The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1866-07-03
Governor WOrth's Circular to the Disabled Sol
diers requiring Artificial Limbs, and the Will
mingtOn and Weldon Railroad.

Governor WOrth's Circular to the Disabled Sol
diers requiring Artificial Limbs, and the VIII
mingt0n and Weldon Railroad.
We present elsewhere the circular of Gov
ernOr Worth, to the manned and disabled
soldiers of North Carolina, who served in the
Southern armies.
Bya late act of the General Assembly,
these soldiers are to be furnished with arti-
fetal limbs at the expense of the State, and
there breathes not an honest man in North
Carolina who does not applaud this action of
our State Legislators; but while we approve
the act and deem it alike creditable to the
hearts and patriotism of our representatives,
we regret to learn that the limbs that are be-
ing manufactured are of an inferior quality,
and unless improved, arc likely to prove of
no practical benefit whatever to those for
whom they are intended.
If, as is stated, the limbs are of clumsy
character, and from their construction pain
full to the wearer, then, some one is to blame
for awarding the contract to incompetent
manufacturers, and if those whose duty it is
to inspect the work, shall suffer an inferior
article to be palmed off on the State, at the
expense of those unfortunate persons requir-
ing artificial limbs, we trust they will be
held up to the people in their true light,
We make no charges now, we are merely an
ticipating from what rumor has whispered
to US, and are truly averse to believing that
there is a man in North Carolina so stepped
in baseness. as to connive and assist at cheat
ing these poor men, who are really the losers
by the war. We are well aware that very
few contracts are let out by government, in
which there is not great amount of swind
ling, but this, we had supposed, was mat
ter appealing so directly to the better in
stincts of human nature, that no one, save
robber of graveyards or a resurectionist,
would dream of any pecuniary gain what
ever. in connection with furnishing our un-
fortunate heroes with limbs, whereby they
may support, at best, miserable existence
We shall, accordingly, as duty, ventilate
very freely the men having charge of the ar
tificial limb mandatory, five find that JUS
tice demands such at our hands. We know
that Governor Worth entertains for our dis
abled soldiers the kindest feelings of regard,
has shown an interest in their behalf quite
commendable in any one, and if there should
appear any frauds in this matter, we feel sure
he is not responsible therefore, or a party
thereto.
Having correspondent with the managers
of the various railroads in the State, the Gov
ernor informs us in the circular, that he had
received prompt assurance from each compa-
ny, that each manned soldier furnished with
proper certificate, should pass free to
Raleigh and home again. We regret that
duty compels us to say that this promise has
not been observed by the Wilmington and
Weldon railroad authorities. A gentleman
of this place provided with the proper certi-
ficate, had occasion to visit Raleigh for the
purpose of obtaining a limb, and was requir-
ed to pay full fare, and was not treated by
the conductor with the courtesy which, at
least, he might have expected, in his unfor-
tunate condition. The North Carolina road
passed the gentleman free, going and re-
turning.
We do not pretend to say that the mana
gers of the Wilmington and Weldon rail.
road was responsible for the conduct of its
officer on this occasion, but we do say, that
it was very small business on the part Of
somebody, and it grows beautifully smaller
in the Superintendent, to retain in the service
of the company, one who shows SO little ap
probation for an unfortunate fellow man.
The Barracks, which the Governor says hi
has provided for the soldiers while waiting
for their orders to be filed, are described az
being very poor and uncomfortable Thi.
should be seen to, and suitable accommoda
lions furnished, and this being the duty O
| the Governor, We shall refer to the subjec
again, If the proper steps are not soon taker
to render the barracks WiLso,
| CdrO1Saiaa-