Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-01-06
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

).
TIE question OF internal improvements is
one of absorbing interest to the people Of
the State. The public mind in every quar-
Ter seems to be awakened on The subject.
and doubtless the members of the general
assembly coming up to the extra session
fresh from their constituents, and fully in
structed as TO their wishes, have acted in
accordance with the publicly expressed
sentiments Of the people in enacting the
laws Just passed upon the subject.
In the passage of these laws the legisla-
ture has affirmed the policy adopted two
years since, as to the manner of giving the
aid of the State TO works of internal i'm
provement. The question therefore, latter
", was one Of sound policy and fraught with
consequences of the very greatest moment
to the State, in the extent to which this aid
should be given. The financial condition
of the Sta is on a most favorable footing,
and it would be a matter of regret that any
policy should be adopted by which lis cred
it will in any manner be impaired.
The security of the State consists in the
completion of the roads, and any measure
taken which will secure the proper appli-
cation Of the means for this purpose, will be
but the fulfiment Of an imperative duty. II
is not only the duty TO guard with the great
est vigilance, the expenditure of the money
raised upon the credit of the State, but we
should also be informed as 10 the eXpendi-
turc of that portion advanced by the stock
holders, for this also constitutes Q pnrtian OF
the indemnity 70 which the State mustlools
The company therefore to which the credit
Of the State has or may be advanced, should
be required TO make quarterly returns to
the Governor or some officer OF the State.
showing, in detail, the subjects and objects
TO which the money derived from the cred
it of the State, as well as that advanced BY
the stockholders, have been applied; and al
so the number Of miles completed and how
much it cost, thereby comparing the actual
with The estimated cost per mile.
AS the legislature has determined 10 ad-
vance the credit of the State to no inconsid-
cradle amount, and seem TO have adopted q
plan or system by which works of internal
improvement 10 be carried on, am sat.
isfied Of the propriety of constituting some.
thing like board of public works, to take
charge Of, and watch over the Interests Of
the State.
The aid Of the State is extended upon the
ground that the company, operating under
a charter, are unable TO make the road with.
out this assistance, and all the means thu,
furnished should be required TO be applied
to the actual construction of the road under
contracts for that purpose, and TO the pro
curing of such other appurtenances and ap
no to ln rOpI To ar.pll 20 tIn
pany to put it in complete running order
In other words, that | may be fully under
stood, these means should not be applied t.
other purpose, than to such objects, as The
lien of the State will extend under the mort
gage, and which will, should it ever be ne
cessary 10 enforce the lien, give some in
demnty TO the State.
i With there necessary precautions, it j,
not probable, if company should even fai
TO pay the interest on bonds as it falls dut
that the State would be involved 10 any grea
amount, certainly not if the work alread,
done sells, under the mortage, for fifty pc
cent. Of what it cost.
II reference to the disposition of the lane
granted to aid in the construction of roaC
from ST. Louis to some point on our western
! boundary. to be designated by the egisla
ture, good faith and common understand
ing required that it should be placed unde
the management and disposal of the Pacif
) Railroad Company; and while it was RICH
for the State 10 throw around the act, dispo
sing of the land, all the guards necessary +
secure its proper application, nevertheless
some consideration was due 10 the opinion O
the company as TO the location of the road.
In view Of the agitation of the publ
! mind in reference 10 national railroad t