The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-02
Railroad Matters.

We cannot learn that anything definite ha:
yet been agreed upon by members of the
Legislature in regard to the disposal of the
lands along the several lines of road. Con.
ficting interests are pulling and hauling in
every direction; and cormorants from abroad
are as thick as hungry bears after winters
fast. They come prepared to tell Mime
sotians exactly what it is best for our people
to do in regard to the matter. To 60 about
our hotels, and hear men talk, one would
seem to be compelled to arrive at the con-
clusion, that those residing outside of the
Territory have taken our people, and particu-
larly our legislators, for either a set of great
rascals or natural-born fools. II is time
for Minnesotians to be cautious, and not fall
into traps set for them by railroad schcmers
from abroad. Our own citizens should have
control of their own roads, and not allow
them, in any respect, to fall into the hands
of men who will manage them with view
to enhance interests foreign to Minnesota.
We know we'll that the money to build
our roads, or at least to first make the lands
available for that purpose, must come from
abroad. But, let us ask, are not the men Of
Minnesota as we'll prepared to negotiate our
bonds; place the lines under contract, and
receive all the honors and bcnefi therefrom
as the men of Wisconsin or Iowa? Have
We not as safe men among our fellow-citi-
Gems, and men as we'll acquainted with the
details of financial operations, as can be
found among those who come here claiming
great resources of credit, when at the same
time they may be among the most rotten
bankrupts in the land ? Why should the
management Of our roads be taken out of
the hands of the men who have laid the
corner stone of Minnesota, and given to the
kilbournes and others of Wisconsin, in Or
der that our rich and valuable lands may be
devoted to building up the credit of the
bonds of the Milwaukee and La Crosse mo-
nopoly2 1t is said that Mr.. Kilbourne comes
here with S5,000,O 900 in stock and bonds to
he used in influencing legislation that will
IuC lOduS vi AxtliucSOld IIleTc
to the Wisconsin lines which he CONTROLS
This may be mere rumor; but as the gen.
tleman is in the city, the question is easily
settled. One thing we are certain of: The
member of either House who attempts to
sell out Minnesota to Wisconsin will be du-
ly" spotted" by his constituents; and we
shall take pains to see that his constituents
are duly notified of the facts connected
with his dcreliction-let him be who he
may.
In our opinion, the greatest possible curse
that could befall Minnesota, would be the
placing of her railroads under the control oil
railroad monopolists of the neighboring
States. We are not aware that any attempt
of the kind has been, or will be made by
men of Iowa; but Wisconsin is in the field,
and the source from which the proposition
comes to chain us to her interests needs
looking to. We trust our legislators will
guard well against the snares that have beer
set at Milwaukee and elsewhere to compass
them. Let US act calmly and with an eve
singly to the interests of Minnesota anG
then we will have no sins, on this head, to
repent Of hereafter.