Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-02-03
SPEECH OF J. PARKER JORDAN, ESQ.
OF PERoUIMoNs,


vor~to answer the able argument of the gentleman
from Orange and it is now my purpose tho at an I'M
prepitous moment, to redeem the pledge then made
Fattgued tho house must necessarily be with the
debate occupying near two days of time upon
subject in which the community feel deep interest,
and about which there is much diversity OF opinion,
I should have cOntentcd myself with silent vote,
but for tho extraordinary position OF my friend from
Orange position fiaught with mischief only, and
calculated to mislead, rather than enghten-to pre-
judice than elucidatc>
But before | further proceed 1t may be necessary
in order to avoid Misrepresentation on the one hahu
or msapprehension the other, that Shouid
clearly and distinctly define my position in relation
t. the collateral issues which seem naturally enough
to spring up, and grow out OF the mann point l"
controversy now before the house; ana whlch gen
teman have pressed into their service refer TO
the Central road No man can suspect me OF hostli-
ty to its iaterests-no man can charge me with OPP
position to its success. From the earliest moment
took nv seat in this hail. to this very hour, have
been its unwavering, its unhlnchng advocate In
the house and out of the hause, publicky and prl-
vately secretly and openly; have been animated
ky one feeling, actuated by one motive, lmpclled oy
one desire. That desire-that motvc-that feeling
has been the success of its cause Because IN Its
Success North Carolina has cghted her best hopes,
rarnercd up her best affections; and staked the
sweat and treasure Of nations wealth to the ac-
eompliShment of this end.
But Mr. Speaker, whilst have said IN the candor
of truth that no man can charge me with unkind
feelings toward the interests of the Central road;
have another duty not diverse, to perform toward
those whose habtations are In the gorges OF the
mountains, far beyond the present terminus OF the
central road, whose interests come not III connlct
with it and who ask at our hands, as an act OF
Justice the grant of naked charter, to enable them
to accomplish for themselves, that which we are I'M
willing to execute or have failed to perform
This bill was introduced by the Senator from
Buncombe Mr. Coleman, praying simply the right
of way from Paint Rock on the Tennessee ine, con-
Meeting them with road from the Ohio valley to
some point on the South Carolina line, running
down French Broa River 1t must be remembered
that it asks not one dollar of the public monies not
one cent from the Treasury Of the State; but SIM
ply the natural privilege of investing their own
means in that way which to them seems best, 10
bald I'D in the land of the "mOuntain and torrent
road that shall enable them 10 convey to some
market the legitimate productions OF thlir own
labor
Can it then bejpossible, Mr.. Speaker, that this
bill 80 framed at period of the world too, when
the laws trade are so we'll understood and defined,
meets with opposition in this hall-yet strange as
it may SEEM paradoxca as 1t may appear, 1t Is new
ertheess true; and what are the reasons gwen Tor
this extraordinary pos ton, and which seem to con-
troll gentlemen on this floor? hat the arguments
which influence them to oppose with So much
warmth of feeling the passage OF this bill 1t Is
said by the gentleman from Orange, that all OF our
territory should he male tributary to our own IN
terest that the effect and object of this road Is to
withdraw the produce out of the State, to hui!dup
the markets of another instead of our own; that !,
oneness and sameneSS of design, strengthened by /
bars of iron and hooks of steel.
That this, Mr. Speaker, is pretty said, all will adj
nit, and nune will deny; and to those who are I'M
acquainted with the laws OF trade may be strongly
out.
But deny in the first place the effect to be as
stated. In the argument of these issues embracing
Is they do abstract propositions, and to some ex-
ent unmeanng generalities, before we can deter
nine the point in controversy we must look to the
Ill, ITSELF examine its provisions the locality of the
contemplated road, and read with map before our
yes, lest fail fully to comprehend positions
plausible it is true, but plausible only. As abstract
or principles, they undoubtedly true;
,ut they not abstract but concrete. 1t is to be
emembcred Major Gwynn, who was employed to
urvey the western route, and determine as far as
lis judgment could settle it, the most feasible and
way, safest cheapest and most expeditions,
vest to the Tennessee line has decided that in his
Judgment the rout through Swannanoa gap, down
rench Broad to Paint Rock to be most practicable,
heapest and safest
This bill now proposes to build this road from
1e South Carolina line, down French Broad River
D Paint Rock, without expense to the State, and
} make the guage between SwannonOa and Paint
Jock in favor of the North Carolina track, which is
ss than that of South Carolina, and which neces-
ariy make, in favor of our road, saving equal to
ne hundred miles travel. Because when the long
ain of cars, freighted with the rich productions
the great valley of the west shall have reached
lie Swananoa, they must be either rcshippctrif they
uageS, at enormous eXpeGce and delay, or be con-
nued direct on to Beaufort or Wilmington or Nor
Dix either of which ports would be then acccssi-
ly. The difference of tranSpo; tation is one hun
red miles in favor of our road, and our own mar
cts; and this distance saved, brings Beaufort and
iimlngtOn in Il position compete with Charles !
N and Norfolk. From the Swanaroa TO Paint !
'ck is near fifty miles, and the cost of building the
inc is estimated at near two millions of dollars.
Here then, Mr.. Speaker, there will be actual
wing to the State of two millions of dollars,
this route should be adopted, and advantage to
re Central Road equal to hundred miles
travel And yet it is said, with these facts star
ng gentlemen in the face, the effect of this road
oud be to divert the trade CharlcstonI !
These are some propositions, Mr.. Speaker, so
ear, plain, that they do not admit of controver
:, and are indeed weakened by argument. These
nple statements of facts sweep away by the innate
rec of their own logic not by mine, every vestige
the reasoning of those who have opposed this bill.
stead then, of North Carolina receiving detriment
ID injury by the projection and completion of this
ad, it is demonstrate beyond all question, that
It interests will be greatly benefited not only by
junction at the Swannaaoa gap, but that all along
e line of the French Broad on either side, the
ercial, agricultural, and manufacturing interests ;
III receive new energy, and spring into life, +
touched by the wand of magician; not such a {
e as went about selling new lamps for old, but .
al magician, who by the touch of his creative pow
bids millions of untold wealth start into being. :
u along its line impetus will be given to trade.
le exhaustless treasures of its mnes rich in mns-
Is, will dsgorge their hidden wealth and powers Z
at now slumber or waste their energies in gurging ,
unds, will be converted, by the creative genius :
man into powerful instruments for good, and
ade subservent to his wants. And is there one +
the whose heart docs not thrill with