Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-12-03
Investigation OF Frauds.

After severe struggle the Conserva-
tives of the Legislature have forced the
Radicals into an investigation of the frauds
alleged tc have been committed in the
disposal of the bonds issued in behalf Of
the several Railroads of the State. The
Conservatives could not obtain such an
investigation as the case required, or such
as they demanded in the name of the peo-
pie Of the State, but were compelled to &C
cept such as was permitted by the domi-
nant party. The investigation is proceed
ing before the House Of Representatives
in the Committee Of the Whole. The OBJ
jections to this procedure are evident, the
chief ones being the slow progress which
will necessarily be made and the delay
which it will cause to the current
business Of the session. entailing consider
able cost to the State.
We trust, however, the honest men of
that body of both political parties, Will
not he deferred by these and other diff
culties which are and will be thrown in
their way. Let them be governed only
by q patriotic purpose to protect the State
and her credit from the spectators and
thieves who are destroying both. Men
never had more important or nobler duties
to perform, and none ever received more
grateful plaudits from an oppressed peo-
pie than will follow the successful efforts to
check the fraudulent and extravagant ex-
penditures of the public money now going
on. The people see noting but bank
ruptcy and ruin before them. They look
with suspicion and distrust upon every de-
partment of their State government. They
pay their oppressive taxes reluctantly,
because they believe they will be reckless
~ squandered or corruptly appropriated.
These feelings must be checked. This con-
dition of affairs must cease. The causes
which give them birth and strength
must no longer exist. Confidence must be
restored, or there can be no real pros
perity for the people of North Carolina
Let these Investigations, therefore, pro-
coed, and in the manner best adapted to
the quick and thorough exposition of the
servatives and Republicans, should vie
with each other in furthering the work.
Party interests should not be considered,
for the present profigate expenditure of
money will ruin both parties, and crush
the spirits of the whole people.
We are not surprised to see the Raleigh
Standard, while seemingly coveting inves-
tigation, throwing every obstacle in the
way of it. 1t processes party objections
to this or that manner of conducting these
Investigations. Party leaders are violently
denounced for supporting any measure
which looks to an impartial and speedy
investigation. It's owner, the Infamous
Littlefeld. we suspect has personality
est in the delay-in the defeat of these
propositions. We see he has hastily left
Raleigh, as he did when Senator Sweets
investigation committee began its opera
tons last Winter, and we suppose will re-
main absent, as he did then, until the
Legislature adiourns. The people appre-
ciate these things, and will yet hold these
men to strict accountability.
In the meantime these delays and diff
culties only serve to depreciate our bonds
moresand more. These miserable SQUAD
bles to protect prominent individuals and
defend the party record are rapidly sac
rifcing the credit of the State. Our bonds
are now lower than they have ever been
lower than has ever been reached by the
bonds of any State whose escutcheon has
not been stained by reputation. Incom-
petenee and crime are fast doing their
work. Ii the good men of the Legislature
fail in their present efforts, the credit of
the State is irretreviably gone. Our people
will be rapidly driven into reputation.
Elections i'm Mississippi and Texas.
in accordance with the proclamations |
of ha