal feeling, while ]
shall frankly and promptly in the exercise OF my
best Judgment, without attempting to evadc rcspoA
sibity discharge my duty to those represent; and
hope there will again be any necessity for Inc
to trcSpasS the time of the Senate the sub
iec feel well assured that my motives of action
wil be properly and kindly appreciated by the Sen
ate
am here now the representative of an honest,
noble and contiti;ng constituency; and in the dis
charge of the commission | now hold, trust may
not prove faith.ess to their Wishes some ASST
rance to my kind Democratic friends that will not
prove faitess to their wishes and the best inter-
csts of the State when am called upon to reflect
the will of North Carolina in the councils of the
Republic.