The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-12-30
THE DANvnLE CONNECTION.

In advocating this scheme, we certainly
are not liable to the suspicion of entertain
ing the least hostility to Eastern interests.
On the other hand we are for benefiting and
building up the East as much as any one
bat at the same time we think the interests
of the people in this part of the State should
not be allowed 20 languish in consequence
of any supposed or real probability that,
by granting the charter asked for, Roads
in other sections might be affected injuri-
Ously.
The writer in the Flag says:
| observe that bill has been introduced
into the Legislature of our State to incOr-
poratc Company to build Railroad from
Greensboro to Danville.
This bill should be passed as mere act
of justice to the entire Western North Caro-
lima, yet | understand the measure is vio-
lently opposed by Raleigh and Whining
ton influence. We of the West should like
to know upon what reasons this opposition
is founded. Nothing but naked charter
Is asked. The State is not asked to take
one dollar of Stock, or endorse bond, or
give any aid whatever, except to grant Il
mere charter giving the people of the West
Il right to build Il road to improve their
own condition.
Now, sir, if it is right to build Ralro ads
in North Carolina by State aid, and to tax
the whole State for this purpose, can it be
wrong to grant to the people the privilege
of building such roads as will best promote
their own interests! They best know
their wants and necessities in regard to
trade and travel, and as the Legislature
consults these, it thereby promotes the best
interests of the Stutc. The wealth of a
State Is composed of the aggregate wealth
of its inhabitants, and as wise legislation
develOpcs the one it increases the other.
The time has come when the West
should be aroused to a proper sense of her
wruRgs. She has contributed in proper
ton to her means to build every Road that
has ever given trade and travel to Raleigh
and Wilmington, and never once entertain
ed the idea of voting against Railroad char
tiers for their benefit. Why, then, should
:hey oppose granting charters to us if they
are disposed to legielate fairly on the sub
ject of Internal improvements!
Now, sir, we desire to see Wilmington
Raleigh and every Eastern city flourish,
and are willing tn pay in proportion to
our nropcrty to promote their interests;
lint thcv must cunccde to us our rights,
oud not extend this forcing system any
further: fax H. by a direct tax our full pro-
portion: but do rot, by partial Legislation,
destroy our energies and undermine our
property by cndeavoring to realize the
! schemes of mere spectators in great cities,
which the next Century will never witness.
1t is said if we make the Danville Con
mcctiun, it will render valucless that por-
! ton of the y. G. X. Road east of Greens
/ horo'. For arguments sake admit it. Is
it then to he kept up by forcing the trade
/ and travel of thc West over il at a Sacri-
fee Are we to be forced to trade and
travel - miles further to GET To IL mark tt,
where it i not t" our interest tn trade
merely to support IL Road whose Eastern
Stockholders are at war with our better
intcrv>tS-aII for the benefit of Raleigh and
Wilmington Are we to pay annually
thousands of dollars thus indirectly to sup
port those WHO deny our mere right to build
"a Rail Road This demonstrates to the
State the necessity of this connection.
DcIGsiye appeals to our State pride.
patriotism and commercial Importance have
all been made to Us to sacrifice our true
interests To huild up local interests i'll the
/ East. The West has voted money and
charters invariably, and when we ask
mere charter so increase the stock in the
y. G. Road, in the Western extensions
from Salisbury and Charlotte, we are cold
" answered no. you must all trade and
travel to Raleigh and Wilmington, or it
will iniurr the y. c. Rail Road. How re-
dicuiou< thus to try to'torcc trade and trav
Il under the spcciouS prctcXt of interests to
the state and the y. {. Rail Road.
Give Us Charters to build roads to all
markets, that our produce and tLavcl may
be as free as the water that runs i'll our
rivrrs-thus stimulating trade and com
mcrcc. increasing our Agriculture, Me
chanicaI and Manufacturing resources, and
developing our Coal Fields and Mineral
wealth. and wcs will soon produce enough
to regulate our own Exchanges without
the aid of muniticent cities that have to be
built at our expense. The West will know
its friends by the vote on the Danyille
Connection, and we wish to see the Re
cords.