Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-06-04
neutrality-suspicious..
QGAELA Tows, April 10, 1856

49, * u
IatA6 Editor et Fths 1shspille Neacs::
SIR-N With view Of aiding in producing harmony
of action upon the question of internal Improvement
west of the Blue RIDGE as opportunity offers may
desire to occupy small space in the columns of
Your paper, upon Railroad improvement.
AT the last session of Legislature the parties
united in favor of internal improvements, and much
was done to redeem the Old North State from the
reproach Of being the Rip Van Wrinkle of the South.
Provision was made for constructing Railroad from
Wilmington to Rutherfordton, and another from
Salisbury to the French Broad river, leaving its fin
al location from the latter point to be determined by
future legislation. There are but two routes which
may be regarded as practicable. One down the
French Broad river, to form o connection with the
E. Tenn. and Virginia Road; the other west, through
the valleys of the Pigeon and Tuckasiege rivers to
form connection with the Blue Ridge Road, in pro-
gress of construction to be continued to the Duck
Town Copper Mines, where connection would be
formed with Cleaveland, Chattanooga, on the Ten
nessce Memphis the Mississippi river, Little Rock
on the Arkansas and by dverging lines with every
portion of the Mississippi Valley, and finally with
the Pacific Ocean,
1t must now be obvious that the amount of stock
necessary to be subscribed the part of individuals
cannot be obtained carry either of the Roads ter
minatng at Morganton and Rutherfordton beyond
the Blue Rdge.-And it is quite probable that the
people of those villages will oppose the extension
west and the stockholders in these roads being
many years to come, be dsinclined to incur the
heavy expenditures necessary to form Railroad con-
nectons west Of the Blue Ridge. Such has been the
course of policy of most of the Railroad companies
in the Atlantic States. Massachusetts,, New York,
Pennsylvania, Maryland. Virginia, and South Caro-
lima have all constructed Railroads to the foot OF the
Blue Ridge and only made provision for extending
beyond the Allegheny Range of mountains after
long delay, and when compelled to it by actual
necessity.
A question arises of much importance to all the
portion Of the State west of the Blue Ridge. Shall
they wait patiently for time to prove the necessity
of extension, shall! they unite under indepen-
dent charter to construct the Road in the western
portion Of the State? The latter is no doubt the
best policy. An Independent charter to construct
Railroad from Duck Town to form a connection
with the Railroads terminating at MOrganton and
Ruherford.on, with the privilege of forming connec
tons and constructing branches wherever the COM
pany deemed it necessary, would very probably pro-
duce harmony west of the Blue Ridge, as by that
policy all the necessary improvements would be
made, and conflict between local interests avoided
The next question is-Coull such plan succeed
in constructing the Improvements ST. ed across and
west Of the Blue Ridgc?-A few limitations upon
the plan to be adopted to lead to success must su
flee Tor the present. Strong objections will exist to
increasing The State debt. Consequently. that must
be avoided. And this can only be done in one way
As substitute for the issue of bonds let the State
at their marked value to the extent of two thirds of
the requisite amount to construct the whole Road
fast third shall be subscribed by individ.
uas. Let the work commence west and east Of the
Blue Ridge, provided the requisite amount Of stock
be subscribed; and let the State undertake the
structon of the Tunnel, upon the plan adopted by
the State of Virginia. State work; and as soon
completed let it be turned over to the company,
and the company be bound to pay to the State a
bonus of fifty cents travel and forty cents ton
on freight to remunerate the Stats,tor her expend
ture, and afterwards to relieve tH citizens of the
State from direct taxation. As most time would be
required to construct the Tunnel and the approaches
to it, that work should be commenced soon the
necessary legislation can be obtained.
This policy being adopted by the State, general
confidence would be given to the enterprise, and its
final completion secured.
When time and opportunity again offer, may
endeavor to demonstrate that all the citizens of the
State, as well all the improvements east of the
Blue Ridge, are deeply interested in this project and
that it must prove profitable investment OF capital,
and that the State has ample to effect it, with.
out increasing the State debt or taxes
w. HIT.