The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1882-10-25
The Coming Questions--Immi-
grafton, Railroads., Anti
Monopoly, etc
NEW YORK CITY, Oct. 2l. 49,

I'VE regret that the late re-
ceptlon OF this letter forces its c~urtail-
ment, or division. We may use the ex-
cIsed portions next week Ed. f. &
NJ. While on this subject. il
would not be amiss to write sometime
about the Atlantic X. X. for much has
been said IN my presence about this
road and the h. u ID. since | arrived
here. As | understand the matter. the
lessoes OF the Atlantic are seeking more
tune only, or asking that action about
their lease be extended until the Lepis-
lature meets, 80 that the situation nlS !
be lald before II Tor consideration. Ii
TINS be all, their request should be
granted and all good citizens ought To
use their good offices to bring about this
result, Tor the granting OF it cannot ma
terlally mJure the State, and NAV pre-
Veht this roads passing into the hands
OF II OF the existing lines whose DOW
tra already are too potent for the good
ol the State. y careful examination OF
his matter has convinced the writer
that shOuld the l~essees Of the Atlantic
X. X. lie turned out. years-yes, a CEN
tury will pass before the people from
Smlthfeld to Salisbury will be blessed
with a railroad line, while probably il
these l~essces are left alone they NAV
construct said line. If this lease is de-
clared forfeited the courts will unques-
tIonably have To pass on said declara-
ton, and courts are slow in North Caro-
lima; so slow, at least. that wisdom
would suggest it would be wiser or
equally as wise to submit the merits OF
the case first to the L~egisi allure, where
patriotic action could not tail to secure
a solution OF this mixed matter at an
early day. and in a manner that would
best suit the people along and contigu-
Gus to this line, who have experienced
the effect of political railroad manage
ment, and a management on a business
OASIS. The true Interests of the State
and the claims OF justice towards strau-
GERS who have endeavored to use their
lease and money wisely, demand that
North Carolina act slowly and eau
tlou>ly III this matter. In all respects
North Carolina has been considered a
friend of the stranger, and in this in
stance she should not make an eXcep-
ZION. Ii She leans either way it should
be towards the weaker side. for the
strong do not need her aid save to make
theR strength more potent tor evil.
The writer Is not an admirer OF W. j.
Best, but his love Tor fair play, and his
desire to see capitol invited TO and not
driven from North Carolina has induced
him To devote 50 much of his letter tn
the Atlantic Il. r., which road cannot
tail to pass into the hands OF one of the
existing lines, if its present lease is tor
.eitea.
Much talk is heard here about the
Richmond " Danville II. II. On yes
terday three of its old directors resigned
and three new ones We're elected. What
this means the outside world will not
know until the powers choose to impart
the information. BY many it is believed
the control OF the stock of the Il. X ID.
mas passed into the hands Of the Stan
dard OIL Company. Be this as it may,
one thing is certain. its power has been
augmented for good or evil, and it be
comes the States through which its sys-
-sIu a>ees to see that its money Is not
naIe so potent that the true interests oi
their people are not impaired or ham
| perel by its influence. Within the
bounds of their corporate powers cor,
pora ions are usually beneficial to States
and communities. but when their man.
ayers, as III New York. Pennsylvania.
Virginia, &c, leave their legitimate
| business and attempt the vote OF states.
men, consideration for the rights anc
privileges of their companies shoulc
cease. because on all such occasions
they most generally become corruptor.
OF legislators and d~estroyers OF the rights
of the people, their real creators anC
b~enetactors.
As the map now stands North Caro-
lima has three important transportation
railroad lines. These lines should re
ce.ve promptly such additional lcgiSla
ton a. they may ask or require Tor legIt
innate extensions of their lines. or thu
proper working of their systems, bu
before II further grant Is made Il
them, each and every one OF then
should be compelled to deed to tin
State. Gas the Il. II ID. did to Virginia
all special privileges III the shape OF eN
emption from taxation. &C.. Sc., or Il
other words be forced to bring the:
corporate powers fully and completed,
within the scope and province of tn,
constitution of 1868. The first act q
the Legislature, however. should b'
To pass a bill preventing the consoid,
ton OF any mere lines i'll North Caro-
ina for consolidation of railroads; man.
(as we know too weld oppressive rate
OF freight and fare. and interference wit
law making in every State where it /
not properly controlled. such a bill.
passed, could permit consultations OF
conditions not detrimental to the inter
ests OF the people, which, of courS
should be allowed. In conclusion,
beg To state the writer is not an enem
to railroads. but on the contrary thel
strong friend. His position is Simpl
this. He loves Railroads much. bu
North Carolina more" 20. y. =.