NP, GP 2/13B/1862

From the Greensboro (N. C.) Patriot
 
February 13, 1862
 
The Piedmont Railroad
   We had the pleasure, on Thursday of last week, of witnessing the final passage of a charter for a Railroad to connect the North Carolina Road with the Richmond & Danville Road; in other words, the passage of the long sought Greensboro' and Danville Road. We have not carefully read the Charter: but learn that it passed substantially as drawn up by the Hon. John A. Gilmer; and although, we believe the Charter does not state, in so many words, that it is to start from Greensboro' and go to Danville, yet friends and foes in the discussion assumed those to be the points of the Road. The impression at Raleigh appeared to be, that the Road would be built at an early day.
   It was particularly gratifying to us to see the unanimity of the Western Members of the Convention on this important measure. Every delegate West of Raleigh who was in his seat when the yeas and nays were taken, with the exception of Gov. Graham and Capt. Berry of Orange, and Mr. Merritt of Chatham, if we mistake not, voted for the Charter. And it was also very gratifying to us to see so many of the most prominent and talented delegates from the East laying aside old prejudices, and uniting with those Western delegates in resisting the factious opposition exhibited by some Eastern friends to defeat the Road. The members from Guilford, Rockingham, Alamance, Randolph, Davidson, Forsyth, Stokes, and other contiguous counties, all united cordially in the passage of the ordinance. Mr. Gilmer who drew the Charter, was untiring in his efforts for its passage. Judge Ruffin will be gratefully remembered by posterity for the valuable services he rendered in getting this ordinance through the Convention, unencumbered by obnoxious amendments. The Hon. Geo. E. Badger and Wm. W. Holden, Esq., of Wake, did themselves much credit in overleaping the prejudices existing in the City of Raleigh, and taking an enlarged view of the measure, giving it the benefit of their influence and votes.
   We will not indulge in harsh language against those who in the honesty of their hearts opposed this charter and used fair and honorable means for its defeat; but the factious opposition exhibited by a few as shown by the numerous obnoxious amendments offered, and parliamentary tactics resorted to, to embarrass and delay its passage, after they saw and admitted that there was a clear majority in its favor and that it would finally pass, cannot fail to receive the condemnation of a high-minded and magnanimous people.
   We look upon this enterprise as a great National work, and we feel confidante that a few years experience will dissipate the fears entertained by some, of its having an injurious effect on the prosperity of other works of internal improvements and commercial interests of the State. We feel confident that the wisdom of this measure will, in less than five years from its completion, be universally admitted by all sections of our State and Confederacy.

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