Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-10-31
From the Carolina Waterman.
SALISBURY, October 10, 1885,

favor to publish the enclosed letter and resolutions,
as embodying my reasons for resgnlng my position
as Director for the State in the board!
think it not strange that you should remark with
surprise on designations of positions which, although
far more burdens of responsibility, than posts
of honor" are nevertheless such Offices of trust as
no man has righ: to desert without reason-there-
fore DESIRE in Justice to myself to let 1t be under
stood, that my shifting of this burden was
not for my convenience.
As respects Judge Ellis while writing, it is proper
enough for me to say in his absence, that he was
elected Director not being present HIMSELF and re-
signed because, his letter expressed OF his lnabI-
ity to attend the first meeting OF the Board, when
he ascertained that meeting was likely to be one OF
important business properly requiring full Board.
do not feel willing to have my course misunder-
stood, to be subjected to censure Tor seeming
default Of duty to all interests invoved-and OF SER
vice behalf of the State towards this work. which
has heretofore in its beginning and it's progress en-
gagged so much of my earnest and anxious labor.
desire to add also-that as respects the progress
of the work, according to the resolutions my o1Jec-
ton was to their violation of the charter so literally
granted by the Representatives of the people OF
North Carolina in the last General Assembly
deny that any man in Burke County, from
whence this movement comes, IS more earnestly de-
srous Of seeing this Road extended as soon as pos
sble to Morganton, than | am,-and more, deny
that any man in that County has labored more to
effect this-but rather would see this grand scheme
fall and the charter even be loSt,-looklng only win
hopeful trust to the future,than one perverslon
of the Charter, word of the plighted faith OF
the men of Western North Carolina violated.
Very respectfully yours
CHARLES F. FISHER.
Resolutions passed By the Board Of Directors:
Resolved That the Chief Engineer be instructed
to survey a route for the Western N G. Road, from
the town of Salisbury to the town of Morganton In
Burke County on the most eligible line, and that
they locate said Road through the County towns OF
Statesvlle and Newton.
Res0Ered That so soon said Road is located by
the>Engneers, that the contracts along the entire
route from Salisbury to Morganton be let out, and
that the Stockholders be preferred in the granting
of contracts where the guarantees are given for
the completion of the contracts within the time re-
qured by the rule adopted by the Board on that
subject.
Resolutions altered BY r. Fisher substitute for
those passed, and rejected by the Board:
Resolred That the President be instructed to cause
to be made survey over the country, beginning at
the Town Of Salisbury, and terminating at Morgan
ton with view of asccrainIng the best ground 10:
the location of the Road between these points, and
that this survey be carefully directed to determine
the practicability of locating the Road by or near
each County seat intermediate between the two
points named.
Resolred, That in respect to the location and dis
lance of Road be put under contract for the first
division, the shall be determined hereafter,
whenever the survey may be completed as above
named and the Report of the Chief Engineer is made
this Boardand that the distance said first divs-
ion shall be put under contract, must of necessity
be determined under the terms of the Charter by
the said report and estimates according to the letter
of the Charter which requires that The Company
shall haye completed, equipped and in full operation,
with one more tracks, for the transportation OF
passengers and freight the first division of said road,
and all the necessary ware houses water stations
and buildings" to the extent OF the capital stock
subscribed.
Resolced, That soon the survey is completed
to sufficient distance in the opinion of the Board,
a location shall be made and the contracts along the
line let out and that in the lettings, stockholders be
in no Of cODtracfS where
terms and guarantees offered, as by other bid
ders both to payments and time of completion
Letter Of Resignation:
SALISBURY, October 8, 1866.
To the President and Directors
of the Western n. c. R. r. Co.:
1 tender to you my resignation of the office of Di-
rector in this Company, to take effect this day, and
ask that the same be accepted.
However much may regret the necessity which
impes me to this course it is in my opinion such
leaves me 10 discretion to act otherwise. Under
sense of duty to the State, whose interests in this
corporation required to regard, and of self-re-
spect, for the pledges made publicly as Represen-
tative in the General Assembly, and privately as
man of Western North Carolina assuming to answer
for her people, as deemed myself authorized to do
freely and fully, touching their character and con-
duct cannot longer act in the Board after the adop
ton of the Resolution this morning-whch, in my
view, has determined of action in the incep
ton of this great and important work, in direct con-
travention of the terms of the charter.
This expression might be regarded strong one,
that of individual member, set forth against
majority of the body, it not that claim the
right to make it from my knowledge of what was
clearly, and most emphatically declared and accep-
ted as the meaning of the charter, by those who
framed explained and enacted it in the last General
Assembly.
Aside from the question whether could as one of
the States Representatives in the Board continue to
act in this office longer than my Judgment regards
the action of the body be lawful Ga matter OF in
divdual opinion entirely it is in my apprehension,
very clear, that cannot do when this action is
in direct opposition to the most emphatic and SOL
pledges made personally in assurance that this
very course would not be adopted, AS the oppo-
nents of the measure charged would be done.
l can now only regret that, in what seems to have
been overmuch zeal for the great scheme in question:
and overmuch confidence in assuming to speak,
was ever led to join in making these pledges.
1t was for you to judge whether they were wisely
made and whether have any reason to ask that
they be observed.
It is for me to determine, l am accustomed to
do, without regard to opinions or consequences,
what is my course of duty.
can only repeat my sincere regret for the neces-
sity which impels me to this course and my earnest
hope that this great work may progress happily and
successfully.
can never fail to render freely, whatever aid is
in my ability, to its prosecution.
l have the honor to be
X very respectfully,
your obedient serv't,
- CHARLES F. FISHER.
POWER OF GENTLENEss.-No bad man is ever
brought to repentance by angry words, by bitter
an6 He fortifieS himSelf