The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-12-12
FOR THE SENT EL.

Mr.. GWEN am aware that in conse-
ouence of the course pursued by the
Johnsrown Echo, and the character of
those who control its columns, decent
respect for ones self, for public opinion,
and for the dignity Of the Press, would
demand that its scurriities should be
treated only with silent contempt. But
as the motives that actuate the scribblars
for the paper NAV he unknown 10 many
into whose hands ii may fall. some infor-
nation on this subject may not be improp-
er at the present time.
Ii would seem that the criterion of the
great Jefferson in regard 10 the qualfica-
tions of a public officer, namely: "is he
capable, is he honest, will he devote his
energies for the public good" has become
entirely obsolete with those who rail
against the present Superintendent of the
Portage Rail Road. Even the notorious
mouthpiece of the opposition to Mr.
Campbell has become altogether disguised
with these verbose inquiries, and has re-
duced the whole thing TO the following
few very comprehensive syllables: "WIl
estimation of the person alluded, makes
the sum total of the efficiency or ineffi =
cheney of Superintendent on the Allie
gheny Portage Rail Road. And the same
torn, varied only as TO the objects in
view, will answer for all the rest, thus:
"Will he make me a boss;'' "Will he
give me an engiue;'' "W i'll he palronize
my store or my sawmill;" and more re-
Gently: "Will he procure me nomination
for Congress" has become a pretty sure
standard OF efficiency for an officer Oh the
aforesaid Road. Now he is of course a
very meritorious Superintendent who will
answer these questions in The affirmative;
but 1t is great moral, political and official
delinquency III one who has the horest
Independence TO do otherwise.
There are many of these censors who
have had alternately their '.ins" and their
outs since the first building of the road,
and during the whole time their behavior
has been characterized by the most mean
and base subserviency, or the most viru-
lent and deadly hostility, according as
they have been fed al, or driven away
from the public crib.
Again, there are Others who have man
aged through all administrations, Whig and
DemocratIc, 10 impose on every oiicer
that came on the road, and maintain their
| places. They are admirably versed i'll
| all the my slerIes of public plumber, and
have acquired by It's means wealth enough
10 make their influence IN some measure
| formidable. On this account Superlntend
ants have heretofore been afraid 10 turn
them off for fear OF their opposition. Blu
This influence has no terrors for Mr.
Campbell in the discharge of public
duly. Had he been stranger they nigh
have imposed OH him for ume, and ther
operated on his fears; but he knew the
men and knew his duty to the public, ant
he dared 10 act and have their maliguan
hatred.
Again, it appears from the accounts 0
the road lor the last two or three years
thai numerous frauds have been perpeira
ted, some III the item OF horse power L
the amount of from three 10 five hundred
dollars, and others in lumber perhaps
greater amounts, and II was and Is iearet
lnat Mr.. Campbell will expose the author
OF these frauds 10 public reprobation; anI
this creates another necessity 10 try /,
have him removed, or al least To dlscredi
his Information III such a way that il viii
not be believed. But it is gratifying t,
find that public opinion as we'll as The au
lhoritIes of the State will sustain Mr.
Campbell in his righteous efforts TO driv
lhls band OF plunuerers from the publi
wor.ls, tor they curse TO the Com
monweallil as well as disgrace 10 tn
political patty TO which they profess L
belong. |, woGld be suicidal as well a
uneraleful not to sustain SO laudable
work.
A review of the means employed D.
these men TO blind the public 10 their owl
crimes will perhaps be the subject OF an
other communication.
WASHINGTON.