The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-02-10
NO. 53s.
Railroad CommIssIone 3.

We learn from private and personal infor-
mstien, that our Capitol is just now the neu'
clcus Of many schemes and spcculations; and
among them we rind that strong effort is
being made by an interested coterie, to influ-
cnce the Legislature in appointing Commis-
sioners to take charge of the lands appropsia-
ted by Congress, for railroad purposes in this
State. A moments reflection upon this
scheme Of controlling this vast amount OF
land--about 100000 acres--as well as tho
benefits arising from such position, rs tho
arbiters Of that grant, cannot fail TO excite
well-groundod fears in the public mind. The
history of all past Commissions in our own
State ms well as that Of other States, shows
the evil effects Of the system-that the pub
lie good has been Of little consideration to the
Commissioners, and that those who have been
placed in such positions, have never failed to
reap an abundant harvest for themselves, at
tho expense Of the public good, and OF tho
public veal. "a
This power, granted to these Individuals
would give fv I'll, them almost unlimited sway over
tho disposition of those lands, and tho dcsti-
ny of tho State. Not only would they bo
able to dictate terms to companies, formed
and organized to accept the condition OF tho
grant, but il would enable them to build up
an autocracv as despotic and oppressive ns
any other under the sun--for what is cacu-
lated TO depress public spirit and enterprise, ,
is tho worst enemy of commercial progress
Tho future would be full Of the government
of such power, and civil and political mat
ters in great measure would tako form and
color from this independent power. Attcr
the immediate occasion upon which 1t was
brought into being, there is no reason TO sup
pose that it will hide its diminished head and
retire. From tho immense patronage in Its
possession, il will be able to secure place and
influence, and for years the people will DO
made to feel the strength and activity OF
great political regency, founded upon capital
and monopoly.
There arc many other bad features in this
wholesale proposition to control the improve
ments Of our State. There are millions OF
capital in Michigan, that would willingly in
vest in tho proposed roads, and undertake to
carry them with all promptncss and energy,
but the tendency Of such a Commission
would be, rather TO favor tho introduction of
foreign capital, or to give large present mo-
nopolies a strong voice in the matter.
We therefore, as public journalist. and
an advocate oi the best interests OF tho State
protests against the contamination Of this cor
rupt and monoplizing scheme to obtain pow
er-this robbery Of the generous grant OF
Congress, for opening and making accessible
the most valuable portions Of cur Statc-this
converting into nero project Of personal
| profit and advancement, tho means OF en-
riching and bcneftting our State beyond any
other appropriation that could have been
granted it If properly made use OF: We do.
nounce the effort now making by the army OF
spectators at Lansing, to influence the Leg
isature to aid in accomplishing their dosigns
as iuiquitous in purpose, dangerous in preco-
dent and entirely vt variance with the de-
sign Of the appropriation, and opposed to ev
cry policy Of legislation and the State ad-
vaucemont, and an attempt TO swindle the
State. and put into the hands Of irrcspons-
bic spectators, the profits and bencfits arising
from the appropriation.
It is for the Legislature itself TO have tho
disposition and control of tho appropriation
such is the design of the bill by which the
grants arc bestowed. That body 10 always
responsible to the people for their acts, and
sro legitimatcly tho representatives of tho
popular will. The farther, therefore, such
power as we have specified is removed from
the control and direction Of the popular will,
the moro dangerous and usurping, the less
responsible and careful it becomes; and be-
yond tho roach of the Commonwealth. it is
hoartless and uncomprosing monopoly
The Legislature is the body which should and
must have the direct government and control
of this matter. Thus guarded and protected
by every instinct of public economy, even
handed justice will be dealt to all parties, and
the State saved from the curse Of speculation
and tho combination Of political and moneta-
ry capitnl, by a regency of corrupt and gras-
ping politicians Kalamazoo Telegraph.