Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, April 01, 1851, Image 1
?
VOLUME 2. rf_ CAMDEN, SOUTH-CAROLINA^"APRIL 1, 1851. " NUMBER 20.
? DIMBimill I I I II II I II I
THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
piinsiiKi) HY
- WARREN & PRICE.
THE SEMI-WEEKLY JOURNAL
I* published at Three Dollars and Fifty Cent", if j.nid in
advance, or Four Dollars if payment is delayed for three
months.
THE WEEKLY JOURNAL
Is published nt Two Dollars if paid in idvanro, or Two
Dollars and Fifty Cents, if payment is delayed for Si*
months, and Three Dollars, if not paid until the end of the
year.
ADVERTISEMENTS will be inserted at the following
rates; For one square (14 iines or le?s) in the semi-weekly,
one dollar for the first, and twenty-five cents for each
vuhseqnent insertion.
" " e ? tli? f.rvt
In the weekly. wjvcmv-imr ?-in<- i-v. .
ml thirty-seven and a lialf cent? for each sitl??equeiil insertion
Single insertion?oue dollar per square.
The numner of insertion? desired, and the edition to i
W published in, must he noted en the margin of all adver- |
tacmriits. or tlicy will be inserted semi-weekly until or- [
dered to be discontinued, tine charged accordingly.
Seiui-ninnthly, monthly and quarterly advertisement?
charged tlie same as for a single insertion.
Cy-All communication? by mail must be post-paid oj
secure attention.
Tlie following gentlemen are Agents for the Journal: j
Wm. C. Carton, General Agent.
Cot. T. W. iluKv. Jacksotihain. Lancaster Dist.
S. II. Rosser. Esq., Lancast rville, S.C. j
f. C. McCrcvmem, Carthage. N. II.
W. C. Moork. Esq., Camden. S. C.
And Postmasters are requested to acta? our Agents.
W? H. R WORKMAN,
ATTORNEY AT LAW, Camden, 8. O.
(Office immediately in rear of tlie Court House.)
Witt ATTEND THE COURTS OK
Darlington and Sumter Districts.
Business entrusted to hint wit. meet with prompt
and careful attention. Jiiiyzo.
.HOFI'AT & ?!OOK?.
AUCTIONEERS At. GENERAL AGENTS,
cami en, s. c.
Jan. 6. 2
c. m vi SB a-:sox,
B A N Iv A G E N T.
Ax his oi.n stand opppsitk Davis's Hotel
B. W. CHA3I BEliS,
Receiving and Forwarding Merchant,
AND
Bayer of Cotton and other Country Produce,
ca.mdkn. ft. r.
WILLIAM C. MOORE,
BANK AGENT,
And Receiving and Forwarding Merchant
CAMDEN, S. C.
RrFrocvrra VV_ K Jolli.s.'lll. Ejid. ilui. J. AI
DeSaussure, T. J. Warren, Esq.
Bogardns' Planetary Horse Power.
/'pill-. snlw:ihi^ have received one of il.c above rna_L
chine* from 'he wnmihctor* of (?eo. Vail A: i o.. to
k which tln-t would rail ?i:e annition of ib.se who want
Eow?*r* for (iinnioa. -"avvi rj or Griiiriiiis. Oilers .'or any
ind of MILL IRONS or <" \S'i'IN(.S will lie >rni!i tlv
attendee! i? McDOW. I.Ldtl OOl'Kll.
to- \ few Mill Crunks oe hatni.
Sent. 20.1S50. 73 tf
Dry Goods.
THE Subscriber lias just mMod to his stock ol
GROCERIES.
20 Pieces Chen}) Calico.
30 " Home-puns mid ()sn:ihnr??.
Checks, Ticking, Shawls, Handkerchiefs,
Tweeds, Cassimercs, Diuiinins. &c., with all
articles usual!v kept in a wcil selected assortment.
WM. C. M?0RE..
Feb.lt tf
Carpeting* and 2iug< at Co*t!
A few pieces Carpotii!gs. at posithclv cost.
ifv 11. LEW i. SON.
Jan. 23 7 if
J~ S. I3 . K E ?Is 31 A W,
Attorney at Law and Solicitor in Equity,
CAMDEN, s. <
Will attend the ourts of Kershaw, Sumter,
Fairfield, Darlington ami Lancaster Districts.
