The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-09-25

Notwithstanding the Raleigh SEN
tinel talks good deal about the Importance OF
practicing economy in public matters, it will not
agree to little wholesome retrenchment being
commenced by abolishing the offices of State
Geolegist and Adjutant General. We contend
that, considering the times and peculiar circum-
stances by which we as people are surrounded
and our inability to pay heavy taxes tho Offices
of Adjutant General of Militia and State Geolo-
gist might be dispensed with The Sentinel
thinks that those officers are necessary-that the
Militia ought to be e-organzed and the mineral
wealth of the State made known
If the Militia were allowed to act and could be
used for the protection of the people, it might be
well enough to e-organize it, but we feel assured
that State organization of that kind will not be
permitted to discharge its duties without being
interfered with by U. S. military officers Freed
mems Bureau officers, &c. 1t would be wasting
the time of our farmers and laboring men generally
to require them to attend militia parades and
drills If we ever regain the rights and privileges
of free American citizens then organize
the militia, and then we will be better able to pay
the salary of an Adjutant General, however use
less such an officer may be at any time. But the
Adjutant General Of North Carolina has been in
office several months and we have yet to hear of
the first militia regiment being organized. We
think that officer shows his good judgment in de-
laying the matter and not requiring the people of
the State to waste their time in burlesquing mill
tary organizations.
The office of State Geologist has already cost
State Treasury to ne-eighth that amount we
,Lo. t. lo,,
been of some use to land spectators, gold-mine
brokers, and itnerant traders, but we deny that
it has either benefited the people generally or
the State Treasury.
The Sentinel says that the laws of the State
provide for the appointment of such officers and
therefore it was Gov. Worth's duty to appoint
them. We alluded to the subject for the
purpose Of injurng Gov. Worth to blame him
neither do we censure the gentlemen who fill
the Offices mentioned (they are as good if not
better, than their predecessors)-but, matter
of right and economy, suggest that the
Offices ought to be abolished, or the Legislature
direct that they shall not be filed until the State
is better able to pay salaries.
In justification of the large amount of money
given by the State to the College at Chapel Hill.
the Sentinel says that 1.-THE obligation upon the
Legislature was just as imperious to keep it in
operation as in the case of the Public Schools"
That may be, but if one is assisted why not both!
We know that the Treasury is not in a condition
to re-establish Common School system, and
neither is it in condition to donate thousands of
dollars to the Chapel Hill College. 1t is said
that if some of the useless appendages Of that in
stituton were cut off. and little more economy
used. it could be kept in operation without ap-
preparations from the State Treasury. An effort,
no doubt, will be made to induce the next Legis-
lature to place under the control of this College
the large amount of land Tor its proceeds) which
has been given to the State by the Federal Gov
eminent to establish Agricultural College,
For one, opposed to such disposition of
that fund.
In theory, the Sentinel agrees with about
the Importance of practicing economy, but when
we suggest tangible modes for lessening expen-
dtures, the Sentinel objects and will not -oper
ate. Now should like to hear some sugges-
tons from the Sentinel to how expenditures
are to be reduced to suit the impoverished con-
diton of tax payers. More economy is absolutely
necessary.
We know that it is sometimes considered dem
agegica and a bid for office to talk much about
economy, but we can honestly say that the people
have Office within their gift that want or
would have The people of this section knOuO that
we are ''above suspicion in that respect.
.