Page:Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Georgia 1849.djvu/24

Rh increased business of the Road, when the hardened and in-dustrious citizens of the mountain regions of Tennessee, are aroused by the inducement ot a home market at remunerating prices? Will not their efforts be invigorated, and shall we npt see the swelling tide of commerce rolling down from that region in such quantities, as will bring to our Treasury, solid and tangible evidence of the wisdom of completing the Road to the Tennessee river? In this picture, imperfect as it is, of our present and future prosperity, let us not be unmindful that much yet remains to be done to perfect and equalize, as far as practicable, the advantages and benefits of a judicious system of Internal Improvements that will meet the wants of every section. To travel on the smooth path of prosperity, it is of vast importance that we keep steadily in view the sacred principles of good faith to all men, and in all things; therefore, let me, in the most respectful manner, recommend that no temptation, however strong, induce you to permit the net proceeds of the Railroad to be applied to any other object, until the last farthing of the existing liens be fully discharged. When that is done, we have an ample field for the exercise of a powerful element in the advancement of the social and intellectual condition of our youth. By prudent economy and wise forecast, the receipts from this Road, after discharging the just charges against it, will furnish a fund by which a system of common schools can be extended throughout the State. It will be a proud day for Georgia, when by her public improvements, the conviction is brought home to all, that every section of the State has been stimulated to its great- est productive capacity, whether of Agriculture, Manufactures, or Commerce; and prouder and more glorious still will that day be, when, by the wisdom of her measures, she can boast of not having an uneducated son or daughter within her limits. These are the prominent objects to which your deliberations should be directed; they are worthy the consideration of the statesman, and, if accomplished, will command the admiration of posterity. By an act of the Legislature, approved 22d December, 1843, the Governor was authorized, under certain restrictions, to dispose of the W and A.R. Road. Without questioning the expediency of the enactment at the time of its passage, it may be safely assumed, that the true interests of the State, as well as the subsequent liens created by law upon the Road, preclude, from the minds of all, the propriety of a sale upon amy terms, and especially such as are contained in the act. It is therefore recommended that the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, sections of said act be repealed.

A difference of opinion with many intelligent men as to the true location of the State Road, very naturally subjected