The Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1852-1853, 1853-12-21
Sale Of Publie works.

"N''NN M NNN .@t-1''-5 -
article on this subject, which fully meets
our views:
\ The Patriot says: 1--WE have observed
that a pOrtOr Of the press Of Pennsylvania
are earnestly advocating the sale of the
Public Works Of that State. five remem-
Der correctly, the asst General Assembly of
Ohio had before them bill pertaining to
the sale of the Public Works of this State.
For some reason, however, the measure re-
ceiyed no definite action; and, comparative
ly speaking. but little attention. "Al!hough
this subject has been agitated but little by
the public press, yet the people are awake
to its importance, and many are urging the
proprety of such step. '."r- r'. ..
"Tke Public Works of Ohio have cost the
people an enormous sum, and may be con-
sidered, at least part Of them, as enduring
monuments of "hasIy and nconsideratelegis.
lation." Whilst portion yield the State
revenue over and above the annual cost for
repairs, &c., the balance fail to even do
this-and we know we are correct when
we state, that these Works have never met,
or come near meeting, the interest on the
cost of construction. The cost Of construc-
Ting the Public WORKS, which consist of the
Ohio Canal, Miami and Erie Canal, Mus
kingum improvements, Walhonding Canal,
Hooking Canal, &cc., is from fifteen to
twenty millions of dollars. OIL.
ltis not expected that these Works will
sell at this time.for anything like their actu-
al cost. Nor are they, now when our State
is covered all over with roilr, a Is, with which
it is impossible for canals to compete, worth
what they we're few years ago; nor will
they, few years hence, be worth what
they are at the present period. The neces-
sity, therefore, for immediate action must
be obvious to all who give the subject Sc
rious thought .# ."
''These Works have ever been a grevous
burden to the taxpayers Of Ohio. The
enormous public debt, which has long hung
like an incubus upon the industry and ener-
gies OF the people of the State was mainly
caused by these improvements. The Tax
payers are groaning yearly under heavy
taxes, in part required to meetthe indebted
ness, caused by the construction, and neces-
sary to keep aItoe, these, to some extent,
'scum covered ditches." Such being the
case, It's not at all surprising that the peo-
pie should begin to cast about to see if some
means cannot he devised and adopted for
removing the monster evil. from which
they have SO long and so patiently suffered,
That the disposal of the Public Works. at
any price, would afford immediate relief,
must be apparent to every rejecting mind
In the hands of private companies these
Works might be made a source Of profit, at
least it is so said by those fully competent
H judging-whilst now. as we have before
said, and as the people--the Tax. payers
know by sal experience, they are bur-
thens grevous to be borne. We say SELL
---sell tof a fair price fit can be obtained
if not, se% to the "highest bidder" . .#
1--WE should be glad to see this matter
receive that attention in every quarter,
which Its great Importance demands. We
hope that Governor MEDILL, whose extern
sive experience with the puohc affairs OF the
State, renders him thoroughly familiar with
the subject in all it's bearings, will bring
to the attention. of the General Assembly in
his first annual message, And, we earnest
ly hope that the next Legislature, composed
as it is of number of wise, able and Judi
cious men, will give the subject an earnest,
serious and favorable consideration con-
sideration commen surate with its impor
tance.
"When we are able % place our hand
upon The Annual Report of the Auditor of
State. and gather some statistics whi,h we
have not now at our command, we shall
reeur to the subject again.