The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-07-11

District. In the meantime tire road Is be-
ing gradually worn--iron, timber, cars,
engines, DO, cannot last always-where,
the question is, will the money come from
TO repair the road? The road is now in
debt, that debt increases, toe profits do
not exceed the expeucesshortly the profits
willbe less; that an important question
arises, how can the road continue to ex-
istl
A drowning man will catch at q straw,
and as a last resort, the citizens of Laurens
make an effort this week, at meeting Of
the stockholders of the Greenville and
Columbia r. r. Company, at ALbeville
c. H., TO amalgamate the two roads.
This would save them, for the Greenville
road is making money, but the stockhoI-
ers in that road will hardly he willing to
hitch losing concern to their road, when
in times past it had been so sorely afflicted.
If the Laurens Rail Road be not united
to tho Greenville Company, it must come
to narght. 1t will not DO the first in
stance that a railroad has been abandoned,
in this country, for want Of support.
Comparing the Laurens railroad with
the proposed Lancaster railroad, the ques-
tion propounds itself. If the Laurens
road, situated in the most flourishing sec.
lion Of the Safe, cannot pay, what would
be the fate Of oursi If the stockholders
IN the Laurens railroad arc satisfied to
make these subscriptions, contributions,
expecting no interest for their money, and
snrther, willing to advance from time to
time in order to keep up the road, con-
tent onl, with the convenience afforded
them, it may do very well; but men gen.
eraily, are not so far imbued with the
spirit OF enterprise as to remain satisfied
with such results. It would require the
ssoc&holders to be pretty well supplied in
funds and for no portion Of the weight to
fall on the weak. We have thought that
inibc event Of the Lancaster railroad be-
ing built, we mig hit be in the situation of
the Laurens stockholders, with this differ
ence, that we are less able 10 bear the
burden Of being taxed to keep up the
road. The Laurens Railroad, nor can we
think that the Lancaster Railroad, would
50 far benefit its district rs to render It's
taxation productive Of profit.
These ideas are given for whrt they are
worth. We are strongly in favor Of pub
lie Improvements, but when such improve
ments ultimately become the means of
imporerishing our people, it certainly
looks like suicidal policy to furnish these
very means to effect our own ruin.
Again, it is worse for district, com
munity, TO have n railroad and then absn.
don il, than never to have one. The re-
action. farors emigration, and produces
discomfort in those who remain. 1t is
like giving one taste Of heaven and then
sending him TO purgatory. At this time,
it is hardly probable that railroad will
be built to Lancaster, at least for long
time to come. five go on improving, as
we have done for the last year or two,
our people may be better of than il they
had a road. Let our people keep on pro.
crossing, let them pay close attention to
their business, let the farmer try to emu
late his neghbor, the merchant endeavor
TO be to the top Of his business, let all, of
every trade and vocation, always keep in
mind That they arc engaged in common
causes viz: the welfare and interest Of the
district, and we will occupy position
equal 10 any who enjoy railroad facilities.
Above all things should our people be
come more awakened to the benefits of
education. The State provides literally
for the education Of the poor, let those
who are unable to provide for the school.
ing Of their children, avail themselves of
this aid. If our youth be educated, our
district must and ,1iH thrive. We have
good lands-our people will compare ia.
vorably with any district or county any
where, and we do trust our farmers, who
say their sons must be employed on tho
farm, will so tar divest themselves Of this
selfshness as to have some regard for
their posterity, and send them to school.
So far as we advance in intelligence, so far
will we advance in political greatness, and
so far will our comfort and prosperity be
advanced. Let our people be reading
people, lei them see that the rising gene
ration become areading people, and It will
not be long before Lancaster will be as
deserving of the appelation Of Banner
District" as any o,her in the State.
The Willis Case.