| From the Memphis Appeal |
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| February 5, 1862 |
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| Military Roads |
| We learn from the Richmond Whig
that there are three propositions before Congress for Confederate aid
in the completion of railroads. 1. The extension of the {Richmond
&} Danville road {the Piedmont RR},
as recommended by President Davis. 2. A road through Texas {the
New Orleans & Texas RR}. 3. The completion of the Memphis
& Little Rock railroad. This last is first on the docket and as
the Whig remarks, presents very high claims. The road is nearly
finished and only requires a loan of $500,000, in Confederate bonds,
to ensure its completion by early summer. Aid to all these roads is
asked on the ground of their importance to the military operations of
the government. It is undeniable that they introduce a dangerous
precedent, but the salvation of the country is the supreme law. We
suspect that not only these, but several other roads, will be found
essential to our defense against the Yankees. If this be the fact, it
they be really necessary to our safety, we agree with our Richmond
contemporary that there should be neither hesitation nor delay in
their construction. The administration and Congress are the best
judges of this necessity. On their shoulders rests the responsibility
of saving the country; and they should not hesitate to employ any and
all means that will contribute to that end. |
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