The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-08-14
OPINION IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Vice
Presidents

The discussions of the late Convention
embraced variety ofinformation of inter-
est in the contemplated undertaking. A
highly respectable delegation was presen
from New Hampshire, whose rep esen-
tations in regard to the state Of opin-
ion in that state were frankly given
and were substantially encouraging
and satisfactory to the friends of the pro-
ject. These statements were offered to
meet the anxiety of their Vermont friends,
and the substance of them is presented
in the notes below.
Mr.. Cook, a member of the Senate
and of the dominant party in the Legisla-
ture, said-That the interest ofhis neigh
bors in the contemplated project might be
seer in the number of the delegation
present, four of whom were members of the
legislature. A good number of their con-
stituents were here, and all could testify
to the feeling of the people, which was
decidedly in favor of the road. He felt
assured that no difficulty would be expe-
rienced in respect to the provisions of the
charter. All necessary powers would be
given, in ssuch terms as would answer
the purposes required. Under the pres
ent provisions a plan was being pursued,
which he believed to be more economical,
and, in other respects, equally tothe inter-
est of all parties with any which was else,
where adopted. 1t was to obtain from
proprietors a written conveyance of the
land needed, the price to be submitted,
where question should arise, to referees
mutually chosen, or to the County Road
Commissioners. So far this plan had been
found practicable, and such a course
would be pursued, he was assured, from
his knowledge of the feeling of the peo-
pie, and of the legislature, as would en-
sure the object. The views of policy of
his community looked first to the protec-
ton of individuals. He believed this was
Just. But, he would assure the meeting,
that while these views we're entertained,
such powers would be granted as would
be sufficient to meet their wishes.
MIR. HALE said that the difficulty on this
subject which had existed in New Hamp-
shire, he believed to be diminished. He
thinks opinion has changed considerably and
that a majority Of the people and Of the leg
~islature would he disposed to give the neces-
sary powers. He was glad to hear the pref
erence expressed by all for the New Hamp-
shire route.
Mr.. PARKER said-New Hampshire had
heretofore freely granted rail road charters,
and had passed even a general law giving to
railroad companies a right of way. An
eastern company, however, passing through
a part of the state, and being embarrassed in
its finances and pressed by competition, bad
outraged the feeling Of that portion of the
state by entering upon land without paying
for it or making provision for its compensa-
ton. This justly excited great Indignation,
and occasioned circumstances and petitions to
the legislature. The difficulty was settled,
but the charter for the Concord route, which
had expired, having been revived by the leg
~islature, it was proposed to repeal the act re-
viving it.
In relation TO the road proposed by us,
petitions for it, were presented to the legisla-
ture with others, and it was proposed to re-
fer all to an Extra Session. A charter was
pressed through, however, for this route. which
passed without granting the right of way,
yet with ssurances that If the charter were
insufficient, a better should be given.
The Wts,on Route. Nr. WrLrzK had