Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-12-17
A Suggestion.

Inasmuch as the members Of present Legislature,
or majority of them determined to kill OFT lnds-
crminatey every measure that before them 1t is
respectfully suggested that they finish the good work by
killing themselves Off If any feel periodically inclined
to commit suicide we would state for their information
that there capital drowning ground any where along
our wharves-deep water and a strong undertow The
Christmas holidays now rapidly approaching, will af-
ford pleasant leisure for the performance of the above
act of patriotic devotion.
Seriously are not Legislatures and legislators queer
people? Here in North Carolina, some time ago, we
were running Railroads to Beaufort Harbor, where
there was no trade and the State getting bed to
death. We were appropriating money to carry the
Western Extension through the bowels OF the Blue
Ridge and all other ridges, to the Tennessee line We
were giving State credit and State money to that
WELL we will not say what-but to the n q. Railroad.
We were buying bad Whte-pine-lookng cast of Hou-
don's Washington for than twice its value; and
now all these expenses incurred the works common
ced with them, might go to the devil before Legs
ature would give cent to fence them in, or keep them
from rotting. We had the fever some time ago. We
have got the chill now. And, to tell the truth,
we don't much wonder. We have seen so many
patriots with axes to grind, the people, to use old
Mr.. Bentons expression, have been so much
bamboozled that they have lost all faith But Leg
islature composed Of able and sensible men, the
abest General Assembly that has convened for years.
ought to be above panic terrors-be prepared to
act intelligently as well as economicaly-in fact tc
proceed with true economy. And, by the way, speak
ing of economy we think both Houses might set sub
lime example of respect for the weakness of the State
purse by refusing, unanimously and magnanimously, to
touch cent of the per diem compensation. They would
then be acting up to the high standard they have es
tablished. They would be setting aside wasteul pre-
Cedent established by former eXraVagant Legislatures
and above ALL they would be restoring that grand anc
glorious equilibrium between preach and pay" which
is dear to the heart alike of saint Of savage and Of
But the session is not over yet We trust that be
fore it concludes wiser and more consistent councils viii
prevail. We have no idea that the Legislature SHOULD
plunge into extravaganza reckless expenditure W.
only trust that it may not be guilty of that most ruin
GUS of all kinds of extravaganza which, under the gus
of economy sacrifices the results Of former abors anC
expenditures down upon meritorious objects
when doing so implies neither more nor less than flat in
Justice and through panic fear refuses to again lent
credit to these who have never abused it.
We desire to peak respectfully of and feel respectful
ly towards the Legislature of State. 1t embrace
among its members, in both Houses, large proportion
of intelligence and character 1t is only necessary tina
it should act in manner worthy of itse-we feel hur
when it does not and express our feelings pretty
plainly. We care little for honed words courtly
phrases.