Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-06-13
Loco Focoism VS.. Public Enterprise.

LOCV IOCVISM NSs uUlLC DhtCl pAloCs
The Woodstock Mercury and Rutland Herald,
in discussing the merits of the different Railroad
routes proposed 10 be extended through Vermont,
suggest objection to the "Central' route, the
prevalence of Loco Focoism along the line through
Orange and Washington Counties whereupon the
Montpelier organ of the Democracy comes out in
its wrath against the aforesaid newspapers, and ut
tiers forth its waling and lamentation. Now we
have always felt tender regard for those in troub-
lie, especially when the sorrowing ones have not
been the victims OF their own folly and villany, and
when they show a disposition 10 do what little they
can towards their own relief But in this instance,
we do not see how we can afford the poor fellow
the least particle Of our sympathy. For, in the
first place, the objection is good one. Locofoco-
ism triumphant is abominabe. In its militant state,
i, is bad enough in all conscience but triumphant,
in full power in uninterrupted sway, il is absolute
ly sickening. We cannot well conceive of any.
thing more detrimental TO modern enterprise, to the
mental and physical development Of State-of
anything more ruinous to the morals, general we'll
being and prosperity Of a community, than Loco
foeOism triumphant aud rampant. Why just look
at it, even in Washington and Orange Counties
Although surrounded as these Counties are by the
more genial influence of Wing communities, and
some what under the control of the healthful prin-
ciples that happily govern the State, yet
visit these places without observing the black lines,
which the whitening hand OF Loco Focosm has
Gently traced as ii swept along, and the dapidated
monuments of the reign of better principles.
But let US cast our eyes towards the West, TO
other and wider field, where these baleful prnci.
Piles have had long, uninterrupted sway, where
nothing like Whigism permitted TO enter
and disturb the onward, or rather doicnacard sweep
OF the new-fangled, patent democracy. We refer
to the State of Missouri Ever since this Stale
has been admitted into the Union she has been en-
tirely under the control Of Loco Foco politicians Of
the true and genuine stamp. Her Governors, a
majority Of her Legislatures, in both branches and
all her ministerial officers, have uniformly been
strict parlsans, laborng constantly and faithfully
in the party traces. She came into the Union free
from debt, and from that time until the present mo-
ment, she has not engaged in single work of in
ternal improvement, or any measure of expense
for the development Of her resources, or improve
the REORGANIZATION of her people As 10 all
these, the State is not whit better off now than
she was twenty five years ago, except where indi.
vdual enterprise may have accomplished some.
thing During all this period of twenty five years,
since Missouri has been State there has not been
demand upon the Treasury for any other purpose
than for the ordinary administration of the govern.
ment, the pay Of officers, and ordinary expenses
Unlike other States, she has contracted no debts for
the welfare of her citizens generally but all her
expenses have been the pay Of Loco FOeo officers,
the expenses which Loco Foco officers have created
but nevertheless, the people of Missouri have been
highly taxed, and nearly as heavily as the people OF
any other State. And what is the result Of all this
large State debt, upon which she is bound to
pay about seventy FIVE thousand dollars interest an
nually.
This, il must be confessed is one of the darkest
pictures of Loco Foco sway-darkest, because that
sway has there been more absolute and uninter-
ruPted than in any other portion of the Union
This Loco Foco hostility to internal improvement
commenced with General Jacksons famous Mays.
vile veto, and at first, it confined to the action
of the General Government, but soon broke out in
opposition to State enterprise The Loco Focos of
this State behave pretty well, while under the con-
troll of public opinion strongly Wing, and we are
pleased to witness very audabe instances of public
spirit and enterprise in prominent individuals of
the party. Even in New Hampshire the public
sentiment, which pervndes New England, has bro
ken down the barriers which the mad spirit Of par.
~ had there reared against Yankee enterprise and
we now hail with joy, the slow and somewhat re.
luctant return of good sense on the one subject of
Railroads.
nat 10 ensure permanent prosperity, n healthful
state OF public feeling must pervade community on
all branches of industry. What chance of success
would railroad enterprise have, where free.trade
would oppose home protection, reputation drive
public faith and credit out of the land, and where
narrow, niggardly Loco Foco Legislation would dis.
courage and cripple that vital energy so peculiar to
the New England character, which is absolutely
necessary to carry out successfully any great plan
Of public improvement