New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-12-13
WhItncy's RnIIrond Scheme.

10 We I1cttofStJ me i'i0HHcf
In The Tribune of Nov. 20, was an editorial ar
tcle, with tie initials of Mr.. Dana, in defence of
Mr. " hitncys Railroad Plan which have Just
read, and which think calls for reply, partcu-
larly because previous article of the same pur-
port, from the same PEN rema MS unanswered in
the columns OF THE 2r{bune. Though am aware
that Mr. Greeley had before expressed adverse opn.
ions on the subject, this is, of course, unknown to
manyneW readers, whonoW consider The IriGNne'S
great influence committed to the scheme incon-
sstenty with its we'll known opinions in favor of
the peoples right to the soil,
Mr. d. is convinced that the opposition of aud
Reformers to Mr.. Whiney's scheme arises from
the want OF q correct understanding and from
1.-THE denunciati0ns of journalists who write from
prejudice rather than knowledge /, on the con.
trary, was amazed to writer OF whose judg-
ment had so high an opinion, attempt the defense
OF q scheme so much al variance with right prin-
ciples and reform policy. If / lack correct
understanding, and write from prejudice rather
than knowledge, it is not for want of several
earnest conversations on the subject with Mr.
Whitney himself, and Nh D. will agree with me
in the belief that ii Mr.. Whitney cannot make
convert to his scheme no one else can.
The great objection is not as Tie Tribune
article asserts, that "the scheme is a vast land
speculation and that Mr. Whitney aims by it to
make an immense fortune. The greatest obiec
tsn to it is this; That IL aims 10 take adrqni0os
and restitution, caused IN direct riolati0n Of their
natural rights 6y existing and m0neD9lies, 10
compel as mGRY q item as can be got IN the SigfV
bY three thopScNd allie tract to MAKE Railroad
for tic bentt, 1l0' only Of tie lehole Union. Int of
tie 7coUd Inc immense advantages of the road
to the Whole. peoPle, and particularly to the com
merclal world, no one insists on more Dertina
ciously than NJ. Whitney, The freight of the
road IS to be free 70 everybody. except from the
triin9 necessary tax to keep the road in repair
through a.! time Now, ask WHY should the
landlcs people Of this generation because of their
laudlessness, be compelled t. construct q road, nm
paralleled IN extern, and cXpensiveness for the use
ana pro"t' not only OF al the land and property
holders Of this mon and Of the world OF the pre-
sent generation, but ofall future generations
II VIII not do TO answer ME, that the landiess
people dc IN effect make all the railroads now.
aud Jump a. the chance, and frequently fsht for
H. Tor tne mere compensation OF hard fare, scanty
clothin9 a1d poor house provision for sickness
and Ella a5e anu ttat this opportunity Of crossing
the Rocky Mountains, on a railroad Of their own
making, Will increase the demand for their labor.
Notwithstanding the llany opportunities Of this
description tina! have been afforded tbarn Tor few
wears past 20 level nils and vallies cross r;vnrs
tunnel mountains, penetrate the bowels Of the
earth for ore, make It into rails, and stretch them
like network IN every direction pointed ont bv
their good friends, the capitalists, heard them,
at the recent elections, singing OF
Their wages reduced "a I'VE sbilngs day,
in contrast with the eight dollars a day Of
Congressman they were called upon to vote for;
ana really cannot see how the chance tomake a
railroad to the Pacific with lateral roads and cross
roads over the half dozen States proposed TO be
devoted to that object, as numerous as the rail
roads Of Massachusetts,, would have the least ten
dercy to raise their wages to dollar day, much
less 10 abolish the wages system entirely, which
is the contamination ardently wished Tor, and DE-