The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-09-27

looking norlhward for markets for the pro
duclon of their mines. In view OF these
considerations. resolution was introduced
In the Senate, in 1854, calling upon the Ca
nal Board for their judgment of the act of
1850 as revenue measure, and subsequent
ly bill was passed repeating that act and
placing the North Branch upon an equality
with the other Canals of the State. This re.
duced tolls one half upon rates then existirg,
and was, in my opinion, salulary and jus,
exercise of the legislative powcr.
Complaints have long been made of the
management of that work. There has besn
great delay in bringing il into use Parts OF
it have been badly constructed. ils cost has
gone greatly beyond the estimates upon
which appropriations were based II is not
strange, therefore, that representatives OF
other sections became restive aud reluctant
TO vote further sums TO the enterprise, and
that business interests in This quarter uttered
complaints in view OF repeated disappoins-
ments and suspected management. " For
remedy whereof. legislation was had at tho
late Session OF an unusual character. The
line was put in charge of a Superintendent
and Engineer, believed TO be competent and
faithful, for term of five years, al an ade-
quae salary; with control over subordinates,
and with power to adopt and prosecute (upon
approval of the Canal Commissioners ALI
necessary measures for bringing The Canal
into successful operation.
Peculiar difficulties have appeared on the
line, arising from the material through which
it is, in parts, constructed; the long suspeu.
sion of work upon it, and other causes; but
IL is believed these difficulties will be speed.
lily mastered and further vexation avoided.
AT all events the Legislature has done wha.
il could toward such result, and in fact, gone
out OF its usual course 10 meet the necessities
of the case.
The arrangement made was opposed, and
was the result of a contest. Il was a novel
proposition. II confided large powers, and
gave long term of Office TO an individual.
not chosen by, or directly responsible to the
people. Ii narrowed The duties of the Canal
Commissioners, aud was viewed by some as
an .imputation upon them: And il established
diversity of management among the public
Improvements But it stands on sufficient,
ground, when, in addition to the mschiefs of
shifting management and the inconvenience
of Pas,isan Obligations in appointments, we
consider the peculiar situation and condition
of the work. For, there is required the most
careful, skilful and energetic superlntendencs
for several years, before The line is brought
INTO complete use, and into condition 10
be compared with old and established lines.
where experience has laid the foundation of
routine and practice. And besides, no oth-
er public improvement is so remote from
the State authorities and so difficult Of fre-
quent visitation. The idea of censure upon
the Canal Commissioners was carefully dis
avowed, and certainly no, intended; nor
will fair examination of the &C: give riss
to reflections TO their prejudice. Al effec.
tive control is retained to the COMMISSIONERS.
and the Superintendent, named in the act.
is the same person previously selected BY
them for the place.
The success of the plan, adopted by the
Legislature, will mainly depend upon MF.
Maffi himself AS 10 that, his qualifications
were endorsed BY The hishes, authority, and
his appointment solicited by those having the
deepest interest in the improvement; and if
an error has been committed, neither The lie.
eislaturs. nor those representing this section,
are in fault What was done was upon strong
evidence from those qualified 10 judge in the
case, and in compliance with apparent public
opinion. .-
1--WE omit SO much of the speech as re.
lates to the new county question, and also
the subject of amending the Constitution.l
CONTINUED ON SECOND PAGE.)