The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-06-03
u olitira1.
8 II II f G. Hi
HON. oEoRoEP. STEELE
OF LUZERNE COUNTY,

OF LUZERNE COUNTY,
DELIVERED IN THE SENATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
ON THURSDAY, MAY 7TH, PENDING THE BILL
FOR THE SALE OF THE MAIN LINE.
Mr.. Speaker:-l have occupied but liule of
the time of this body during the session in
the way of speech-making, having always
preferred being an attentive listener 10 those
WHO have had experience ir matters Of lesis-
lation; but, sir, al the present stage OF our
deliberations feel it duty incumbent upon
me 10 raise my feeble voice against The niq.
ilous measure now pending. Were / 10 re-
main in my seat without ui,erng word in
condemnation of this proposed act, my con-
si,uents would lhlnk-and justly too-lhat
had proved recreant 10 every principle of
honor-hst was neglectful of the great in
teresls of the Commonwealth, and lhat as a
necessary consequence, ! was unfit 10 repre-.
sent them. In justice 10 the past, present,
and fu,ure-iu Justice 10 the hard working
tax. payer-in justice to everything near and
dear 10 the glory and prosperity of our coun.
try, propose saying few words in the way
of admoDItion.
Sir, in my humble judgment, very many OF
the provisions of this bill are based upon er-
TOT and fraught with great evil. Some ct
Them believe TO be wholly unconsti!u ,ional,
and an outrage upon the rights of the honest
Taxpayers of Pennsylvania.
Sir, the very idea of selling the main line
of the public works to q mammoth, heart
less. soulless corporation, is simply absurd,
and should be treated with derison and con-
tempt BY every well-thirking man. The peo-
pie of this country, sir, are not quite prepared
10 form gigantic graspng monopoly that
may hereafter be able and willing TO dictate
10 the volers who their rulers shall be and
what kind of Legislation they shall have
No, sir, trust the public mind is not yet
poisoned 10 such an extent as 10 permit the
preparation of so gross an outrage.
Sir am fully convinced that the friends
OF the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, TO-
gelher with those who fell interested in 9th.
er companies, have year after year labored
zealously and vndiclively in order 10 bring
the main line of our public works into dis
fepute; and, sir, believe from motives, both
selfish and designing, they have endeavored
TO render the Canal Board repretensible and
odious in The eyes of the people Now, Mr..
Speaker, from my own knowledge, and judg-
ing from all that can see or hear, my mind
ia fully made up that the Canal Board have
been sinned against far more than they have
sinned. If they have committed any great
wrong or are guilty of any heinous offence,
why is it not shown 10 Senators? II is neith-
er my province or inclination 10 stand here
jus,fying wrong, let it come from what quar-
sef may. Neither is it agreeable 10 my
ear 10 hear any of our public officers abused
unless some good cause be first shown.
Sir, the. Legislature made large appropra-
iions during the last session for repair, laying
new rails, &c., on the Allegheny Portage
road and the different roads on the main
line Of our public works, amounting 10 be.
tween 100000 and $2,ooo,0oo. Under
the direction OF The Canal Board il has been
. expended in good faith. Is there anything
wrong iE that? am credibly informed that