To llvnt.
THAT brick dwelling and store, next to the
* Mansion House." now occupied l?v T. lion- 1
noil. Annlv to J J> KHItSIlAW, Ex'or.
Der'-jV _ 101 if
The subscriber has just finished off a lot of Mahogany
Rocking Chairs in plush. Also Sewing
Chairs in plush ami hair; very neat articles and
?t unusually low prices. C. I,. CIIATTEX.
31111 G'lifl^coiis, &.c.
Mill Gudgeons, 10^ to "JO inch
Mill Cranks, assorted sizes
North Caiohna, English and Norther llollow
VV are, assorted, from \ to .35 gallons
Patent Iron Axles, 1 to inch.
Mill Irons of anv kind furnished to order.
.. n,.?> , r I e. , I>
JHr.iJU n hjjJJ vi, JH%.
July 8 ">i
-|XA SIDES be*t Hemlock Leather.
xOw Just received and lor sale at 17 ets |>cr
lb. by JOHN W. MAULEY.
CORN Shelters, Patent Straw Cutlers. Plough*, Patent
Churns of the moM approved kind?Rucking and itting*
hairs. Pail*. Tubs, &e., just received iiv
Sent. 17. [74tf 1 K. W. lKi.N.NKY.
Carpeting!!!
JUST opened and for sale, eutiim?n, extra fine, superfine,
and imperial three j?ly Carjiels, of new patterns.
Also, Printed Floor Cloths, itugs, nti-l cotton Carpeting. |
^ Sept 17, [74 tf] K. W. liONNKV.
OA BOXES I. E. Cheese, small size, received
jU\J and for eale, by SllAW & AUSTIN.
Feb. 18 M _ tf_
O BBLS. Kennedy's Boston Butter Crackers,
received and for sale, bv
.SHAW & AUSTIN.
I Feb. 18 21 !L_
O OASES pie Fruit consisting of Rhubarb,
.w Gooseberries, Peaches, W hortlebeiries and
Plums, received and for sale, l?v
SHAW & AUSTIN.
Feb. 18 14 tf
ICase Pate de Foie Gras Strusbourg. Received
and for sale by
Jan 30. SI I AW &. AUSTIN.
5 BOXES Smoked Halibut received and for
pale by SIIAVV &. AUSTIN.
Feb. 18 14 tf
-fBBLS. Planting Potatoes, received and tor
JLl / gale, by SIIAVV & AUSTIN.
[ Feb. 18 14 tf
I
THE SOUTHERN STORE.
j 1 LL who wish Bar,'aiiii=, are inviteil to rail at
I A K. S. MoFFA'l \S new Southern Store,
third house above the hank of Camden, where
they will find a complete assortment of
DRV GOODS, GROCERIES AND HARDWARE,
consisti11jjt in part, as follows:
Fancy and inoiirui: <? l'rints
7-8 and 4-4 brown Shirtings
Blue Den.ins and Mar!borough Stripes
Saltinelts and Kentucky Jeans
Cloths and laucy C'assiineres
ftegro Kcpcv.-; Bed and Negro Blankets
ilous. Deaincs, Ginghams, $c.
Groceries. I
Brown, Loaf, crashed and clarified Sugar
Rio and Java Codecs
New Orleans and West India Molasses
Alackarel, Nos. '<J ami 3 in barrels
Cheese, Rice, Flour, Bacon and Salt
Raisins, Pepper, Spice
Tobacco, Segars. >Vc. &.C.
Hardware.
Pocket Knives and Forks
J Britannia and iron Spoons
Trace and Halter Chains
Axes, Hammers and Hatchets
Spades, Shovyls and Hoes
liand, null and crosscut srws
Vice's, anvils and blacksmith's bellows
Nails, brads, tacks and sp igs
Knob, pad closet and stock locks
iron squares, compasses and plane irons
Brushes, blacking, cotton and wool cards
Broadaxes and steelyards; puts and skillets
Itrnad anil narrow lion iSic.
Ready 7ia.de Clolliiuit
ol every description.
Saddles, bridles and Martingales
(.'rockery and Gl. ssware
Gunny and Dundee Cogging
Kentucky Rope and Twine
Together with every oilier article usually (nund
in a well selei ted stock of Dry Goods, Groceries
and Hardware. All of which will be sold exceedingly
low for cash.
