Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-06-15
ROCKINGHAM.
MIR. HEADEN,s REMARKS,

I'm ms Tes0Lutt0TI pTesented an C0lTentl0H on tne
2Sth Of Hay, 1861, IN relation to the establish
neHt Of q Foundry and ArsenGl or other maehin-
erytor the construction Of arms and munitions Of
toar, an the VdLLey Of Deep Rirer
Mr.. President: The object of the resolution
under consideration is very plain 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 coaleds of the Deep River Valley in the
county of Chatham, so to authorize them further
to inquire into the propriety and expediency Of
tablishing within or near said Valley foundry and
arsenal or other machinery for the construction of
arms and munitions of war If | can have the at
tention of the Convention for few moments, / de-
sire briefly few of the considerations that
ought in my judgment, to influence its action in
gard to this important subject.
The coal and iron interests in the portion of the
State referred to- have been so 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 on y 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 local objects and purposes
but as great measure of State imperativeIy de-
manded by the present eXgencleS. If the war in
which are now engaged is to be protracted one,
land all the indications that it will be- 1t is alb
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 no longer able to
shield themselves behind the uncertain dSputations
of science. The practical demonstrations of the
miner have placed beyond cavi, that there exists
there abundance of the finest COAL large quanti
ties Of which have been already taken from the diff
ferent shafts, and only await of tranSporta-
ton, or uses to which it may be applied upon the
spot. The richness and profuson of the most choice
varieties of iron astonsh upon personal obser-
.vaton) those who have given full credence to
the descriptions Of the geoogis Besides there is an
untold amount of soapstone, and timber of almost
every quality and variety. Whatever increduty 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 the public safety and welfare at this critical juno
ture, with the additional means ofeaSy and ready ac
cess to this important point Now what will It require
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 a 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 a perfect net
work throughout the whole Southern Confederacy.
The Legislature, at Its last regular session, char
tered company for the construction of one of the
above.named roads, making however 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 placedl to take
hold Of this matter at once as a great measure OF
State, and proceed to its accomplishment in the
most speedy and best manner; and that no consid-
eratons Of mere expense ought to deter her from it.
1t may be the means Of retrieving the fortunes of
the South, this critical juncture. Besides as we
have united hearts and our political destiny
with the Confederate States, it right and proper
that should unite with them all our material in
terests 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 doubt that the Confederate government will
come to rescue and relieve us, rot only of all
but due proportion of the responsibilities in
Cured but will purchase the site for great nation
al foundry, it far exceeds any that can be found
within the whole range of the seeded States
l 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
handing positions will take it into serious consider
alton, and give it that share Of their attention which
its Importance demands either here or in the Leg
islature, as may be most appropriate