In speaking of the negro race since slavery times I would say that I never knew or saw one who was a lunatic while a slave. But in a fourth of a century the people of North Carolina have built a large asylum in Goldsboro for the use of the negro exclusively, and scarcely one-half of the poor unfortunate ones are provided for. This also may be placed to the credit of those loud-mouthed Abolitionists who were fond and eager to meddle with the civilization of other commonwealths. In time of slavery the negroes were a strong, healthy and robust people. When they were well-fed, well-housed, and well-clothed, and worked in moderation, they were capable of doing more work on the farm than any other nationality. We had fine mechanics among the slaves, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, brick masons, shoemakers and negroes skilled in all the trades pursued by white people. And at that time no hard feeling was engendered between the races on account of color, but all worked in harmony.
Fifty years ago we had a civilization that had never been excelled. It is true that a half century ago the millionaires in America might have been counted on less than the fingers of one hand; now they are estimated at many thousand. But then 50 years ago it was a rarity to see a case of poverty, save from sickness or some misfortune. How is it now? From 50 to 100 in the county home, and double as many more are fed by the city in the cold months of winter.
RAILROAD BUILDING
Sixty years ago there was not a railroad in North Carolina; they had only been heard of by the more advanced people of our State. The great majority of our people were in total ignorance of internal improvements. The first railroad meeting ever held in Mecklenburg County was in 1848 in the oak grove at that time on East Avenue, where W.R. Myers lived for many years. A big barbecue dinner was served to a large crowd. Jas. W. Osborne and Joseph H. Wilson addressed the people. This was a Whig measure, the Democrats opposed any State aid; and the Charlotte and Columbia Road was built. The celebration on the completion of the road to Charlotte was held in the old Female Academy lot, where Mr. Jas. H. Carson now resides. A large crowd was in attendance. A big barbecue was served, and everybody was in a good humor. The slaves were given holiday. The local exponents of the Whig Party were jubilant at their success. Internal improvements had gotten a start, and nothing now stood in the way of progress along the line. The most pronounced Democrats, who were not as well posted as they should have been, predicted the utter failure of the country being benefited by the railroads. In fact they said there was not enough produce raised in the country to make a train load in the fall and another in the spring. After a few months the most obstinate could see the road was a success, but they would not admit it in words, after being so opposed to the enterprise.
The North Carolina Railroad was now under way. The Hon. John M. Morehead was the great leader in getting the charter, getting the State to appropriate largely to it. A bill was introduced to build the road from Goldsboro to Charlotte, the State to take $2 million, and the individual stockholders to subscribe $1 million. The bill was debated with much ability, and when the vote was taken it was a tie. Calvin Graves, a Democrat, was Speaker of the House, and gave the decisive vote in favor of the road. Notwithstanding Mr. Graves had been immensely popular, that one vote put him under a cloud from which his party never allowed him to rise. But the North Carolina Railroad is a monument to his memory that will last for ages after party organizations have been forgotten. This great work was completed in 1856, from Goldsboro to Charlotte, 223 miles. Gov. John M. Morehead was a great factor in developing the resources of the State. He was not afraid to meet those who were opposed to internal improvements in the State, but rather courted the opportunity before an audience. The people at large in a few years saw what a narrow policy they were pursuing, soon changed their tactics, but positively refused to vote the Whig ticket.
FASHIONS 60 YEARS AGO
More than half a century ago fashions did not change abruptly, as of a late date, but would last a long time. Steam was only then coming into use, travel was slow, and news passed slowly; illustrated papers such as we now have were unheard of; consequently fashions were slow to change. Ladies at that time wore a bonnet. Leghorn, that flared back and out, till they resembled a trombone, or sometimes were likened to the "roof of a smoke-house." They projected a foot above the face, and were a half yard long. The ladies wore bustles so large that an umbrella could be laid on them when walking. Corsets were worn tight, and the dress made with a sharp point in front, held in place by a whale-bone. The hair was plaited or combed down over the ears. Large ear-rings were very fashionable.
Everybody at this time wrote horseback; buggies were not made at this time, and a handsome carriage cost from $600 to $800.
Gentlemen had quit knee breeches before this; but all who cared for style wore a broad-cloth coat, satin vest, and doeskin cassimere pants, made b a tailor; ready-made clothing was then unheard of. Instead of a cravat, the high stock was worn by everyone. Boots were worn by nearly every one. It used to be a "fad" to sport a large silk pocket handkerchief; lines was seldom used except on wedding occasions. The gentlemen were punctilious about wearing strips to their pants, buttoned on under their boots. But very few gentlemen, if any, wore whiskers; every one prided himself on keeping a pair of good razors. Ruffled shirt fronts were worn only by the very fashionable. When a shirt front was "done up nice" and fresh it was beautiful indeed. Gen. I. Bankhead McGruder, it is said, never went into battle without a front of this kind on, and had gold lace stitched to every frill. Whether he wore a front like this when he fought the battle of Malvern Hill, we cannot say, but the roar of musketry was not broken for five hours.
--J.B. Alexander, M.D.
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