Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-06-19
MIR. HEADEN,s REMARKS,

ROCKINGHAM.
MIR. HEADEN'S REMARKS,
On his resolution presented in Convention ON the
2sth of Hay, 1861, in relation to the establish
maent ofa Foundry and Arsenal or other machiu-
err for tic construction of arms and nunitionsof
soar, in the Valley Of Deep Rirer.
Mr.. PRESIDENT: The object of the resolution now
under consideration is very plain one. Its purpose
is to enlarge the powers of the committee appointed
to inquire into the expediency of connecting the
railroad system of North, Carolina with the iron
mines and coalfeds of the Deep River Valley in the
county of Chatham so as to authorize them further
to inquire into the propriety and expedency of es-
tablishing within or near said Valley foundry and
arsenal or other machinery for the construction of
arms and munitions of war. If l can have the at
tcntion of the Convention for few moments, de-
sire to state briefly few of the considerations that
ought, in my Judgment to influence its action in re-
gard to this important subject.
The coal and iron interests in the portion of the
State referred to- have been long associated in the
public mind with the improvement of the Cape Fear
and Deep Rivers and such have been the disastrous
results Of that measure not only to the welfare of
the State but to that of Individuals that fear that
some prejudice exists in the public mind in regard
to them. | will take this OCCASION however, to say
that have not brought forward this proposition for
the furtherance of mere local objects and purposes
but as great measure of State imperatvely de-
manded by the present exigences If the war in
which We now engaged is to be protracted one,
land all the indications that it will be- it is ab-
solutely necessary that there should be established
some where within the bounds of the State or of the
Confederate States, machinery for the construction
Of arms and other munitions of war. Where can
this he done with prospect Of such entire success
as in the Deep River Valley? Some no doubt, are
ready to say that they have doubts to the truth
of the glowing descriptions that have been given of
that section. But such men are no longer able to
shield themselves behind the uncertain disputatons
Of science. The practical demonstrations of the
miner have placed beyond cavil, that there exists
there an abundance of the finest COAL large quanti-
ties Of which have been already taken from the diff
ferent shafts and only await means of transporta-
ton, or uses to which it may be applied upon the
spot The richness and profusion of the most choice
varieties of iron asonish upon personal obser
vation) even those who have given full credence to
the descriptions ofthc gcologst Besides there is an
untold amount Of soap-stone, and timber of almost
every quality and variety. Whatever incredulity may
exist abroad there is certainly with the people
of that locality They have shown their faith by their
works. Ten or twelve individuals have formed
company, and erected foundry by the side of that
wonder of the age las it is caed) the "Ore Hill,"
which will soon be in operation-and another, has
been established about ten miles distant, on the
banks of Deep River. No doubt others will soon
spring into existence. With such materials in the
hands of the State, what might not be accomplished
for thcpubc safety and welfare at this critical juno
turc, with the additional means ofeaSy and ready
cess to this important point Now what will itrequire
10 connect it with the railroad system of North
Carolina twenty-five or thirty miles of road on
the North will connect it with the entire system of
the State and open it to all Of the principal towns,
both of this State and Virginia By the construc-
ton of o road on the South, to the South Carolina
line of some fifty sixty miles in length complete
communication may be had with the system of that
State, and of all the other Confederate States lying
to the South of us, thereby forming perfect net
work throughout the whole Southern Confederacy.
The Legislature, at Its last regular session. char
tered a company for the construction of one of the
abovc-named roads, making however, a very small
appropriation, and that, too, dependent upon so
many contingencies that considerable length of
time must elapse, before its completion in the mode
prescribed. 1t seems to me, therefore, to be in
cumbent on the State of North Carolina (under the
trying circumstances in which she is placed to take
hold of this matter at once, as great measure of
State, and proceed to its accomplishment in the
most speedy and best manner; and that no consid-
cratons of mere expense ought to deter her from it.
1t may be the means of retrieving the fortunes of
the South, at this critical juncture Besides, we
have united our hearts and our political destiny
with the Confederate States it is right and proper
that we should unite with them all our material in
tcrests blending and consolidating all the various
parts into one, homogeneous WHOLE constituting the
most magnificent government ever presented to the
admiration of mankind. If, in undertaking this
great enterprise, we should incur heavy debts,
have no doubt that the Confederate government will
come to our rescue, and relieve US, not only of all,
but our due proportion Of the responsibilities in
Cured but will purchase the site for great nation
al foundry, as it far exceeds any that can be found
within the whole range of the seeded States.
have presented these few considerations merely
for the purpose of calling the attention of the Con-
venton to this important subject with the hope and
expectation that gentlemen Of prominent and COM
manding positions will take it into serious consider
ation and give it that share of their attention which
its Importance demands, either here or in the Leg
isature, as may be most appropriate.