The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-15

of 1851 was enacted, and while 1t was under
discussion, those wiseacres pretended to be in
favor Of that method. provided the constitution
could be SO amended as to permit it. There
was no voice against the canals only against
the law, as being unconstitutional. They, upon
the first opportunity, adopt law, 80 far as their
power extended, directly taxing the people to
raise the necessary funds; and when forced
from this position by public opinion, they pro-
pose such an amendment to the constitution
as they we'll know the people will never sane
ton, and for which they would not vote them
selves Finding their bantling unceremoniously
kicked out of the Senate, these huckstering pO-
liticians consent to a joint committee,
week Of January last, which the Speaker
then rejected; and after conference Of
few hours, back out of all their OPP
position, cave in, repudiate everything of their
own, and take position equally upon the Van
derbilt platform for amending the constitution,
SO as to borrow two and quarter millions year
if needed, finish the entire work in the short
space of four years without dollar oftaxation,
and all by means of the surplus revenue, two
thirds Of which will accumulate from tolls paid
upon the transportation of freight coming from,
and going to, other States.
l. is perfectly evident that Loomis and the
administration were opposed to any amendment
by which the great work would be finished in
the course of four or five years. The whole
power Of the government was brought against
the measure. During the recess, the paper in
Orleans county showed the mark of Lieutenant
Governor Church in it's columns, in opposition
to opening the constitution. A day or two be-
fore the special session commenced, the ear
mark of Comptroller Wright was detected
and exposed in one Of the Estate papers"
at Albany, containing columns Of abuse
heaped upon Senator Vanderbilt. for his
efforts in attempting to finish the canals
in constitutional manner and his ex-
cellency himself brought the weight Of his off
cial influence to bear, in a message which h.
thrust upon the Legislature, stating that if the
matter had assumed that shape, he implored
his friends to support the West plan for amend
ment. He also yielded his opinion as to tolling
the railroad and taxing the people.
From the trucking manner which the admi-
nistration and large party in the House Of As
sembly have treated this subject ever since the
first Of January last, they have exhibited con-
elusive evidence that they had not the least
wish or desire to obey the mandate Of the peo-
pie. They wished to keep the canal question
,,po fha roJifioo1 bod da1
in obtaining power by riding that hobby. The
State officers circulated handbills all along the
lines Of the canals during the canvas, when
they were in nomination for Office. that they
would faithfully execute the law Of 1851. But
no sooner were they installed in Office, than
pledges. The present Governor, too. ira
versed the tow path Of the canals and preach
ed into the ears Of boatmen and forward
ers the imperious necessity of a speedy
amendment Of the constitution, SO as to give
them canal Of seven feet in depth and seventy
feet in width. The people placed confidence in
those assertions and elected him governors a
canal governor. His course. since his election
in associating with LOOMS and the anti-canal
faction, bellies all his promises made in Oc-
tober.
Now that the constitution is to be amended.
Notwithstanding the mighty opposition which
the measure has encountered, shall not the
canals be completed within the time specified,
and with the money contemplated? Shall any
impediments be thrown in the way of faith
ful execution Of that great object? Shall the
control of enlarging the Erie and the compile
ton of the lateral canals. be in the hands of
friends or enemies of the work? The people
will say. now that provision is made and q
plan agreed upon the canals shall be finished
accordingly. The strife has continued too
long demagogues have ridden into power too
frequently. Let those have control of the work
who have manifested friendship for it. In Sc
lecting candidates for State officers and men,
bers of the Legislature both parties must have
an eye to this question. or they will be unmer-
cifully swamped.