The North-Carolinian., 1856-12-20
Small Matters hut EmDOrtant.

1t is quite common Tor persons 10 estimate
every thing by its size and extent; and this
mode of estimation is especially applied to po-
litcal bodies. Df course we mean by size and
extent the area of territory and number Of
| population over which these civil corporations
| exercise their jurisdiction And it must be
confessed that other things being equal the
more extensive the sway the more important
the acts, from the mass of property aud people
affected by them. But it is nevertheless true
| that it frequently, and almost ever, happens
that the operations of the smaller body are of
greater consequence to individuals taken sep
| erately than those of the larger. This is
empliiied i'll the graduated governments of this
and every country. The actions of the most
comprehensive government, if examined, will be
found not to derive their magnitude from the
| vitality of thS matter legisated upon but from
the aggregate of individuality concerned in
them
These predatory remarks are not, perhaps
unnecessary wish to say something of the
criminal careIcssness exhibited in our selection
Of town government, and in the conduct of
that body. Their power does not extend be-
yond the few acres comprised in the corpora
tion limits; but in this cfc.nscribed sphere
they invested with an authority capable of
immense deal Of good evil. We will not
say that life aud death are in their hands. al
though common opinion declares that some of
our most estmable citizens have fallen victims
to municipal negligence The senior Editor
of this Journal, whose large heart won the love
and respect of ALL had his useful life cut short
in the manner limited at, if agreeing doctors
can give a just decision. But aside from mat
ers of such capital moment, there are others
which should claim the htte ntion of all con
ce.ned.
Our side walks are in ruins and chasms as
though an earthquake had peramhulated the
town Sudden falls and rises, pitfalls, and,
after shower, vast and scarcely fordable pud
dies, make walk on business (for who would
take one at present unless obliged toy most
vexatious and laborious undertaking. And
J since no regard for public convenience can make
our merchants keep their goods-boxes in the
rear of their stores, the consequence is that half
the side walks numbered with them, and
like Peion upon Ossa, they piled high
above, and as We pass along we apprehen-
sivc tnat every gust of wind will throw them
down upon US. Bat not going to give
a list of the nuisances around; us. They
too numerous; and besides everybody knows,
sees, and feels them However, we have men
toned the sidewalks because every sinner
curses them, and every Christian ''confounds'
!. them. 1t is a shame that the town of Fayette
vile has not even, we'll kept wood, brick, or
stone walk for the daily and hourly travel of
its citizens If the commerce of the state de-
mand plank and rail roads, surely our town
commerce demands attention in tie same
respect.
We told that the Mayor and commits
sioners get nothing for their services. Get
nothing? Why they have power and honor
and should have patriotism The two FIRST
have ever been esteemed more valuable than
money, and the last should urge them to do
their duty at any sacrifice. The election for
) those officers is soon to be- and we do sincerely
} hope that the suggestion of some sensible man
; in late number of the Observer will be fol-
! lowed Men who live in town, who feel and
, see what We need. and who pubfc-spirited
enough to do their duty, are the ones who
should be invested with the municipal dignties.
|
S6r The Pennsylvania Bucbanan and Breck-
inridge Club have written complimentary
letter to Gov. Geary, Of Karsss Territory, ap-
platding his fearless faithful and impartial dis
:. charge Of the high and important duties which
Jo.,.eoc +.o,l,las bo6 modo for him He GER