Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-08-23

| We are convinced from the general appearance
of affairs along the line of the road and at the
Shops that the Stockholders and Directors have
made most judicious selections of officers The
election of Mr.. Webb as President after his defeat
| under the regime of the late Provisional Govern
ment, was certainly marked compliment, but one
well deserved by the efficient services already rem
dered, and the eminent fitness which successful
| experience and industry assured The retention
of Mr. Wilkes as Superintendent, in the universal
revolution which has marked the organization of
our Railroads since the expiration of the Pro-
visional Government, is a compliment as great as
it was deserved. We trust that the future course
adopted in the management of our roads, will lead
to the retention of efficient officials The great
interests North Carolina and her citizens have in
her lines of Railroads. should not be jeopardized
by frequent changes of careful, industrious and
successful Railroad managers merely for political
or personal considerations.
We found possibly greater improvement still
upon the Western North Carolina Railroad, when
we take into consideration the damage sustained
and the means at command. Captain S. S. Kirk
land, the gentlemanly and efficient Superintendent,
and by whose energy and intelligence this work
has been reconstructed, has accomplished wonders
in the management of the road. Without engines
or cars, passenger or freight; without depots or
bridges so thorough had General Stoneman &C
complishad his work of destruction and with
but very limited patronage, the road is entirely
repaired in every department, and its facilities in
alrespects of the first order. We especially
pleased with the superior workmanship displayed
in the building of handsome passenger coach at
the shops of this company.
At present the trains run but three times
week, leaving Salisbury every Monday, Wednes-
day and Friday mornings, and returning the same
day. This is rendered necessary, not from the
want of facilities, but this number of trains is
able to do the business required. There remains
as yet two miles and half unfinished between
the present terminus of the road and Morganton.
We were glad to shake by the hand, Capt. Black
mer formerly of the 7th n G. Regiment, and
severely wounded at Frazier's Farm, June 3Oth,
1862, who is the courteous conductor in charge of
the passenger train.
This great work, as we'll as other unfinish ed
roads of the State require the earliest attention of
our State government It is certainly neces-
sary for eprospery of the State that they should
be completed. We are the last persons to advo-
cate an increase of present taxes, but this does
not blind us to the absolute necessity of compile
ting our unfinished works of internal improve
ments Certainly no more serious or important
matter can engross the attention of the next LIE
gislature We sincerely hope that some means
may be devised of rendering such assistance as
will insure the rapid progress to completion of
the two great lines of railroads which will make
North Carolina the thoroughfare, and her harbors
the shipping ports, of the rich granaries of the
West