Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-07-28

ALLIGATOR CANAL.-On q tour in the lower end
of County last week, for the purpose of seeing
our old friends and making new ones, We were sur
prsed to find that articles on the obstruction of
this canal by Mr. Burgess, for the purpose of supply
ing his Mill Pond with water, had given great Of
fence. 1t seems that the Mill of Mr. Burgess is
great convenience to the people in that part of the
country, and consequently the lower end OF Beau
fort and upper end Of Hyde, are both warm ad-
vocates of the dam. 1t is insisted by them, that
there is very considerable fall in the canal at
certain point about mile above the DAM and that
the waters not obstructed in their flow from the
Lake above this point. 1t is further said that the
lands each side of this fall worthless savan-
nah and bogs and consequently of character not
to be injured by damming up the waters upon them;
and that it is impossible that the cultivated lands in
the Lake region of Hyde county can be in any wise
affected by the obstruction complained of.
In assuming the responsibility of publishing an
independent paper, we have sought TO do justice to
ALL and injustice to We are free, therefore,
to give both sides Of the question concerning the OBJ
structons of this canal in the hope that by the dis
cussion truth will be elected.
We notice a lengthy communication in the last
number of the Standard on this subject, to which
we will endeavor to devote some attention in our
that the obstruction was not authorized by the
Board. we have learned that writings of certain
character were entered into between the Board and
Mr.. Burgess. Washington Dispatch
We are glad to find that the Dispatch has done
justice by giving both sides of the question con-
corning the distractions of this canal" And we
may add that the Dispatch is correct when it says
the STANDARD was mistaken in asserting that the OBJ
structon not authorized by the Literary Board.
The dam was erected without authority, before
Gov. Bragg came into Office; but it is proper to
state that Mr. Burgess supposed he acting un-
der sufficient authority, though not obtained from
any member of the Board. As soon as the matter
brought to the attention of the Board it was
looked into when Mr.. Burgess at once offered to re-
move the dam if the Board should so direct 1t was
found, however, that the mill was great convent.
ence to the surrounding country and it was believed
that the water not so obstructed as to do injury
to lands, around Mattamuskeet or elsewhere: and
so in December, 1858, an understanding was enter.
ed into between the Board and Mr.. Burgess by which
he was to hold his dam and mill by sufferance, to
be removed at any moment the Board nigh, say the
word; and Mr.. Burgess agreed on his part to keep
up the bridge across the canal, the MILL as the
Board itself was bound to do. The Agent of the
Board Mr.. Cherry, has been directed to examine
the dam and canal, and the surrounding country
and report whether the Instructions are of such 9
character as to injure the lands around Mattamus
keet elsewhere. Whether the dam will be al
lowed to remain or be removed, will most probably
depend upon the nature of his report.