Year: 1869

During the time consolidation was be-
ing discussed the STANDARD remained
neutral. 1t took no part in the discussion,
and never had line of editorial upon the
subject. Our columns were open to COM
munications from each side They are al
ways open to any Republican who desires
toput before the people his views upon any
important subject. -ila


Notwithstanding this, however, we are
warned not to take part in discussing the
question of consolidation. We have no need
of the warning. First, because We did not
intend to discuss the question. Secondly,
because there is now no question of consoli-
dation to discuss. The stockholders of the
North Carolina road settled that question
by their vote at Salisbury. But had we de-
sired to discuss the question we most as
suredly should have done so without at all
regarding the howls of the ours who are con-
stantly yelping at us.


We have been told to force the freights of
Western North Carolina to the port of New
Berne. We have nothing at all to do with
the matter. The people of the Western
part of the State are fully competent to
manage their own affairs. If they wish to
ship their products by way of New Berne
they will do so. If they wish to ship them
by way of Norfolk they will do so. Who
has got the right to tell the people of West
ern North Carolina how, when and to what
place they must send their products? We
are very much of the opinion that they
would treat with contempt the person or
persons who should dare to dictate to them
in such high-h handed manner.


We have nothing whatever to do with the
freight of any section of the State, nor shall
We attempt in any manner to influence it to
any particular port. If New Berne wishes
to become the port Of North Carolina, let it
offer greater inducements than either Nor
folk or Wilmington. 1t is the only way in
which it can obtain its desires. Trade, like
water, is sure to find its level, and cannot be
forced into unnatural channels. ass esE


Then if New Berne wishes to become the
seaport of North Carolina let it go to work,
and offer such facilities to the rest of the
State as will prove to the people that it is
for their own interests to ship their produce
from New Borne. But it should not endeavor
to force and bully the people of the West,
as it has eudeavored to do lately If it con-
tinues to pursue such course it may as
well give up all hope, for the people of the
West do not like to be buIlied. As for the
STANDARD, it will take no part, one way OF
the other, in such matter.


We have been drawn into this matter be-
cause we defended Gov. HOLDEN, when Ger
tain parties in New Berne have, amid the
rest f bullying attempts, seen fit to assail
him because he did his duty in maintaining
his right to appoint the State Proxy. II
these parties had not undertaken to bully
Gov. HOLDEN for the purpose of embarrass-
ing him in the discharge of his duties the
STANDARD would have said nothing.


We feel no interest in the matter, bcliev-
ing consolidation a question to be decided
only by the parties interested But we will
inform those New Berne gentlemen who bayc
made themselves so oficious, that their con-
duct is not such as will advance their plans.
If they wish to secure the consolidation of
the two roads let them advocate their
scheme like business men, and in a legiti-
mate manner. If they think they can sue
ceed by bullying every person who they
think is not for them they are greatly
mistaken.