Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-02-17

~ Some friends have expressed their regrets to
us, at the opposition we have made to the Covington
and Ohio Bill on account OF tho mode and principle
by which il is proposed to be constructed. But We
have not conversed with one who did not admit that
We paitisans Of particular Improvement bullock.
ing to the general interests Of the whole State had
no alternative. No one desires Railroad connexion
with the Ohio, more than we do. But to pass this
bill, it will be necessary to take along with il some
ten twelve millions for other works-some Of which
not worth silver. The exact amount of our
State Indebtedness at this time has never been pre-
cisey ascertained. Authorities dier-some say about
IL mlions-others 81 millions Strike the differ
ence and put it at IL and half millions-which
would make us the most indebted State in the Union,
except Pennsylvania and Ohio-whose resources are
more than double ours This bill then at dash
will increase our public debt to % l.2 millions be-
sides putting under obligations for indefinite nils
lions for the completion Of the work.
But then arises the farther dlficulty-ater appro-
prating all this money, have we guarantees, that
should satisfy prudent man. that the work will ever
be completed? The whole is TO be entrusted to three
men, elected for six years and virtually responsible
TO nobody. Those three men ale to have absolute
control of all the millions of Stale stock appropriated
not only to this but to all the improvements in the
State. They may bank with it-they may loan it TO
others-or they may sell it at whatever price they
may deem proper. There is no check or control to
their discretion. The credit of the Commonwealth
the we-being of every man in the State is at their
mercy. We say nothing against the members Of the
present Board but oud entrust such powers to
three men--bc they Whigsor Democrats, rich poor.
Especially rs all experience, both in England and in
this country proves that all public Works conducted
by such agencies if they do not turn out entire fail
ures, invariably cost double as much as they
should do.
And then there is the farther objection The pc
cular friends OF this work insist upon gauge which,
while it will make the improvement feeder to Bati-
more, is expressly and nsutngly designed TO injurc
one half OF the State. II is to be State work. built
by Statc funds the South side is to be taxed as
heavily the North side for its construction but ut
the same time the South side is to he carefully de-
barred from reaping any benefit from it. This is
Identical with the odous doctrine which the North
Free Sellers urging with respect Nebraska.
The South Side shall bear its portion of the burdens;
but reap none ofthe profits We will Motive can
| not subscribe to any such injustice.
The friends OF the measure must make n
fresh start and change the whole principle and
the ways and means of carrying their bill, without
swamping the Treasury by unheard of log-rolling
schemes. They must change the agency, and give
guarantees against waste and corruption; and they
must consen; TO gauge which, without inticting in
jury any, will promote the interests of every
section.