The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-02-17

sound reason why they should not possess unlimited
power over every law their representatives may err
act. But in attempting to retain this right in this
charter, the representatives have shown their lack Of
confidence in the justice Of future Legislature and
the people, by holding the Territory bound in dam
ages if they should he Inclined after twenty years, to
ask for its alteration, modification or repeal.
But allow me, in conclusion, to ask whether the
representatives Of the people have any security that
the company will accept the amendments proposed !
Where is your guaranty? What do they forfeit, If
they do not accept these amendments? What pledge
have you, and from whom, that they will accept
them!
In the ordinary business transactions of life,
capital do consent without some consideration
have their bond increased.
| In looking at these amendments impartalIy, l am
constrained, however, say that they enlarge their
privileges, franchises, and rights, instead of con-
tracing and limiting them.
LIST. The rer centage to be paid the Territory in
the same as in the old charter.
I'd. The taxation Of their lands is postponed until
the patent issues thereby throwing the the
purchasers and of hom the company, while the old
charter did not mention the subject and the eore
lett all real estate liable to taxation from the begin
ming.
Sd. Some Of the obligations held against the COM
pany the 10th section Of the charter are released
by its express repeal.
4th. The old charter is re-enacted, to cure all pre-.
Vi JUS failures and falcations OF the company.
5th The time is extended for tie completion Of
,he first fifty miles Of the road
9th. The time is extended for the completion o
the whole line of the road
7h. The time is extended for completing the teIe.
graph.
Sh The power to alter, amend, or repeal, is clog
ged with provision to bind the people forever t.
this corporation; or TO take upon the Territory a
public debt.
But it is not to he disguised, that the re-enacmen
Of the old charter is to their defalcatons.-
If they sincerely intend deal fairly by Minnesota
they cannot object to deposit sufficient guarantee ii
money o" good stocks, that they will accept proper
amendments, and bd the fifty miles of The road, OF
forfeit the amount thus deposited. The Ill. Cen. r
r. Co. did it readily, and there is no fair VIII,
the NJ & N. w. r. R. Co. should not do the same
cannot refrain from expressing my decided con
vction that these lands are gone from It's forever, mr.
less you take rome steps get this obnoxious char
ter out of the way, and appeal To the Justice of Con
6, ess not to hold Mime sofa responsible Tor the wrongs
of others. l must also he allowed TO express tn
opinion, that the en- mt Of the suit by the
United States against this company, in the manner
! and under the circumstances, Was suicIdcal To OH
best interests, as fear will he shown in the end
Notwithstanding it may have been commenced through
proper and pure motives. ! honestly fear, as have
from the beginning, that it will prove disastrous ,t
our hopes and prosperity.
I have honestly endeavored to point out the hes
course tn 10 Minnesota these lands and rail
road. And my views remain unchanged. ] have NJ
private interests to favour, Unjust p'ejudces Il
overcome, hut would cheerully change my course TO
morrow il could thereby advance the prosperity ane
welfare Of Minnesota.
One Of the great political parties Of this govern
ment has always looked with Jealousy upon the eli
croachments Of capital the ghts and privileges
the people. And in new country we will have Il
keep eternal vigilance, this powerful adversar,
to The peoples rights will lay hold of and bind the
infant of this young Territory, unit, it will move
the body at will. The money king of our countr.
has already more than just share Of influence among
all the affairs Of men, and reaching out HIS ponderou
arms, encirces every obstacle in his path, and k'
the great waters of the Mississippi, bears off upon it
tide every impeachment to its progress, Or sinks it t'
the bottom.
My duty is now done. Yours is left to your con
sciences, your judgments, and your constituents.
| w. A. GORMAN.