Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-02-03
REMARKS OF MR.. SANDERS,

1855. on the bill to ertend tile North Carolina
Road east to Beaufort from Goldsborough.
Mr.. SPEAKER: came to the Senate with the in
tention of voting for the eastern extension of the
Central Railroad Circumstances have TRANSFERRED
during the session which compel me to do otherwise
1t has been contended that the platform adopted by
the Democratic party, upon which the campaign of
last summer was conducted, pledged that party to
the policy pursued by the Legislature in session.
Upon this question take issue wita its advocates OF
both political persuasions. The committee of the
Democratic Convention, of which 1 had the honor
to be member, intended to pledge, they did
pledge the party to prudent and judicious system
of internal improvements only, to be controlled by
the means and resources of the State. Now, sir
ask YOU, | ask the Senate ask the country if the
measures adopted and those likely to be adopted by
the present Legislature, either prudent judi
cious within the peIview of the platform. The ex-
tension of the Central Railroad, east and west, was
the only question heard nootcd. 1t certainly
the only that heard discussed by the candidates
for Governor and that the question to which
the Democratic platform had reference; and even
upon that, that party We're divided. believed then
that it would not be prudent or judcious to charter
the western extension at this time. | am now con-
WINGED that it ought not to have been DONE especial
" there have been many other heavy debts IN
Cured by the passage of other Railroad bills, not
dreamed of by the people in the late campaign.
What sir is the estimated cost of this western cN-
tension? Seven millions of dollars. TO which you
may add, according to former calculations, three
millions morc-making ten millions additional debt
for this end of the road alone. The interest upon
this debt is about three times the whole revenue OF
the State, requiring the present taxes to be lcreas
ed ultimately three fold Are the people, the tax
PAYERS sir, prepared for such legislation? answer
for my constituents-they not. Other Senators
will find the thing true in regard to those whom
they represent on this floor. But should the road
be built and the people become reconclied to the
enormous debt thereby incurred, of what advantage
will it be? Will the northern travel take the
Central Road when the Virginia Valley Road will be
nearer and cheaper? Will the southern travel from
east Tennessee and western North Carolina patron
Zc this Road when they also will have nearer and
cheaper route to market? Besides sir, what fieighs
will ever pass over il? VIII any seriously
tend that any of the great staples produced in the
valley of the Mississippi or its tributaries Will ever
seek market by way of the North Caroline Rail-
road when they have a water communication with
the ocean? Such assumption Is against the laws
both of trade and Ofinterest.
Neither producers spectators could afford to
pay the charges incident upon transportation by
Railroad for great distance What then may
be expected to pass this end of the Road? y
small quantity OF grain and tobacco the horses and
other stock and such other products OF east Iennes-
see and western North Carolina may find mar
ke in the middle and eastern counties OF the State.
Sir, this is the from which is to arise those
dividends and profits which are to indemnity and
save harmless Nv constituents and yours for this
immense outlay Of money-ior this imprudent and !
nuliciouS Imposition of taxes.
The passage Of this bill, sir, is of the reasons
which have induced me to vote against the eastern |
thought Il south side north side Railroad at |
cost of millions would hc chartered by this Lcgis!a- |
urc? Yet such is the fact IA" as legislation has
gone to one tapping on the SOUTH the other destined
% tap the north your great Central Railroad.
WHY, sir, railroad charters plenty as black
berries TO cap the climax charter has passed in
he Senate to Railroad from the coal fields via
Fayetteville and Warsaw to Beaufort This alone
: enough to kill the eastern extension for who
wants parallel roads leading into an imaginary
marta city that is to be. Because
Beaufort has depth of water, is it any that
I'll the world should be her tributaries? Where Will
he freighs and passengers come from TO support
md make profitable two roads commencing on the
u irington road twenty four miles apart and con-
-crgng until they reach Beaufort? Echo answers
where: But, sir, | have said enough, especially
$ l am acting with the minority, shall record my
ote against the bill. The people will be our judges
to them must submit and To that tribunal L
cfer these questions Of extravaganza and waste.
THE RATE OF INTEREST AND PENALTY FOR UsrRY.
IS the subject of repeal of the Usury Laws is at
racting good deal of attention throughout the
ountry, the following summary, from the Bankers
iagaSine, will be fpUnd to he of interest 1t may
&c considered reliable, and differs from the state
lcntS heretofore published and now in circulation:
LEGAL of