;-ir']'he highest market prices paid for cotton
ami oilier country produce.
Dec. 21, K. S, Aft'FFAT.
New Fall Goods.
TIIE subscriber respectfully into mis his friends
and the puhiic general!}', that lie is now receiving
his Fall supply of
Groceries, DoiacsJics, Ac.
Consisting in part, of the following articles, viz:?
Brown, crushed, loaf and clarilied Sugars
New Orleans and Muscovado Molasses
Rio and Java Cotfee
Rice, Cheese, Bacon ami Lard
No. 2 and 3 Mackarel
Corn. Flour, Oats, Salt
Sivpdes Iron of all >i/.es
I'owder, Shut, Ijead, Soaps, Starch, Candles
Film and common Tobacco
6?o;?e and Twine.
Men and bar's Wagon Saddles
Riding a:.(1 Waggon Bridles
liames, Collar.-, Riding and Waggon Whips
Al.SU
("rookery, Glass and Hardware
Collin;' host Axes, X..i!s, assorted siz*
l'ockct Knives, Knives and Forks
Negro iis,
Bleached and brown Homes puns
Bed, -Negro and Riding BLANKETS
A few cases of men and boys lints and Caps
With all other articles usually lbund in a well supplied
Grocery and Hardware store, all of which
will be sold exct cdingiv low for ca? h.
" R. W. CHAMBERS.
Cnnnl'n. S. C. Sept. 3. * TO U
?? ~ ? -.--r ?? r-v v*r i-n n
HLRNSIVR ll'JUSL,
j CA.tiDEX, s. ev
rI",I!E tinder: igttrd hcgs linvt1 to return hi* Truthful
A lli:ink- friend*. :ii>r] :lie travelling Public. for
the lilieri' Mipoor: \\ Inch lie has recejs>inr-?r lie has been
opened. tfoitr months) and l as ett'ered utsm his duties for
1831. with renewed etterirv m endeavor in .'lease nil thai
may eal! noon liim. both rich and poor. Ilis House will
lie found one of the hum !e-ir.ih!e. siina'ed.arid lies! Ittrtiislied
Hotels in Camden. Ills servants also will be
found rev'veiful and attentive, and the table will be suppiiett
with the Ivst ;he market .illi.ro'-.
Ilis Stables ami Carriage Houses are roomy and always
fully supplied with Provender, nic! an exjieriem ed Ho ller.
An Hinnihtts calls ut the llmi>ee\ery morning for passengers
for the Railroad. (>ive me a call and test my motto.
As you !itid me,
So reeomiuend me.
H. (J. ROBINSON.
Proprietor.
Camtlen. Fehrttarv 7th, 1851. II tf
Temperance Hotel.
I?.:.* I '.I fit.lit. iiit.trm ].;?
J. friends and the travelling public in general,
that lie lias again rented the a hove Hotel for a
short time and would respectfully solicit a portion
of the patronage so liberally bestowed upon him
heretofore, as no pains will he spared to make the
traveller comfortable and at h me.
The Stages, and Omnibuses will call regularly
at the House for passengers, going by Railroad.
Also, Horses, and Buggies, can he had front him
on reasonable terms, to go in the country.
J. B. F. BOONE.
Feb. 11, 12 tf
Bounty Land.
rpiIE subs'criber will piosecutc claims for Land
JL. or Pensions, on reasonable terms. Soldiers
and officers, in the Mexican war, in the War of
161:2, the Florida war, and other Indian wars, arc
entitled to Bounty Land. J- B. KEUSIIAVV.
Dec, 24, tl 101 Att'y at Law.
VFEW metre of those fine Beef Tongues, received
at .MOORE'S.Feb
11 12 tf
X AAA LBS. BACO* I2A21S, prime,
'V/' / r?() bbls extra F.tiniiv Flour
30 boxes Adamantine Candles. For sale by
Jan. 21. JOHN W; BRADLEY
Notice.
HAVING disposed of my entire stock of Groceries
to Mr. James I. Villepiiftie, formerly
I of the firm of l'aul F. Villoj?i?jiie t}* .Son, I beg,
I respccltully, to solicit for him, the generous patronarre
of mv former customers.
Tliosc indebted to mo**ilIior liy note or open ac!
count, are earnestly requested to rail mi me at tlie
old stand ami settle, which will enable me to meet
mv own engagements. S. JJKN.SON.
