Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-03-13
From the State Journal.l
Mississippi and Atlantic Railroads

Some misconcepton has prevailed relative to the pres
ent situation aud prospects OF the Mississippi and 1T
LIatic Railroad the OF which takes the originally
projected line OF the Cumberland Road, from Terre
Haate to IInOisown opposite ST. Louis, thus compile
ting the last and most direct link IN the great system of
railway communication, nearly accomplished be-
the Atlantic cities, and the emporium Of the
West
My duty to the stockholders engaged this enterprise
may justify concise of the facts necessary
a correct apprehension OF the case
In conformity with act passed by the General As
semby of Illinois, under the title of ''An provide
for general system OF Railroad Corporation" articles
Of association entered into for the purpose of
structing owning anu maintaining railroad, /" as set
forth In said articles copy Of which is filed according
TO law, in the office OF Secretary of State.
Having fully complied with the acquisitions OF the law
the constitutes the association corporate body for
the term Of fifty years from the 18th day of October
1880 which Is the date OF entering said copy file.
The 22d section of the general railroad law which is
somewhat proX and ambiguous, processes
the Legislature the right, certain cases to fix the
and termni Of roads which shall not be construc
ted without its express sanctions by law to be passed
thereafter.
Although well assured not only by our own Judgment
but by the opinion Of eminent and distinguished iuriss
that this reserved power could be exercised our
prejudice; it deemed advisable BY majority of the
Board Of Directors, that in order prevent possible
mIsconceptOn the sub which might in some de-
gree prejudice the sale of stock we should request of
tie Legislature their express sanction" to route
and termini.
In our application to that body we remark. That
"having complied with all the acquisitions of the law
which invites the citizen to bestow his time and his
upon those works OF permanent utility which are
calculated to promote the general welfare having with
much labor and expense, completed accurate and
scientific survey Of the route, great portion of
which the right OF way has been secured request
that express sanction the part of the Legislature of
the State which the of the Indicate and which
is desirable give character and efficiency TO our enter
prise by relieving from all msconcepiion relative to
the legitimate construction of the general law under
which va are incorporated.
This application rejected in tie several forms in
which II presented and had it been the power of
the Legislature to destroy corporate existence and
deprive us Of property and Of rights the result
might have been disastrous to both.
Fortunately, however, for the safety of the peopIe
they possessed no such power.
IL gives mach satisfaction TO assure the friends of
tins great and useful enterprise, that its prospect of en-
tire success and early Accomplishment in the highest
degree hatering, and that effort shall. he wanting on
the part oil the Directors to the Just of
the stockholders, and Of the public at large
WILLIAM S. WAIT,
Greenvie, III. Feb. o. 1851. President.