The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-12-05
RAIL ROADS.


RAIL ROADS.
Ma CHAswIcK;-The editorial remarks in ii,
North Star in relation to r all Dads are worthy Of
passing remark, if indeed as they admit, the pub.
have interest in their existence. The Star arrive,
at the conclusion that " The advantages uhicb hr
present are so numerous and great as 10 counter
balance the most forcible objections''
No doubt in this the Star is correct II is correl
so far as concerns the people Of Vermont, in vicwc
the fact that Rail Roads already in operation con.
meeting other and far distant portions of the country
with maritime markets, whereby the products
those paris are conveyed to market at less cost hn
will cover the freight of our own produce.
The effect is 10 render much of the industry .,
Vermont unproductiie without corresponding racG
ties of transportation. Hence The question comep
be regarded, not with reference to the Interests d
corporotors and capitalists, who may invest The
stock, but with special regard to tho people. If
the construction OF Rail Roads. the expense of trans
poltation can he reduced, so ns to spond with
that OF the agricultural districts OF New York and
Their States which are intersectcd with Rail Roads and
Canals then no doubt the interest Of the state will h
promoted by their constructions and Of course ,b,
Legislature has consulted the interests of the State n
granting charters on terms, which render it proba
the stock will be taken and the Roads constructed.
But while The Star admits the paramount adyor,,
ges Of Rail Roads, it opposes the system Of
granting exclusive charters, The only system or pa,
upon which it is practicable to secure their ccn,tr
ton. SIT is," say the editors, ''the sv.tpM q
granting exclusive, unrestricted charters 10 which We
nre oPposcd-ch'rters, like those granted ct tho late
session oCShe Vermont Legislature 1t is an entirely
wrapg system 1t is partial system inasmuch MS i
conicrs privileges few individuals. styling then.
selves "a company which no citizen Of the S,am
Enjoys Nor does the Star consider the system
thvs deh"eh, To be ''the greatest objection under hk
head" But It complains that the chartcrs''are pa,
cd entirely beyond Legislative control" that is, The
Legislature has not reserved the right for future legs
| lntors to 'ner, amend or repeal'' the charters
"This kind of Legislation" says the Star, "cannd
be defended on true republican principles" SC.
There is no doubt much propriety as respects til,
chnrerng of Banks, Insurance companies and certah
other corporations, in holding Tho charters subecb
the control Of future Legislatures. And there are no
valid objections to such reservation since in the case
ola Bank for instance, should the Legislature at a
can at pleasure so into Liquidation, and dFst
their capital to other uses without loss.
Not so as respects Rail Roads, The capital re-
CURED in their construction cannot be diverted TO an
other use. 1t is expended. The work is f1trr
wholly worthless except for the purpose of Raj
\ Road-'a Rail Road in the place where it is constr;
ted. vi what avail is it then that we arc told thI
the Legislature will not interfere with the rights
the corporators Very probably it may be SO, ys
what prudent man will venture TO make the inve'.
ment so long as the Legislature retains the poug T.
render his investment worthless
Again, what privilege, so far as respects pema
nency oFrIgh, Is granted to Rail Road corporations
which is not guaranteed to every proprietor Of free
hold
II might be regarded as very liberal should my
neighbor authorize me to construct dwelling house
upon portion of his land. But should not be very
likely to avail myself of his offer so long as he should
refuse to convey the lot in perpetuiiy He might ID
deed assure me that neither he nor his heirs would
ever disturb me in the peaceable occupancy Of u'l
premises, and circumstances might exist TO render
opinion probable. Yet so long as he reserved
himself and his heirs, the right to disturb me-
should IL in my right mind refuse to occupy the
for erecting thereon any costly structure.
The Star regards it 'sspecies of specapf"
ing" TO say that the stock will not be taken il
charter is placed under the control of future Leg.
lures, and asks, elbow it is known that the stocSN
not betaken" With equal force would ASK A'
1t Is known that judcious men would not pu''a'
and enter upon the occupancy Of farms, eSPe'.
money in buildings and Improvements withOu"''
curing legal title II
The fact is, there is not remote probability
livestock would be taken, or a rail road ever
structed in tho State of Vermont or elsewhere sNt
the corporators were guaranteed in the peaceao'
cupancy of their work. And no well Informed
who desires TO see these facilities extended "
state, will at the present time venture ''"
opinion.