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


in our own State tributary to some central interest
to build up by centralizing influences, and unite
by hooks of steel and bars of iron" interests d.
verse--to force by the power of physical laws, the
trade of the generous of the mountain into the
lap of this modern Carthage, and make his commerce
pay tribute to hers, it becomes as legislators to
pause before we are driven headiong into a system
which perpctrates such monstrous injustice! .
Are prepared for it? Has this been our poll
CIV? Does the past afford no lessons of wisdom!
Shall we disregard the teachings which her history
spreads out before us that he who runs may read!
Is there no lamp to guide our doubtful steps
in the pathway of duty? If the friends Of the Cen
trail road intended to have insisted on this policy
why was it that they permitted the connexion with
the, Raleigh and CASTOR Railroad, and thus divert
the trade to the market OF our sister State! why
this suicidal policy? Can gentlemen tell me why
the last Legislature granted the right OF way across
our soil to Tennessee seventy miles west of French
Broad to connect with the Charleston road? Why
unite Charlotte and CheraH in bonds OF iron? W ny
Wilmington with Petersburg? Why the Dismal
Swamp Canal? Why all these immense drains
Why deplete her at five different points, if those
who have preceded us entertained similar opinions
with the gentleman from Orange? DO these facts
afford us no instructive lessons? Surely, Mr. Spea
kcr, we must be blind indeed, if read the
past without cleaning from her history lessons of
wisdom.
But there is already project before this Legsia
ture to open connection by ship canal, so as to
connect the waters of the Chesapeake with those of
the Albemare. Is this contemplated Improvement
to be opposed for similar reasons? Are we to under
stand that mprcscriptble rights to be inva-
ded for selfish purposes? Shall we not be permit
ed to improve condition in our own own way? Ii
not insist bound hand and foot, the VIC
tins of commercial policy.
But let me invoke to my aid the gentlcmans own
argument In taking survey of our territorial con-
dt;on he bewa,d with more truth than discretion
that it was unfortunate for North Carolina that
the Pcdce and Catawba rivers that rise i'll our noun
tains should tlrcau their way through smiling fields
nfs,Tg ooh.t Lost fin tInf
foreign soil. admit it, Mr.. Speaker to the extent
he desires, it is most unfortunate; and if the gen
teman from Orange had reflected but for a moment,
he would have discovered that it this very mis-
fortune in geographical condition. which he so
compianng?y and graphically portrayed. that Gre
the necessity for the charter prayed for in the
bill It is interest diverse by geographical posi-
ton which dceS the policy advocated by its friends
Man has right-a natural right-to pursue his
own true and essential interests; and he who at
tempts to thwart it, when inpcIious necessity
impclS the opposition will most aSSuredly call down
his head the ani}nadverSon of those whose rights
are so hcedIesSiy aSSailed.
But it is sail these natural distractions ought to
be removed, and the State bound up in one common
interest Does the gentleman mean that by mere +!
legislative enactment that the courses OF the Pedee
and Catawba to he inverted and interests ire !
conciliaby hostile made to coalrscc: We should be I
taught by history 1t is said Canute seated himself .
by the scashorc and babe the bowy wave roll back, !
dare his rovai feet, but TIE wave, spite of ,
this imperial decree rolled on unloading the voice
hat rebuked its course. repeat it. sir, it is most
unfortunate for us, and eq ualy unfortunate for the
argument Of my friend from Orange 1t is this very
Misfortune which has produced this diversity of in
ercsts-thS conflict which nature herSelfimp~esSed
Ipon physical condition ut the beginning The
,cdce and CataWba, before civilized man looked
'ut their turbid waters gurged up at the foot of
ome mountain crag, sparkling in natures smiles !
md swept circHitouSiy to the ocean. Their
curses unchanged and Interchangeable; and
an never roll back the current of that trade which
naturally floats their
But it is said must dam " commerce, and
end heron her way rejoicing.
This brings me to my sec proposition. How
his is to be done one has condcScendcd to inform
s. have already enquircd of the gentleman from
orange if he prepared to vote seven millions of
olIars required by the report of Major Gwynn to
Xtend the road west. No answer has been given.
.et not gentlemen deceive themselves. No man here,
Mess he is regardless Of the condition of
ry would be willing 10 vote away ten millions of
oarS Of the public moneys. This is the lowest cS-
mate. When then shall complete the western
xtcnson? VIII it be this year-thc next, twenty
encc? We shall see. But suppose vote the
leans to build the eastern and western extern
on, what then: If this route is not cheaper and
ettcr have right to cOnstrain their tridc-turD
ack its natural current, and cause it to flow in
Their direction: deny it. We have such right
he laws of trade interdct it.
Trade, Mr.. Speaker like grayitation, obevs its own
WIS. They certain and unerring as the phys
al The history of commerce in every age Of the
Grid YcTlhcS this truth It Is written every page
the past; and Tyre and Carthage, cities that once
0tted the shores of the Mediterranean mclan-
Ioly witnesses of the cxcmplifcation of the truth
this proposition. Man is utilitarian being, gre
lrous in his nature, and consorts his interests
ay lead him. Interest then, is the great lever
hjch controls his actions and impcls him onward.
i've him five cents more at Norfolk Charleston
T. his per bnshel, and this at secures his
adc. Inform him that lie reach the market
lie day sooncr-il' other things being equal and
lis Immediately determines the route.
In the times of peril and danger in the struggle
+ a great principle such as that which ncrved the
m of the patriot in their conflicts for liberty, he
av sacrifice treasure and blood to obtain it. but it
the violence and the necessity of the thing which
sturbs the equilibrium of trade. Let peace return
ith her golden horn of plenty, and again You will
I'd that trade like streams that take their rise in
cir mountain fastne sses will flow onward in its
raj channel to its destined goal.
Dam up Commerce where it done
ow can it be done? By the mere registration of
legislative enactment ? Never, Mr.. Speaker, never.
ut suppose we had the physical power, have
e moral right? ask, gentlemen, what right have
e to compel persons to trade to markets whose
terest directs them to another. It was this at
mpt on the part Of Great Britain force the trade
her then colonies that produced the revolution,
ID sundered forever the bonds of affection. 1t
,r odiols navigation laws that fostered discomfort,
I'd finally kindlcd spark that grew to a fame.
stter trade! Why sir, the history of the world is
history of resistance and blood shed, produced by
G selfshness of those who swayed the sceptre of
'wer. Our own example is a signal display of
ople jealous of their rights and alive to their
tercsts and can expect that the sons Of
e descendants of the Mecklenburg Declaration will