Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-12-12

The only possible points between which the proposed
Danve Connection would open up any addition line OF
communication would be Richmond, Va, and Green's
bore n c.. and the only section of country to be
opened up would be small part of the fortyfve miles
between the two points named. South of Greensboro
there would still be bat the one track to Charlotte
Coumba-to Kingsvle- Branchvie-to Augusta.
There would still be but the one line. This thing would
add nothing to it. 1t is purely matter in which GER
tain private interests are concerned. 1t could have
military value, aud consequently no military necessity
could be plead n exteDuation of departure, by the
Confederate Government from those State Rights prn-
cipes in OF which the independent position OF
the twelve Confederate States has been assumed and liz
reference which the planest, though not the only
Justification of that position can be found.
With all due respect to President Davis, we have no
hesitation in saying that in opinion whatever may
ultimately be done about this Danvile charter, the first
thing in order would be for the Convention to pass such
resolutions take such other action would leave no
doubt the mind of any one, that North Carolina et
competent to manage her own affairs and control her
own system of Internal Improvements without outside
instruction Influence whether Executive, or dictated
by Richmond interests or urgencles. We trust that
our State Convention will know how to preserve and
vindcae its seltrespect and the dignity OF the
State and at the time not violate the respect and
comfy due to the Confederate government or to sis
ter State.
What cannot serve military end cannot constitute
military necessity. A consideration of the map will
show that this project can create through line
and therefore, further great military end and this
being the case of the plea of military necessity
EN- T. L,o hccS1 ,V1l,
justification.
Of course these remarks, directed to consideration
Of the military question: and to the outside influences
brought forward under the of that question: do
not apply to citizens of own State whose right to
agitate Tor this any other similar measure On its
own merits neither we nor anybody else could conro
vert without justly subjectng ourselves to the imputa
ton of arrogance intolerance. We might indeed
urge that this is not exactly the time, the present
state OF the country the most appropriate for bringing
forward renewing the pressure in favour OF this pro
ject. We will not, however, dwell longer upon this
view of the case but WILL for the present. content our
selves with referring briefly to another branch of the
subject upon which either strange misconception ex
lists, false issue is sought to be made We alludt
to the motives aScrbed to those who oppose this
The impression is entertained by sone and is sough
to be conveyed by Others that the sole cause OF opposi
ton to this Danvle Connection " is and has been
the lear lest the profits OF stockholders in the seaboarC
line of railroads should be essened by the establishment
OF new line competing for business. Now, it is not II
be denied that the large investments made by the State
and by her citizens in existing works, investments 81
long Improbable and which have but recently begun
make any return to the pubcspiried parties who en-
gagged in them, do constitute an argument which ough
not to be without lis tOrce but this argument, power
full it u.s. ought to be- is but one and by no mean
the weightest consideration that might be urged ant
indeed has been urged. l he development of Nort
Carolina system of public works, not only afording
fair return directly but larger return indirectly to tb
State and to her citizens, lies at the bottom OF tn
whole discussion. 1t underlies the whole matter
To unite all paris of the State to develope it
resources to build up its trade to foster its
through its own towns and through its own ports, ha
ever been regarded as great, paramount object tn
only object in fact, for which the Intervention of th
Stale could fairly and properly be asked. If this be Sc
then the question whether, after the State an
individuals have spent large for the promotion
this object any temporary any local pressur
ought to be allowed to force through project, the re
suit of which would be to totally disarrange the syser
projected and render nugatOry the Efforts already made
the sacrifices already submitted to.
1t matters not that the expenditures made have nc
always been udicous, that in practice the SYSTEM
such can be called, has not been the one best cacr
lated to effect the end proposed. The question il
shall we try as far possible to remedy the defects
that SYSTEM so as bring it into conformity
its original intent, or shall we rot only aggravate il
defects, but actually, by tapping it in the CENTRE fc
the benefit of the markets CT another State do ava
with whatever of good in State point of view, migE
be expected to flow from what has already been don
and at the same time forever preclude the idea of
amendment in the future.
These considerations, briefly and inadequately states
appear to US deserving of far more weight than II
private interests of Individual stockholders, however
serving, or however worthy these interests may be
kind and respectful treatment To base the argumel
against this tapping project merely upon the neres
of stockholders is but to state half the case leaving Il
stronger half unpresented.
n OUR DEMONSTRATING more than once alluded to IL
state of things at the camps of our troops in South Ca
J. ona, especially the camp of the 9Th Volunteer reg
e ment (now 18th N. G. Troops,) feel unwilling
: say anything if possibly avoid it. 1t
Il proper however, that should state that Saturd
We were shown private letter from officer in one
J. the companies which saysthat if some companies ha
an abundance of good water Others have not-his
company for instance; that the commisary supplies
what they ought to be, either in quantity qualit
and that there is not only very great room for mprov
e ment, but very great demand also.
L We bad the pleasure of meeting in the Theatre
Saturday night, VIM. B. Smith, Esq, of the Tarbor
Mercury late of, rather of the late Bethel Regimen
We were grati6ed to notice that our friend Smith b.