Wilmington Journal

The River and Bars.

Our citizens received, with feelings of the highest gratification, the news of the prompt passage through the Senate of an independent bill, making further appropriation for the improvement of the Cape Fear River, as also for reimbursing our citizens the sixty thousand dollars advanced for the carrying on of the work in the mean time—the whole amount appropriated being $200,000. The vote upon the bill was nearly if not quite unanimous, showing the appreciation of the work, both in regard to its national utility and absolute necessity, entertained by that exalted body. It is sincerely to be hoped and trusted, that a work which commended itself so strongly to the Senate, will meet with equally prompt action in the House. We cannot foresee any reasonable grounds of opposition which can be taken against it, and we co-incide fully in the views expressed by Mr. Dodge, that such works should come in, each standing on its own merits. We now waive, as we did on a former occasion, all our own individual feelings which might have arisen out of some occurrences last year, and, as citizens of Wilmington and conductors of a public press, join in the general expression of obligation to Mr. Badger for his active and efficient exertions in favor of this much needed work—a work also which appeals to the general government with the force of a moral obligation, since the obstructions complained of have been, to a considerable extent, at least, created by works erected for the protection of United States property.

In our opinion, we run no risk in pledging the united support and exertions of our delegation in the House to this appropriation. At the last session of the Legislature of North Carolina, resolutions were passed pressing this work in strong and emphatic language upon the favorable attention. Mr. Ashe, we know, has it deeply at heart, as we believe all the other North Carolina members have, at least all with whom we have had the pleasure of any acquaintance.

The constitutional reasons which would operate to prevent the Democratic members from voting for any general bill containing measures of more than doubtful constitutionality will not apply to this. We remember having a conversation with Hon. J. R. J. Daniel on this subject nearly two years ago, and this was his view. Mr. Daniel, it will be remembered, was, while in Congress, one of the strictest of strict constructionists, and we are inclined to believe that what came within the just and proper jurisdiction of Congress, as understood by him, might be safely taken on credit. This work acquires still greater importance from the effort now being made by our citizens for the establishment of a Steam Communication with Havana, and the near approach of the time when this will become a point of shipment for coal.

In the Senate of the United States, on the 13th inst., Mr. Badger, in pursuance of notice, introduced a bill, making further appropriations for the improvement of Cape Fear River, North Carolina. Mr. B. said he would not ask to have the bill read a second time with a view to reference, but that it should lie on the table and be printed, together with some documents which would show that it was indispensable that the work should be done without delay, or there would be danger that the navigation would be entirely closed. The moment the bill and documents were printed, he should move to take it up and have it passed at once.

In the Senate on Tuesday the following proceedings were had:

CAPE FEAR RIVER.

On motion by Mr. BADGER, the Senate proceeded to the consideration, as in committee of the whole, of the bill (S. 202) making further appropriation for the improvement of Cape Fear river, North Carolina; which was read. It appropriates the sum of one hundred and forty thousand dollars for the year ending June 30, 1855, to be expended under the superintendence of the Secretary of War, for the continuation of the improvement of the Cape Fear river, North Carolina, at or near its communication with the ocean; and the further sum of sixty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to refund to the citizens of Wilmington, North Carolina, the amounts contributed by them to said improvement, and expended thereon by the agent of the United States in charge of the work.

No amendment being made, the bill was reported to the Senate.

Mr. DODGE, of Iowa. I wish to inquire of the honorable senator from North Carolina whether the bill has been reported from the Committee on Commerce, and whether the appropriation is in accordance with the estimate of the department.

Mr. BADGER. I will state to my friend that the bill has not been reported. It was not referred to the Committee on Commerce, as the subject is perfectly understood by the Senate, and my friend at the head of that committee thought there was no necessity at all for referring the bill to the committee.

Mr. DODGE, of Iowa. I wish, Mr. President, to express my entire approbation of the course which has been pursued by the honorable senator from North Carolina in reference to this matter: and it is one which I intend to pursue in regard to a matter of great interest to the section of country from whence I come. I think it is proper and right in cases of this kind to allow a bill to stand upon its own merits, without being connected with any other. I shall vote for this bill with great pleasure.

The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading; and by unanimous consent, it was read a third time and passed.

This bill is now before the House of Representatives, and will, we feel certain, be pushed with energy, and, we hope, success. It would be a great thing for this place. By a concentrated effort it may be got through, for we can see no reason operating against it, either of constitutional scruple or want of practical value.