Family Groceries.
SUGAIt.?Lon', Crushed, Pulverized, Clarified
li^'lit and 1.row 11 lij;ht N. Orleans and Mus.
covat'o.
COFFEE?Old Government Java, Rio, Lapuira,
Cliorohne, Broma, Cocoa.
TEA.?Imperial, Gunpowder, Hyson, SiIverleaf
Young Hyson, Orange I'elioe and Golden
('ha p.
FLOlEi.?Baltimore in IJl>!s., fxtra family
Flour in Bags from selected Wheal, Buckwheai,
RICE?.?Whole, Maccaroni, Farina, Currie
Powder.
SOAP.?Chemical, Olive, Chinese Washing
Fluid. Castile, Colgate*, Fanry.
HA.US?Bali inline Sujar cured, Dried Beef,
1'ickled Beef, Mackerel, No. I. in Kilts
Salmon do., Halibut, Fre-li S.'nion, Lob
slcrs, Sardines in whole, half and quarter
boxes, Herring, Potted Yarmouth do.
PICKLES F rotii (J rouse &. Biackucll, Un
derwoed and Leu is.
KJ2TCf3l'PS.?Worcestershire, Harvey, John
Bull Tonia'oe, Walnut, Mushroom, King
of OmleV, KhImi, Pepper and 1'acn vmger,
W. W me do, Cider do, English and French
Mustard, Spanish Olives, Capers, Anchavies
Essences lor flavoring.
PRESERVES.?Peaches, Apricots, Prunes
in their ?wn Juice. Pineapple, Limes,
Prunes. West Indies do., Strawbeiry Jam,
Figs, Raisins, Prunes.
CAIVDL.ES.?New Bedford Sperm, Solar do.
Adamantine, Wax, colored do.
Received and fu- sale by
SHAW &. AUSTIN.
FARE REDICEDTO ^OFROH
Cliui lestoii lo New York.
The Great Mail Haute from Charleston, S. C.
LEAVING the wharf at the foot of Laurens st.
daily a! '!, p. tn. after the arrival of the Southern
cars, via Wilmington anu Weldon, Petersburg',
Richmond, to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia,
and to New York.
Tl>e public is reaper:fully informed that the
steamers of this line, from Chrlcsion to Wilmington,
are in first rate condition, and are navi
paled by well known and experienced commanders,
and the Railioads are in fine order, thereby
securing bo'h safety and despatch. A THROUGH
TJCKKT having- already been in operation will
be continued on and alter the IIr^t of Oct. 1*49,
as a permanent arrangement from Charleston to
Mew York. Passengersavailing themselves thereat
will have the option to continue without delay
through the route or otherwise, tostop at any immediate
points, re tie *.vi up : heir seats oil the line to
suit .heir convenience. By this route travellers
may reach .\evv York on the third day dun up business
hours. Bipgage will he ticketed on board
the 6tenmrto Weldmi, as likewise on the ch nge
of cars at the intermediate points from thence to
New York* Through Tickets can alone be had
of E. WIN SLOW, Ajjent of the Wilmington and
Raleigh Railroad Company, at the office of the
Company, loot of Laurens street, to whom please
apply. For other informatio inquire of
L. C. DUNCAN,
at the American Hotel.
Ma 7 3, 84 tf
WIEI.<)kCV, AND mi AND I.
X A Bols. Rectified Whiskey,
f )V/ AO hols. New England Rum
5 casks Domestic Brandy
40 doz. Old .1/adeira Wine
00 dnz. Porter and Ale. in quarts and pints
Received and lor sale bv
Jan. 'JO JOHN W. BRADLEY.
ITMNIilKJSIl POTATOES?A few hhj*. jn,i received
; by SHAW A- Al.-STl.N.
1 Case Uiives stu tied wim Ancnovies. iveceivea
and tor sale by SHAW & AUSTIN'.
I*Case Green Peas, (French.) Received and for
. sale by SUA IV df- A I'STIX.
\oticc.
ALL persons avino demands against tlie Estate
of .1. C. Doby, decM will present thein
properly attested, and those indebted will make
payment to J. DUN LAP, Adin'r.
Jan. ;?>. a tf
Domestic Items.
