Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-01-14

ioI tne best interest OF the pubic, the roads shall
be retained by the State, would require something
more than this. The Central road should be extend
ed to the waters of Lake Michigan, and the Southern
with the Tecumseh branch, should be put in condi-
ton to command the greatest possible income from
the investment in its construction. We have been
accustomed to look to these roads as the means of
transporting the rich productions OF the wheat grow
ing country In the INTERIOR to the waters upon which
they are to be foated to distant market. Expert
ence has proven however, that the transporton has
been at charges little if any less than the costs of
carriage by teams. On the central road about two
thirds of the total receipts, until last year der
we'd from freight and the remainder from passengers.
On the southern road, the proportonate amount for
freight is much greater. 1t is evident that freghting
forms an important part ofthe business of the roads,
and 1T is OF great moment to the public that it should
be done at low rates. But roads with the light super
structure and iron of ours, it is now clearly demon
strated both here and elsewhere where the expert
ment has been fairly tried, cannot do profitable
freight business, without charging for transportation
rates rulnOus to the producer. The weight of the
freight trains breaks the iron and Injuries the
superstructure of the road-the machinery often re-
qulres extensive REPAIRS and is soon rendered use
let's and the weight drawn by the locomotive is small
compared with that drawn by the the same power O.
yer roads o. creator solididty.
Much complaint has existed of the high charges for
freight these roads, yet even at these rates, it
is very doubtful whether any thing has been receiv
ed from this branch of their business above the ex-
penses of transportation. and the actual injury to the
roads and their stock and fixtures. If we can Judge
anything by the universal experience this subject
it would that true policy requires the Central
road to be speedily rebuilt with more substantial su-
perstructure, and with the FL rail. In no other
MANNER it is believed anhe road be made to do the
business which seeks this means of transportation,
with profit to the Treasury aud at rates which shall
enable N m tn rd his nrO
duce to market A comparison of the freight char.
ged our roads with these charged for the dis
lance on many of the eastern roads, will exhibit
the peculiar advantages of the above mode of con-
structiOn over own.
If the road should be repaired by using the heavy
rail, and completed in this to Dexter the req
uste expenditure on this alone, could not be less
than 100000 dollars. For this purpose the present
profits of the road even if the whole of them could be
directed to this object would be totally nadequate.-
The limited quantity of land now remaining and ap-
pro2rlated to internal improvement purposes, would
be equally unavailable.
Taxation to raise means for this purpose could not be
and new loan would be alike objectona
bic and impractcable.
While thus speak of the condition of the roads,
and the expenditure necessary put them into
dtlon to yield the utmost profit to the treasury, do
not lightly estimate the value of the public works.
The geographical position of the railroad crossing
the peninsula of Michigan is such as most necessa-
rily control an immense travel, and an almost unmi-
ted freight business. When the contemplated route
soon to be commenced, across Canada West, is COM
peted, the Central Railroad will form link in that
chain of INSTRUMENTATION between the East and
West, which must eventually become one of the
most profitable roads in the Union. Indeed it's pres
ent proceeds under all its advantages, clearly evince
its capabilities.
No direct proposition for the purchase of these
works either of them. has hepn made. hnf If is
that there those who ready to ne
gociate for the purchase, if it be made terms
favorable The granting of an act of in
cooperation to the purchasers to be ndispensa
Bile. The reluctance of many of citizens to see
these important works fall into the hands of corpo
rate bodies, has occasioned opposition to the
proposed sale, and it must be admitted that this OBJ
lection is not without weight. If the Legislature
should entertain the proposition faroraby, it will of
be in their power to annex to the corporation
such guards and restrictions In their opinion shall
best secure the public interests. maximum rate
of toll may be established in the charter, the company
may he required to finish the roads in the best pos
sble manner, and in such time as the Legislature
designate, and to keep them in the best possible
repair and in constant operation.
The right of re-purchase after certain period and
on certain conditions, may it deemed advisable be
tanned by the State, and simple method case of for.
fixture of the chartered privileges may be adopted for
annuilng the charter and revesng the property in I'll
State. But while every requisite guard should be put
around such chartered rights should be remembered
that the facilities granted in such charter will be regar
of the utmost importance by those proposing pur-
case and the character of the provisions moy very
sbly dete rhine the quest ion whether sale can
be effected. The discretion is there fore neces-
sary in framing the provisions of the charter
protect as fully possible the public veal on the
hand, and not to defeat the possibility of a sale the
by unusual restrictions aud mpracti cable requirements
on the other.
The pas sing of an act of incorporation by the Legis-
laure, containing provisns tor the purchase of these
works of Internal Improvement by company CON-
panies to be organized under l., would require
be committed certain officers, or a board APP
pointed for that specific purpose. The same board
might perhaps with proprety be authorised, if no pur
chase should be made under the terms proposed by Leg
Isative enactment to receive propositions tor such pur
chase, and 10 lay them be tore the Legislature for
Its consideration.
In viewing the whole matter the disposition Of
public works, of action entirely free from
all obi econ and difficulty is presented, The impor
lance of the works clearly indicate, that when compile
ted i'll tee proper manner and with the requisite stock
and fixtures, they will be of great profit But
the means to pothem in this condition not within
the offhe State. On the contrary the debt
contracted for their construction is pressing upon
the interest is required to be paid.
If no reefis be obtained from this source toward
the liquidation of debt, direct taxation appears to
10 be the only means left in the power of the State
to meet the demand. AS of avoiding these
diff culties, recommend your careful consideration,
the project OF a SALE Coming fresh from the people,
amoeg whom the matter has been the subject of fire.
quent discussion, you will bring the task ntma tie