Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-05-14
STAR,
CHEsAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL.


GEORGETOWN, May Is, 1856.
A more favorable time has never occurred
in the history of the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal, for securing wholesome and judicious
regulations than is now approaching, by put
ting at the head of its affairs practical bust
ness man-One whose presence at the post Of
President would inspire universal confidence
among those most deeply interested in its sue
cess, and doubtless cause an increased amount
of trade sufficient to enable it, not only to
support itself, but pay something in the way
of interest upon the millions of money which
lave been expended in its construction and
repair; and if the holders Of the preferred
bonds will only turn their attention entirely
to this matter, and use their influence in Sc
curing such person at the head Of affairs as
We have before mentioned, and bring about
general and thorough reorganization Of sys-
tenn which their own experience proves con-
clusively to be defective and inefficient, they
will accomplish more to advance their own in
terests than they possibly can by all the
efforts which they may put forth to secure the
sale Of the work The sale of the canal, we
admit, would secure to the holders of the pre-
ferTed bonds the interest upon the amounts
which they may have advanced for its bene-
6t; but it does not seem to US that its sale and
consequent transfer into the hands of private
parties would afford any reliable guarantee
that the evils SO long complained of would be
| remedied So far, then, rs the citizens of
Washington and Georgetown are concerned,
our settled conviction is that they would be
acting suicidal TO sanction or encourage such
sale. If the only object of the holders Of
the preferred bonds be to secure the interest
upon them, or the amounts called for upon
| their face, there does not appear to US to be
any reason Why they should give themselves
any very great amount of trouble or uneasi-
ness about the matter We think that an ex-
| animation into the history of these bonds, and
the law authorizing their issue, will satisfy
them that there are other parties than the
Canal Company, responsible ones, too, bound
for the payment Of the interest upon them, if
not the principal.
We admit that some trouble and expense
might have TO be incurred in reaching these
parties, but still We believe it would be de-
cldedly more wise and polite course to pur-
sue, SO far as the public good is concerned,
than the sale of the canal Who these re-
sponslble parties are we shall not stop to in
quire, but leave those more Immediately in
terested to ascertain for themselves. Our only
object is to draw public attention to the inefi-
clent, and, in some instances, almost reckless
manner in which its affairs have been man.
aged, and ii possible secure reform. And here
we would remark, that we wish to be under
this subject, we have not intended to reflect
upon the character (ofhcial) or censure the
course of any of the sub or assistant superin-
tendents. The evils complained Of does not
originate with them. They have their origin
in other, higher, and more responsible qusr-
ters; and if they are ever cured the axe must be
laid at the root Of the tree, we must COM
mence at the beginning 1T is az old aud
eating canker upon the public interest, and if
ever probed it must first be probed to the bot
tom. The powers delegated TO the superin
tendents are of too limited character to en-
able them to accomplish anything in the way
of reforming evils the worst OF them lie be
yond and above their control, and any at
tempt at an abatement Of them upon their
part would result in their immediate dis
missal from Office.
In conclusion, we would remark, that what
is most wanted, we might say the only thing
wanted, at this time is persevering. practical
and experienced business man at the head of
its affairs; one who would give his whole time
and attention to it alone, and TO longer leave
this great public improvement to work by
chance The election of such a man as Ma
thews, the present collector of the George.
town office, as president, would restore con-
fdence among the friends of the canal, and
give them grounds to hope that this great
work would yet accomplish all that has been
expected OF it. SPECTATOR.