BROWN and bleached Mieetings, every width,
Ticking; Er glish Long-cloths; Counterpanes,
plain and figured curtain Dimity; g.iruijnt Dimity;
colored llomespuns ami Denims; plaid Linssy.
C^Uiitialc PlnnL'itta :*t nil tirit'ow
\Lso
1150 pieces of bleached aid brown Home spuns
as low as tliev can be bought anv where in Amer
ra. At * J AM ICS WILSON'S.
Notice.
AS I am about to leave this State, to travel
abroad, I hereby appoint Mr. Thomas Lang
as my general agent, to attend to my affairs during
my abseiMM*. L. C. A DAMSON.
Feb. 14 13 swtf
Hardware, Groceries, Bagging, Rope
and Twine,
RKADY-made Clolbine, Hats, Caps, Bonnets,
Boots and Shoes &.c. Just re eived and lor
sale at the lowest prices possible bv
M. DRUCKER cfr CO.
FRENCH, German mill English Plain Cashmere*, for
I-adieu Dromea. Alsci?Velvet and oilier Trimmings,
opened this day, at BONNEY'S
French Ilraitdy.
Snpcrior French Br;.inly, lor Medicinal purpo.
ses. For sale at
McKAIN'S DRUG-STORE.
1 (CASE Fruits in their own juice, assorted, received
and for sale by SHAW &. AUSTIN.
Choice Segars
OF the favorite Brands?
(io!d Leaf,
Esculapio,
La Fortuna,
La Esmeralda, &.c. &c.,
always to be fr.tind At II. LEW &, fcJON.
Feb. 24. 1b51, 1<? tf
Fruits! Fruits!!
TP\I1NJP. A mil ph. Haiiunnas. I'laiitaiiiH and West
L,. -rl ,
India Oranges, just received at
MOORE'S.
Feb 11 12 _ tf.
Leidy's Blood Pills.
A LARGE and tresli supply of tin* genuine article,
just received at Z. J. DEIIAY'S.
Aug. "JO (50
ESSAY ON PLANK ROADS.
BY WJS. LiiiBfiG.
DELIVERED BEFORE THE LITERARY CLl'B OF
CHARLESTON.
A company of gentlemen of Edgefield District.
with a few individuals of Charleston, propose
to build a plank road from this city to the
mountains. The plan, is to commence at
Chaileston and proceed to the vicinity of Abbeville
Court-House, taking the direction of the
South-Carolina Rail-road, and crossing the
Edisto between Dianehville and Orangeburg;
there striking the dividing tidge between the two
Edistoes which lends, without crossing water,
to the lidge which divides the waters oi- the Savannah
and Saluda. There is probably no location
in the United States which will afford
easier average grades?they may cettainly be
reduced to 1 in 50 both ways as far as Abbeville,
and beyond that to Pendleton 1 in 30.?
Among the great improvements which eharac- i
terise the present age of progress, and which
have so materially aided in diffusing the comforts
of human life, the plank-road is destined
to occupy a prominent place. (?ood common
roads tend to change the condition of the farmer
wherever they are extended; the plankroad
gives him a thoroughfare infinitely superior
to any other, not excepting the railroad;
this superiority consists in its peculiar adaptation
to the wants of a people who necessarily
I maintain a large number of horses which are
fed and kept in idleness at u season of the year
when crops are sent to market; a motive power
which would carry a crop to market on a
plank-road without cost except for tolls. The
travelling community will, by the same means,
move without being subject to the rules and
regulations of others, as to the time, speed or
equipage in which they may desire to travel.
The cheapness and facility with which plank
roads may be constructed in our State, need only
to be made known to produce a change which
shall in a few years annihilate one of the greatest
evils known to our country?the mud and
mire through which our bulky and valuable proI
ducts are yearly dragged to market.
In many parts of our country this is a source
of involuntary hermitage; for a days' journey
is not attainable except through roads which
seem to have concentrated all tao evils that
could embarrass a traveller. Plank-roads, by
penetrating our forests, will find materials for
their construction, and afterwards afford the
means of carrying theiu into portions of our
State where timber lias been exhausted.
They will be the means, when introduced,
of redeeming and settling lands hitherto considered
useless, and will so expedite travel as to
bring a large range of surrounding country so
near to lis, as to be, as it were, the environs of
our city, 'i'iie phuik-ioad is the road ot the
people, open to all, affording relief to the beast
of burden, multiplying and cheapening the facilities
for carrying produce to market, and affording
a delightful means of tiavel.
