NP, YE 3/21/1861

From the Yorkville (S. C.) Enquirer
 
March 21, 1861
 
The Dallas Connection
   We have said that it is to the interest of the Charlotte & Columbia {Charlotte & South Carolina RR} as well as South Carolina railroad, to take stock in the proposed road to Dallas; we propose now to show how this is the case. It is well known that our last Legislature granted a charter for the Central Railroad which is to pass through Sumter and Camden and terminate at Lancaster. This road connects with the South Carolina road at Gourdin's Turn Out; and from present indications will assuredly be extended from Lancaster to Charlotte. This, when effected, will give Charlotte a connection with Charleston independently of the Charlotte and Columbia, and for the most part independently of the South Carolina railroad. These two roads will then have an important rival in the Central; for the distance between Charlotte and Charleston by either route, is about the same. The Charlotte and Lincolnton road, now in the process of building, and the Western Extension which is destined to reach Rutherford, will tap Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln, Rutherford and other counties, and carry their trade to Charlotte, where the chances will be good for it to take the Central road, even when its destination is Charleston.
   Now, if a railroad is built to Dallas, thence to Lincoln, and ultimately to Newton and Morganton, a large portion of the trade of these counties, both to and from Charleston, will pass by Columbia and this place. The Charlotte and Columbia road, will, therefore, enjoy the benefits of their trade 65 miles -- that is, from Columbia to Chester -- and the South Carolina road, all its length from Columbia to Charleston. This trade would seek this channel, for the simple reason that Yorkville is on a beeline between Charleston and Morganton, and the roads in question make but a very small elbow with each other at Columbia.
   Another thing for these roads to take into consideration is the keep rivalship which is destined to exist between Charleston and Wilmington, as the markets and emporiums of trade for Western North Carolina. From Charlotte, produce is about as likely to go to the one as the other, prices being equal. But for counties westward of Charlotte, Charleston is the natural market; and all that is wanted to make it their real and permanent market, is the proper railroad connection. This desirable end will be forwarded by the road to Dallas; and it is, therefore, a matter of standing interest that this road should be built, not only to the railroads referred to, but likewise, and even in a greater degree, to the city of Charleston itself.
   These remarks are predicated on the assumption that North Carolina will ultimately take her place in this Confederacy. If she remains where she is, Wilmington must needs become her great medium of seaward importations and exportations. It is, however, perfectly safe, we deem, to proceed upon the assumption which we have made. The failure of "convention" in the late election, is ominous of her future action. Gov. Ellis, it is rumored, has already issued his proclamation, convening the Legislature in extra session; and the purpose of its meeting will be to calla Convention. The people of the State are now prepared to act -- they will be more so when the time comes to vote again; and they will choose delegates who will promptly enact secession.
   We sincerely hope, however, that our people will come forward at once, and subscribe for stock sufficient to build this road to the line. We are of the opinion that it will prove a handsomely paying investment; and we prefer that the profits should be distributed at home, rather than accrue to other railroad companies. From every source we learn that the people of Gaston are alive to this enterprise. Let York show in behalf of her best interests, an equally enlightened zeal. The time has come when people must have their railroads, or get clearly behind the age.

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