Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1857-06-03

II. Q. Derine.
The object of the meeting having been sta
ted, Capt. George N. Smith was called upon
to address the meeting, which he did in an
able manner and gave full account of the
passage of this extraordinary bill through the
Legislature. A loud call was now made for
the Hon. Henry D. Foster, and upon his ap-
pearing he was warmly cheered. His speech
was calm, convincing and eloquent, and in
which the provisions of the bill were clearly
explained. His remarks elected much ap-
plause, and upon the conclusion be was greet
cd with three hearty cheers.
On motion, the following gentlemen were
then appointed committee to draft resolu-
tions expressive of the sense of the meeting,
viz DIR. VIM A Smith, Abm. Kopelin,
Esq, James NJ. Rifle, Francis Bearer, a bra
ham Longenecker, A. a. Barker, Gen
Richard White, Peter j Little, Esq, Mi
chal o O'5kellsy, Patrick Shiels, Esq, George
Rutledge, George W. Houc,l and Recs j.
Lloyd, Esq.
During the absence Of the committee, the
meeting was ably addressed by Michel Dan
Magellan, Esq, aad upon concluding, Or
Smith reported the following resolutions which
were unanimously adopted.
Whereas, The legislature of Pennsylvania
at its late session passed bill for the sale of
the Main line of public Improvements, in di-
rect violation of the expressed wishes of the
people, and which sale if consummated must
seriously affect the interests not only of those
who reside upon the immediate line thereof
but the TAX PAYERS of the whole state, and
future prosperity of the Commonwealth, we
deem it our duty thus publically to assemble
| and express our opinions thereon, as well as
our indignation which this unparalleled act
has excited Therefore
Resolred, That it is the deliberate opinion
of the citizens of Cambria county that the
bill providing for the sale of the Main line
was the act of a corrupt legislature, unasked
for by the citizens of the State, in direct
violation of their rights guaranteed to them
by the Commonwealth when the improve
ments were constructed that the legislature
have exceeded the powers delegated to them
by their constituents at the time of their cleo
ton, and we shall resist its provisions being
Carried out at all hazards.
Resolced, That we are opposed to NAM
MOTH MoNopoLIEs and all such legislation as
has tendency to build up privileged class
in our midst, comforting rights and privileges
upon a few, which are denied to many, nor
shall we ever consent to yield our rights for
the benefit of corporation whose stock is
principally owned by foreigners.
ReSolre,{, That the abandonment of any
portion of the Main line of the public works,
whereby the whole carrying trade between
the east and west would be placed in the
hands of the Pennsylvania Rail Road com
pany, cannot but be destructive to the inter
ests Of the State, and compel its citizens to
submit to such exactions as it may deem fit
to impose.
Resolucd, That we consider the bill as
| especially unjust to the interests of the pro-
ducer. of Pennsylvania, because it deprives
them of an avenue to market, and forces
| them to be dependent upon corporation
| which has hitherto Disseminated against the
productions of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That by the terms of the bill the
expedency or justice. of the sale or retention
by the State of the main line is not fairly con-
| sidered It is bill better designed to free the
| Pennsylvania Rail Road from their fair share
! of taxation than for the sale o. the main line.
Re esoLued, That we regard the bill for the
| sale of the main line unconstitutional, be-
cause by exempting the property of the
Pennsylvania Rall Road from all taxes due
| the State, it created privileged class, and
strikes down that equality of taxation which
is designed by the constitution OF the United
States, and of Pennsylvania.
Resolred, That the citizens of Cambria
county have ever evinced readiness to obey
the laws and stand by the authorities of the
country, but when they see their rights about
| to be bartered to soulless corporation, and
the burthens of the honest tax payers in
creased, they feel bound to resist, and before
other measures become necessary would call
upon the Supreme Court to interpose and pre-
| vent the contamination of this nefarious law
| s . destructive of the interests of the people.
ResozUed, That the tax payers of Cam bria
county will not vote for the election of any
man to any Office who is in favor of the bill
for the sale of the main line, of the usur-
pations of the Central Rail Road Company.
Resozeed, That in beholdiug a corporation
of gigantic wealth freed from the payment oi
all taxes to the State. we are of opinion that
the hard rd-working tax payers entitled tc
the same exemption. and We would advise
the holding of township meetings by the
people to take such measures. and form such
organization as they may think proper te
protect themselves from injustios aud Unequal
ity Of taxation.