Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-09-14
AnNREss
To the Citizens Of Sandusky County.

| The question of railroad through this
county, is now under discussion. We have all
looked forward to the building of such road,
as a means of adding much to the wealth and
prosperity ofthe county. Some perhaps have
thought that the road would be built though
we DO nothing for it, but it is now settled
question, that in such case, it will not be con-
structed or conducted in such a manner as TO
| benefit u.s. If then we would secure. the ad-
vantages of the proposed road, sOe must act !;
struction of the road, in order to have the
means of controlling it so far as to secure our
own interests.
How shall the stock which ought to be held in
this county, be raised? We have but few men
of wealth, and no capitalists who have money
which they wish invest The ecounty is new
our farmers, mechanics and tradesmen have no
more means than they wish to employ in their
own business p
The few who could make individual sub
scriptions are willing TO do all they can; but
they are not able to take the necessary amount.
There remains then only thisresource, Coun-
ty Subscription. A law has been passed by
the Legislature, giving to the county the right
of subscribing, if majority shall so vote, to
the Capital Stock of the Toledo, Norwalk and
Cleveland Rail Road Company.
The question, shall the county subscribe to
the capital stock of the above company, is to
be presented and voted upon the second Tues
day of October next.
tt an important question, and should be
well weighed by every citizen. Let us care
fully consider it.
There is, in the minds of many, strong
prejudice against county debts; and indeed,
with rare exceptions, there are good reasons,
why county should assume no other respon-
sibilities than such as arise from necessary ex-
penses Yet this rule, like almost every 9TH
er, has exceptions. Does the case before us
present one of them? Is lit best for this coun-
ty to subscribe to the stock of the above COM
pany?
Some, who have not had the means of in
forming themselves, may perhaps suppose that
the whole amount subscribed is 10 be raised
by tax This is an entire mistake The coun.
ty, in case the vote to subscribe is carried, will
issue its bonds, by the handso its commission
ers, for the amount determined upon, to be due
twenty years hence, with interest at six per
cent These bonds will be sold, and with the
money thus obtained the county viii take stock
in the road,
Not dollar therefore of the county sub
scription will be raised by tax At the expi
ration of year from the time of issuing the
bonds, the county must, however, raise by tal
the amount necessary to pay the interest
And here is the great objection in the minds
of many to. a county subscription; we shall b'
taxed say they, to pay the interest," and fo
we know not how long; and we are already
taxed to death. 1t is true, we are heavily tax
ed, and that would seem to be very gooc
, reason why we should find some means, if pos
sible, to tighten our taxes. Let us see if WI
! cannot do this by subscribing to the Railroad
\ We shall have to raise the interest on ou
subscription by tax for two years; not longer
By that time the road will be in operation, ant
the dividends on our stock will thereafter pa,
the interest and something more as we shal
presently see But in the meantime, suppose
the two years interest is dead loss, sun
which we pay out without any equivalent. l
it so? During the two years. that the rail
: road is in the process of building, there wi
be expended in this county, at least one hun
dred and fifty thousand dollars. This vas
sum of money will go first into the handso
those who do the work on the road, and thos
= who furnish the lumber. From first hands
will pass to the merchant the shopkeeper, tn
mechanic and the FARMER. Every man in thi
county will derive an advantage from the dis
.ibution of this large sum.of money, more tha
sufficient to pay his part of the tax for the in
terest So that even while the road is build
ing, and before any dividends are made, tn
amount we. pay for interest will be returne
into our own pockets
11O" Will IL US Gl4SL d1LCA AuC AOdN4 10 hLAASn
> ed? Why then we shall no longer be com
PEELED to raise any part of the interest by tai
: The dividends upon the stock will pay the in
terest, and furnish considerable sum towar
our county expenses, and thus,<diminish ou
: taxes.
But, some one will inquire, is this resul
>. certain? Win the dividends be as large as
here represented? This is a vital question:
Let us look at facts. If the proposed roa
were merely branch to some greater rOac
its success might be uncertain; but it will b
part of that great chain of roads, extendin
from Boston and New York, to the Mississippi
and eventually TO the Pacific.
= Over this road the vast and accumulatin
business of the West will roll to the seaboarc
1t will intersect, and draw tribute from, a