Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-03-03
RALEIGH, N. c., Jan. %, 1865.

10. ". T. ". z.
My DEAR SIR: | know your anxiety to learn
something of the proceedings of the Legislature in
detail, especially such as Immediately concern the
west, to which all much attached and
whose interests should be kept constantly before
The act establishing the County of Polk has pass
ed both Houses been ratified by the Speakers, and
is now law. The supplemental bill to the same is
now before the Senate and will OF course pass. This
measure is of justice and beraiity to portion
of the west, and need not say to you how deeply
gratiiied am at its success.
The bill Incorporating the French Broad Railroad
has passed the Commons almost by acclamation, and
will, am confident, go through the Senate. 1t is
measure demanded by large portion of Western
Carolina, and cannot fail be of important benefit
to them for all time to come.
The bill for extending the North Carolina Road
east from Go'dsborough to Beaufort has passed the
Commons by large majority and will no doubt re-
ceive the sanction of the Senate The bill for the
extension west from Salisbury. is still in the Senate
but will soon pass, and will in my judgment, togeth
er with that Tor the eastern extension become law
Thus 1t is the great work of Improvement goes for
ward in a Democratic legislature
The bill 10 create an additional judicial Circuit
has, regret to say, been defeated in rhe Senate.
do not, however despair of the measure 7 trust
the Commons may take up the matter and pass
bill of this sort, when the Senate it is to be honed
time having been given for reflection may recnnsl-
its course the subj and agree it. Indeed it
seems to me, that the creation Of additional cir
cults would be adviSahle at least ought to ha
The great question of Free Suffrage has been dis
posed of III the Senate, and is in the Commons
The w higS PARTY, made every effort obStruct
and CsnharaSs it, but its friends were true to it in
the Senate, as they are proving to be in the Com
mons: and have no doubt it will receive the re9ui-
site conStu ional majority. The Legislative mode
of amendment to the Constitution, appears to be
more generally approved than the Conventional one
and to the revolutionary proposition to call a
convention by submitting the matter to vote of the
people, and without regard to the solemn forms of
the Constitution, have SET nv face against it.
had the honor of introducing into the Senate on
Monday last, hill to amend the Constitution so as
to provide for annual sessions of the Legislature
have always had doubts the utility and pro-
prietv of biennial Sc sionS; and recent experience
and observation have changed these donbts into
conviction of the Importance of an annual sunerviS-
ion by the peoples representatives Of nnblic affairs
am not without hone that the bill will pass by
thrceffths at this session. and that the change
proposed Will he made. The debt of the State is
about three m Hons. an the Dr1h bty is It will he
increased three millions more this session The FL
nance Committee have reported Revenue hill,
which, il is thought will raise sufficient to
nav the interest TIL" Hill is now under discussion in
the Commons. We must have improvements. but VIC
cannot EXPECT to make them without an increase of
our taxes This increase am satisfied the natriotic
people of the West will hear rhccrfnllv knowing
they WILL that the works of Improvement conten-
plated, destined to add to their convenience and
wealth. and to shed additional prosperity and glory
on the whole State which all love well.
was not entirely satisfied. vou know. with the
result of the Senatorial elections. 7 l.. Cngman
and David :. Reid were my first cAnlrr: hut Col
Riggs is sound democrat, and an able man. and
occupies better position on internal improvements
than has been generally assigned him. He has
been grossly msrenreSented by the vhie press
this question: He defined his no<iton 1T length
few DAYS since in the Senate and his published
sneech will sneak for itself 7 am satisfied from
knowledge nf the man. that he is a true hearfel Ca
ro'iniqn. the friend Of the West. and an honest and
decided advocate Of improvements. Some allowance
he made for the fact that Col Ricgs
q constituency or less hostile to increase of
the State debit and if he is 'rnc tn them will be
trre the State in tn" Senae Of the United States
We not attcmnt to rush Eastern friends
this question: S..relv the canSe Of improvements is
strong in both Houses. that afford to
have natinnce with those of nur friends who seem
to he still in the rcar. It will all right in the
end: the Democratic marty will stand one and ndi-
visible and under its auspices the resources Of the
State will be developed and shall go forward
prosnering and TO prosper
In haste, am very respectfully vnnrs,