The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1859-08-31

'IuIhS TuRe between the waters that
flow into this valley, on the one side, and
to the Atlantic, on the other, is separated
10y only a few feet But this mountain
barrier, before invention had devised q
way, separated the industrial slope Of the
Atlantic from all the region drained bv
the waters of the Mississippi. The rail
road has broken down this barrier, and
now the products that float to New Or.
leans are DETECTED from Noble to Boston.
and wherever the valley Of the Mississi
2pI can be tapped, every State but our.
selves Is reaching for the trade. Even
New Orleans, not conteu;ed or satisfied
with the inland sea, stretching back thou
sands of miles and covered with steamers
bringing to her levees the most gigantic
trade upon the continent, is running a
road almost parallel with the river, to
compete more successfully by railroad
than by water. Alabama is building her
road from Mobile to the mouth of the
Ohio, aud from thence the Cairo and Chi.
cago Road connects her with the lakes
She is also stretching her Selma and Ten.
nessee Road into the region Of competi.
ton and wealth-Georgia from Savan,
nah and Nashville, and Memphis has al
ready reached the coveted valley.
North Carolina is ready to pierce it,
and would not object to the French
Broad Road helping her on. virginia,
by her system OF roads, is already con.
nec,ed with Knoxville. Maryland has long
since had her baltimore and Ohio Rail.
road, that has made Baltimore her great
commercial emporium, the third in popu-
Iatlon in the Union. Here, ther., we have
every State, except South Carolina, con-
nccled, or about TO be SO, bv their own
system Of roads leading 10 their own sea.
ports, and the change already effected is
marvellous. South Carolina alone is cut
of, except the trade she can divert from
passing between Atlanta and Savannah
and even then u broken link al Aurusta,
and navi igaLIe river and railroads, lead
ing from that point 10 Savannah, aud not
only so, but she is at all times at the
mercy OF Georgia, who can q scrinina,e
many ways, directly, or indirectly, in f.
vor Of her own sea port. l. South Caro-.
lima satisfied 10 remain inactive in the
great race Of competition to reach the
wealth OF the richest valley upon earth,
whose products now are but triilinp in
comparison to what they will be when,
instead OF ten millions, she will have two
hundred millions Of population
South Carolina has now soon to make
solemn decision, one that firmly be
Iievc will make her prosperous to de-
gree, or one that will leave her far in the
rear Of her sister States in all the elements
of prosperity.
In behalf, then, OF our cherished State.
aCd the Blue Ridge Railroad, coupled in
destiny, we meet here to day. We wish
to show you what has been done, with
the restricted means and much 10 contend
against, IN consequence of the refusal of
the last Legislature TO make a further an
| preparation. We continue to smite the
rock beneath where we stand, in the hope
:hat the living current Of trade, alum
| lance and prosperity will gush forth and
fall down upon our State. We commem.
| crate bv this Immense work the fore.
thought and energy Of our people. 1t is
no vain or egotstical display, like that
proposed 10 Alexander the Great by the
architect to cut Mouut Athos, in Thrace.
| INTO a human figure, to convert it into a
statue, that would hold ten thousand in
na6ltants IN one hand, and q river with
strong current would flow from the 9th.
er. But We go and open the rock, to
smooth the way, that distant interior pro.
duets should glide in a few moments from
the mountains TO the sea board, to build
up a commercial centre for our own pro.
dnctions, thatwoulds diffuse prosperity
throughout the State we would make
South Carolinians proud of their State
and contented with their homes.
! Fellow citizens, the Hon. b. +. Perry,
who is well know to mos: Of YOU, either
personally or by reputation, will now ad.
dress you. at the request of the citizens OF
! this district.
Major Perry then came forward and
addressed the audience, but owing to It's
extreme length, we are compelled to
postpone it for our Tuesdays issue.)
The President announced the Hon. J.
Foster Marshall, Senator from A5beville,
who spoke of the great interest involved
and his determination, henceforth, to de.
vote his entire power to the advancement
ofthe work.
The next speaker was Hon. J. d. Allen,
OF BarnweII, who gave some interesting
statistical details of tie money spent in
other States for railroads.
Hon. Thomas G. Perrin was then in
troduced. Mr.. Perrin said it was from
profound sense Of duty yielding to bis
own feelings Of gratitude that he rose to
reply to call made upon him. He would
beg leave to add few remarks to those
already made, and 10 add his voice and
encouragement in favor Of the Blue Ridge
Railroad in favor of the State granting
such aid as may be necessary to accom-
plish the work.
Mr.. Perrin was followed by Hon. J. p.
Reed, OF Anderson, in long and able
speech. The Pres, lent then announced
that the speaking was over.
The assemblage then dipersed to the
/ harhacua o,pnnnI IT.. ,.IIo.