W e can trace their origin to Uu.-si.-i, but are
unable tli fix the date. Tliey were introduced
into Canada in ltsbl, into .\evv-\ork in 1840,
and recently into .North Carolina, Georgia, and
other Southern as well as Western States.?
They have superseded McAdamued roads,and
i in some instances have maintained a successful
competition with rail-roads. Kveu in countries
where stone is plenty and wood comparatively
I - -1 VI ? 4 .r
SCillCC, lliey are one-nan coca^er man .uuaua
mixed roads, and one tenth of the cost of railroads.
Where constantly usod 1?v burden wagons,
j they are more durable and less costly than
McAdami/.cd roads, including the outlay necessary
to relay the plank-road once in nine years.
A mule may draw twice as great a load on a
plank road as he can on a MeAdamimJ road,
travel with greater speed and more ease to himself,
while there will be less wear to the vehicle
which he draws.
The State of New-York; the first to introduce
them, has in live years extended this species of
improvement over a thousand miles, all of which
is now completed and in daily use.
In the whole history of internal improvements
tlntrn i< tsrv-ll-l-l-lv SI 11 V thill" which Slll'tUlSSCS tllC
- V - o I
mj>idity with which this system has developed
itself. Plank-roads, hv the side of rail-roads, in
New York, are paying from 10 to 15 per cent,
interest, and carrying passengers at two cents
a mile.
While we see other States progressing, in
this practical way, we in South-Carolina are
in the midst of a rail road mania. We seem
to have passed hv, unnoticed, the fact that,
notwiihstunding IS years have elapsed since
the S. Carolina It. 11. to Hamburg was put in
operation, the country through which it passes
remains a comparative wilderness, with its hundreds
and thousands of acres of heavy timber
untouched, except the small portion used by
the rail-road for its construction and repairs.
A plank-road would have long since carried
this timber to ..iarkct, and converted the pre
sent wild lands into cultivated Molds.
It is tlie received opinion all over the world
that the improved condition of the common
roads and bridges of a country, are evident
signs of the progress of civilization; but our
planting States seem to he an exception to the
rule, for with all our wealth and rciiaeuicnl,
our market roads, over which millions of dollars
worth of agricultural products annually
pass, have had hut little more labour bestowed
upon them than to clear away the forest timber
and erect the rudest temporary bridges.?
In the winter season, when our great staple,
cotton, ought to be carri d to market, they are
frequently almost impassable even for empty
watrons.
Ill looking back into tin* lii-tory ol tlio Just
thirty yours in Houtli Carolina, wo find that,
notwithstanding this unpardonable slate of
things, the public mind has occasionally boon
excited, and I may say convulsed, on this sub- |
j.ct. The mania for internal improvements
wliicli prevailed in 1620, in tliis State, ivin bo
character i.scd by no more appropriate ternrthan
convulsion, for in a state of feverish excitement
she expended millions of dollars in works for
which the country was not prepared, and which
proved to be a waste of money. The amount
of capital expended in those useless canals,
would have constructed McAdamized roads to
every important section of our State, serving,
, at that i eriod. to chcancu the transit of pro
1 duce to market, and at this time as a basis for
the plank road, so admirably adapted to our
country, and which, in my opinion, is destined
to supersede all other modes of transit.
Rail-roads are expensive in their first outlay,
and extremely complicated and expensive to
i Keep up. They seldom improve the country
| through which they pass, and are beneficial to
cities only, by reaching sections of country
which have no natural outlets, and which are
beyond the reach of a wagon trade, over go id
common roads. They are profitable to stockholders
only when located on great thoroughfares
for travel, and where they can be used to
extend the commerce of a city. Out of the
j 9,nU0 miles of rail-road now in use in the u.
J States, it is surprising to learn how few of them
yield a profit commensurate to the capital which
has been invested in their construction. It certainly
ought to admonish us against injudicious
selections of the mode of improving the highways
of the State, and of the fatal consequences
ef exhausting the energy and capital of a
country to construct works which, however gigantic
in their conception, will not prove sutli!
cicntly useful to pay for keeping them up. I
| allude to the present state of public sentiment
from no unkind feelings towards the rail-roads
. now being projected and in progress in our
State, but from a settled conviction that public
<% >! :.mi in t!,i< ivii-ii/Mil-tr is ?ntirelv in error.
