Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-02-07
CONSTANTINE REPUBLICAN.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY z. 1888.
LETTER OF Mr.. BRADFORD.

LETTER OF MR.. BRADFORD.
In justice to Mr.. Bradford, We publish. at his
request, in another column, his letter addressed
to the electors of this county. We ocesd to
mike such comments upon its contents are
suggested by careful perusal, aided by facts
within our knowledge. In his first paragraph,
he says he is charged in the resolutions, passed at
public meeting in this county, "of being fore
most in opposition TO the present location of tho
southern rairoad--of opposing the best interests
of two-thirds of his consttusnts-and by insinu-
alton, of hostility to tn, present system of Inter-
nj Improvement, and the southern railroad."-
These charges ho expressly denies, and complains
Of them as "histy, misjudged, and unsustained."
Now, we undertake to prove that Mr.. Bradford
his Z" be n foremost in opposition to the present
loo alton ofthe southern railroad" notwithstand-
ing his express denial of the charge. That proof
is found in his own frequent assertions to that
effect. and in tho course by him pursued since
the election. Wepass over promises hs is said to
have made, and which we believe he did make,
previous to his election, to persons interested in
Lockport, Cassopolis and Niles, that he should,
in the legislature, use his efforts to procure the
location through those places. should the com.
missoners locate otherwise We are assured h.
mas confessed, that while his election was pend.
ing he expressed 10 persons interested in the two
former villages, his friendly feelings to those pa-
css az points to be made in the location of thu
southern road. We. however, pass over this part
Of the subject until we obtain more certain and
extensive information, and proceed to consider
his moro recent action. On his arrival in De.
troit he applied to the President Of the Senate to
DO appointed chairman Of the committee on Inter.
nal Improvement. Lieut., Gov. Mundy, howev.
or, disproved Of such mpudence, and refused, not
only his request, SO shameless in itself, and so
wanting in respect to the presiding officer, but al
so refused to appoint him on the committee at
all. Before seeing the reports Of tho Commits.
sioners and Engineers, and without knowing the
reasons for the present location of the southern
road, he declared it to be improperly located. and
that the location influenced by interested and
selfish motives, by at least part of the board
Before any petition on the subject had been pro-
sented, he expressed his opinion that the location
should be raised by the legislature, and other
points made by change of the route. To eftct
that object, he attempted to influence and enlist
other members. On the presentation, by Lin, of
petition from Cass county. praying for an al.
toration in the routs, and that no appropriation
might be made without such alteration was made,
he moved that the whole subject of investigation
into the conduct Of the commissioners, and Of the
propriety of present locations, should be referred
to select committee. Of which, by parliament
tary usages, he must haze been chairman. This
motion was itself an imputation upon the charac.
ter Of the committee on Internal Improvement,
on which, he had in vain, solicited to be appoint
ed. The debate which ensued on this motion of
Mr.. Bradford, did not result in any credit or hon.
or to him. Mr.. Wing, and others said in express
words, that gentleman who had expressed SO
much warmth and sensitivcness on particular
subject was an unfit person TO have the charge Of
it's investig ition. This motion of Mr.. Bradford
being lost, h.. though SO often disappointed, yet
still perseverng in his efforts to be = member OF
tho investigating committee, moved that two
members be added to the standing committee on
Internal Improvement, who were to DO charged
with the proposed Investigation. The motion
prevailed; and then Mr.. Bradford, after resort ia
means 20 which but few men would submit, be-
came member of that committee.
When the resolution which had passed the
house, suspending all operations for an unlimited
time. came up for consideration in the senate
Mr.. Bradford, in long and animated speech
urged its adoption, without suggesting any \
mendment. The amendment, limiting the sus
us believe, proposition volunteered and suggest
ed by himself, but was suggested and forced upor
him by remarks of Mr.. Summers and other sena
ators. opposed to all suspension. Though in poin
of fact, Mr.. Bradford did offer the amendment il
question, he did not originate it, and is entitled
no credit for its adoption.
Now, in the face of oil the f.c.s above stated
will Mr.. Bradford, or his friends in his behalf
deny the truth of the assertion contained in tn
resolutions adopted by the public meeting of tn
electors of this county. that he had been fore
most in opposition 70 the present location Of tn
southern railroad 2" True, no has denied tn
charge, but we suppose it was under the suppc
siton that the people of this county were not j
possession Of the facts in relation to the game b
was playing. If he was not in opposition to tn
prcsen location. what does he mean by his n
poated assertions, that it is improper and unjus
and should be removed by the Legislature Ifh
is in favor Of the present location, why has b
manifested 30 much zeal to DO appointed on tn
committee of investigation When tho resol,
ton, suspcndng operations, was undM discu
sion in the Senate. he abused the commissioner
and spoke Of them in such unmeasurod terms
censure, that lie was called to order by senate
: on his own side Of the question, and rebukcd e
letting his feelings obtain such ascendancy ov'
his judgment How can Mr.. Bradford justii
U himself in thus reproaehing the board for maxim
|, location to which he denies any opposition
That the opposition of Mr.. Bradford to tho pr
sent location Of the southern railroad was contr'
~ To the best interests Of two-thirs Of his COT
stitucnts," and would tend to "destroy our Il
! ternal Improvement system on the southern raj
road, was the opinion expressed by the publ
!, meeting of the correctness of this opinion W
have net the least doubt. To this part Of q
subject we shall again recur. az we have not tin
y or space further to pursue il at this timo. Nc
withstanding tho denial Of Mr.. Bradford. '
. think we have proved, TO the satisfaction ofeve'
!. unprejudicod mind, his opposition to tho pr