New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-05-15
Memorial of the Pontohartrain Railroad

MEssRs. EDIToRs--I had hoped to had seen a
measure, which protested to be of great public
Importance, discussed with reference to its
merits, and that it would not have dwindled
down to the basis of personal insinuations and
reflections Weak, indeed, must be that cause
which leaves the field of fair argument, and en-
deaVors to shield itself behind Liberal insinu
atlons as to the motives of others. | was fully
aware that, in pointing out the enormities of the
Pontchartrain scheme, every means would be
resorted to by its movers to weaken the force Of
the objections [ urged They had too great a
personal interest to promote in the accomplish
ment of this scheme to hesitate at the means or
manner OF their warfare, and, presuming that
others could be actuated by no higher motives
than those drawn from bank parlors, they have
quilted the discussion of the scheme to indulge
in personal insinuation | was not altogether
unprepared for such a course when, over the
signature of Citizen called public attention
to this outrageous scheme. Identified with New
Orleans in all my hopes--loFing it as my adopted
home and the birthplace of my children--I
could not remain quiet and inactive and see a
great wrong inflicted on her--a wrong which in
its consequences, would tarnish her fair name
and prostrate her dearest interests | therefore
frankly--but, | trust, courteously--calIedp public
attention to the scheming, speculative character
of this memorial, and how fraught it was with
evil to the city. With the movers was not dis
posed to meddle; if they could pass their con-
sciences before the searching vision of lust
God, 1t was their, and not my duty
To them review of the past may be as
pregnant of regrets as to most men. and | was
disposed to hope that the errors of the past had
purified the motive of the future; but the eager
ness with which the motives of others are as
sailed raises grave suspicious of the purity of
their own. And, if the street-rumors are to be
nr hos bpnu do aI i,,p
conferences that this outrageous scheme shall
be forced on this city at ''any cost of money"
and at all hazards. Reckless assertions are
made and adhered to, with the hope that their
reiteration will force conviction 1t has been
repeated again and again that this Company
has 100000 acres of public land. Now it is a
well-k known fact that they have not foot Of
public land. Congress has not made donation,
and the present appearances lead to the belief
that they will not, Yet the assertion is boldly
made that those 100000 acres of land should be
regarded as part compensation to the city for
its subscriptions, Now, challenge the friends
of this scheme to point to an act of Congress,
which, even by implication, could be interpreted
into such a donation
We're disposed to indulge in insinuations, |
might say that this reckleSsness of assertion,
and trimming oftheir scheme, could spring alone
from an urgent necessity. @EBonds are conyerti-
BILE means, and 81 100000 might be both con
venient and necessary. But with these things,
have desired not to medde The adherent
errors of the scheme. have deemed amply suf-
foient to deprive it of all claim to public favor.
As to the necessity or merits of road to Mobile,
there is but listle difference of opinion, and a
scheme. saRgepized as the othertwo roads, would
meet with general favor. Lam sure that no one
in the city is more in favor of road to Mobile |
than am: but am not disposed to place the
dearest interest of the city in jeopardy, and its
fair name in the hands of Spectators and stock |
jobhers. 1t has been said that this scheme, as |
now presented to the Finance Committee, has
been essentially modified, have, therefore, re.