Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-06-25
A Just Right spnrned.

Just Right SPurned.
The question why Tennessee shall not have
her equal share in the public lands, has pot
been answered. Iii rightsh has, as sove-
reign State of this Union, but which is de-
nied and spurned by the so-cslled democracy of |
this day. The strongest argument which we |
have heard against it, is, thatif we take the |
lands or their proceeds from the public treasu-
ry we will have to pay It back in increased tax
alton. This argument too is seriously put
forth, when the treasury is overlooking and
absolutely grooming under a plethora of coin.
1t has never been pretended, in all the reck-
lessness of the opposition, that the measure ad.
vocated by Us would absorb the surplus reve-
nues of the government. And the simple
truth is that this measure of justice might be
executed, and then leave ample room for re-
duction of the current revenue. But vet, in
the face of this undeniable fact, it is urged that
it is only taking money out of ore pocket, to
put it into another. In addition to the falsity
of this position as matter of fact, and its ut
ter nonsense as serious argument, it is mar
row, illiberal and discredtable view of State
policy.
If we shall obtain our share of the public
lands, our State constitution has already pro-
vided for their disposition, in saying that they
shall be applied to purposes of internal i'm
provement and education. Wherever rail-
road is constructed, the incidental advantages
arising out of it, in the enhancement of land,
the increase of commercial convenience, and
of individual comfort, gives it its Importance
and establishes its benefits. Upon this princi.
pie and with this view, many men have sub
scribed stock in railroad enterprises, when it
was doubtful whether they would be compile
ted, and when it was never supposed that the
stock would pay dividends, solely to secure the
incidental advantages named. If farmers
wealth is enhanced one thousand dollars by
the running of a road in his vicinity, be can
we'll afford to giUe FIVE hundred TO secure it's
construction. Most of the roads of the coun-
try have been built upon this principle and
with these results. There are but few men of
any means whatever, who cannot so invest
them, as to bring an interest much greater than
almost any Of the railroad stocks and dividends
1t is not tie money which is paid for a road
which is expected to be returned in kind but
il is that other kind of remun Grafton, which
increases the great body of the State and in
dividuai prosperity; which gives life and vigor
to the energies ofthe people, Ddquickens even
the productveness Of soil, by the bringing it
into cultivation, aud in affordings speedy and
certain outlet to its products. Granting there
fore, that the land policy advocated by the
American party, and which is of the highest
moment to Tennessee as measure of domestic
policy, would have the effect, which is errone-
ously claimed, to take out of lone pocket and
put into another" the benefits would still be
such as would induce every man, who acts for
the general welfare, to support it. 1t is not the
simple transfer of money from enc place of
deposit to another. 1t bears with it the char
acter of an investment, producing an interest
far exceeding nominal exchange. These facts
are incontrovertible; they are within the daily
experience of large proportion of the people
of Tennessee, aud are susceptible of a clear and
mathematical demonstration to those who
have not seen and felt the practical operation
of railroads.
In the matter of common schools, which are
also to be fostered by this policy, there are
none to deny the importance of education, a
general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence
among the people. Tennessee has felt this
want as seriously as any other State in the
Union. Her educational statistics show a
greater deficiency in this respect, than those OF
any Of her sister States. She has more grown
up men and women, who are unable TO read
and write, than any other State of the Union
in proportion TO population. The question is
shall this state Of things continue; shall we by
asserting our fair and just rights, build school
honses. educate our children, and by general
system OF internal improvements, develop our
resources, and thus secure the prosperity and
happiness of the peOpel