Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-02-07

both houses of the legislature, of continued
attachment to the present saytem of inter.
nal improvement, that the House of Rep.
resentatves entertained the least open Or
covert hostility to the southern railroad, at
the time they passed the resolution above
referred to. Such suppostion would be
at once unjust to them and an insult to the
people OF Michigan. When, therefore, their
resolution came before me, as member of
the Senate for concurrence, it came recon.
mended by the high sanction of the popular
branch of the Legislature. Itagpeored to me
to be also sustainedirprincip by strong rea.
sons ofjustce and propriety. Investigation
were to be had, land investigation should
never be refusedin republican government
for its object is the discovery oftruth, and
truth can never do wrong to any one) then
as shadow accompanies its substance, it
seemed to me that suspension of action upon
the subject 10 be investigated was reasona.
bly, attendant upon investigation. Other.
wise, if the result Of such an invest igaiion
should convince the Legislature that the
eastern portion fthc southern railroad had
been improperly located and must be alter
ed, the very amount Of work that had been
accomplished on it, during the progress of
investigation, might either prove an obsta.
Gle, or if disregarded would subject the
state to considerable loss. Ii seemed TO
me folly to pause and investigate, if !, were
proper TO proceed. Inquiry involved doubt,
while action in the face oft implied no doubt,
and they were contradictory in terms. Az
ter some reflection, could not, however,
perceive any propriety in suspension Of
proceedings. for longer period than was
absolutely necessary for the purpose Of in.
vestigation. therefore moved an amend.
lnent TO the joint resolution in the Senate,
limiting suspension TO thirty days. My
amendment prevailed and the resolution
as amended passed the Senate and is now a
law.
lhave also during the same period con.
tended earnestly for the propriety of thour.
ough and immediate investigation into the
location of the southern railroad and the
conduct Of the boari of commissioners as
connected herewith, as due to the petitions
of several thousands and to the interests
of the state. That has been at last accom-
plished, and is now progressing before a
joint committee of the legislature, Of which
| am member. In all my acts, have
beeh careful TO avoid the character of a
partizen, and have expressly disavowed, as
I now do to you, fellow citizens, the forma-
ton Of any judgement as to the propreiy
of altering the present location of the south
ern rail road, until after investigation has
been completed. | then hold myself free
to act as may best comport with the will oil
my constituents and the interests Of the
stale at large, according to the honest die.
tates of my best judgment. ! will neither
be pursuaded into the support Of wrong
norfrghtened iromthe maintenance Of right,
How, then can it be said. that have
been foremost in opposition TO the present
location of the southern railroad, unless "a
Investigate be to oppose? How. then, have
opposed the best interests of two.thirds Of
my constituents, when have listened to O
| demand from five thousandcitzens for an in
| quiry into what are the best interests o
my constituents! How am opposed to
the present system Of internal improvement
| and the southern railroad, when am desi
rous of calming an excitement uniGvorable
to them by an impartial investigation into
its causel How can endanger them OF
gcncrl confidence and support If ar
ragncd at all, it must be on a charge o
listening respectfully to the numerous pe,i
tons Of my constituents, and ofeavoring al
inquiry upon an important subject. Wher
| this shall become q crime in u represen
tative Of the people, his station will be dis
honored and useless.
Fellow citizens-In conclusion, | will
ask, ssfwSn, as a matter ofjustice TO myself
despite stiie representations of selfishnes
or prejudice, to believe me honest an
faithful to your interests, until my publ
acts proclaim me- o,herwise.-Rest assures
that still continue, as you have hilbert
known me, steadfast and ardent friend 4
the present system ofinternal improvement
and to the southern railroad, wherever
may by the wisdom ofthe people, or thei
agents, be finally located.
Your friend and Representative,
VINCENT l.. BRADFORD.
Detroit, FEBRUARY l. 1888.
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