- 1 ' ?
Kail-roads are nece3;arily costly works, and
ought not to he attempted except by capitalists
for bona fide investment. When there is not a
sure prospect of profitable returns, capitalitalist
will not lend their aid, and the work lias to bo
commenced by exciting appeals to patriotism,
j ami plausible arguments as to the advantages
I which will accrue to every individual through
whose neighborhood it may pass. The work
I is often commenced after receiving promises for
: but half the capital necessary to complete it,
depending on loans for the balance; and wheu
completed, is found to have cost more thau tho
estimates, thus starting uudor the disadvantage
of a heavy debt. Then com^fhe great dithetiltv.
which is the nith of the argument in favor
! of other modes of improving the highways of
j S. Carolina,?I mean the large outlays necessary
for the purchase of complicated machinery,
the erection of workshops, to keep it in repair,
the necessity for high salaried olii^rs, such as a
President, Treasurer, Auditor, Agent of Transportation,
Civil Engineer, and foreman of workshops
; also skilful workers in iron and wood,
painters, upholsterers, receivers and deliverers
of freight, laborers to load and unload, a regiment
of clerks and book-keepers, working en'
<'iueers, conductors, firemen, *Jcc. To ail of
' .... . I
I these ramification ot expense, the extent ol
j which is scarcely conceivable by the best in1
formed in such matters, must be added the wear
' -- I ' ..r fii..lij,?. ctiiu' Ikiif cnnl itl
| OI iron <111U Lff.1 y ui iiuiuciy c?w? uui ...
j their eventual destruction of property,and which
cannot bo neglected even for a day. Much di:
versity of opinion exists among rail road manager'
as to the extent which rail-road cotnpa
ilies should engage in the manufacture and re1
pair of niacliinery ; ia :ny opinion, large sums
I of money have been wasted in this way, and
: the ext. lit of such establishments ought to ho
decided by the facilities immediately at baud to
i have the woik done by private contract. All
; interior roads would be under the actual necessity
of doing such wotk for themselves, however
costly it might prove to be. The workshops
now being erected by the South-Carolina Railroad
Company in this place, are on an extensive
scale. Without pretending to enter into
4 *lw* rwtli/ir T |||\ n.\t liaci.
any ii& iu mv j'vuvj^ * \?v ??w ??voitate
to express the opinion that whet) this establishment
is fully equipped with men and ma-,
chinery; that in the absence of the most con|
stimulate skill iu managing, it will sink, in tlm
, wear and tear of machinery, waste of mateiial
i and injudicious application of mechanical labor,
j a larger sum per annum than would be nocesi
sarv to pay a good dividend on the investment
necessary to build a plank-road 100 miles long.
The mete working of the S. Carolina Kail-road
costs, in round numbers, over 81,400 per day
j for every wot king day iu the year. As 1 have
; before observed, rail-roads are exceedingly
complicated works, costly iu their construction
and outlit, and in their management, and we
think that the least reflection ought to convince
us that they are only tilted for locations where.
- 1 1 *1- <%f u it nvlattciUA
mey can ouiaiu me- |hiii?iuigi u. ....
mercantile or manufacturing ovulation.
How striking the contrast between rail ami'
plank-roads in every point u? view. The perj
nianent cost of a plank-road ceases with tho
i construction of the highway. W ith the same
! original expenditure it accoiuniodates a thou:
sand or a million tons of transportation, whiio
the rail-road requires large investincnts in ma;
chinery for any additional inilux of trade,
i whether pernianent or temporary. The plaukj
road i- capable of meeting all the wants of our
I country, ami superior to the rail-road in every
I particular but of indulging our fancy in rapidly
1 - ? <?> ? imiiif in another : it is so sim
; J?;i33?S ? ? I ------ 7
| pie and cheap in its construction and managemen*,
that there is scarcely a village or an ng.
: ^cultural section of our country thatcannot afford
to bnil.l and maintain one.
; After the construction is completed, the commonest
labor of our country can bo used in
keeping tlieni in repair. The whole expense
of conducting the ati'airs of a plank-road from
tki* city to the mountains, would be embraced
l in the salary of a treasurer or general supervi