The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-03-06
The Railway Policy Of Maine.

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The Railway Policy of Maine.
| We are glad to perceive that the House OF
Representatives have refused to shut of de-
bate on the Railway Monopoly bill. No
such measure Us the one proposed can ever
pass the House if its real character is under
stood.
Before commenting on the bill itself, 1t il
proper to say that members Of tho Legisla.
ture who are stockholders or bondholders in
the consolidated company have direct pc.
cunlary interest in the question, that should
lead them to abstain from voting, even II
they are not absolutely excluded by the rule
which declares that "no member shall be
permitted to vote on any question where hi.
private right, distinct from the public inter.
est, is Immediately concerned" BY look
ing over the printed list Of stockholders, II
will DO seen that the parties most active in
favor Of the monopoly have pirate inter-
est in the result.
Laying aside all local and personal con-
siderations, what should be the policy oil
this State in reference to the existing lines
of nilway in Maine? A hasty or unwise
decision Of this question will be frnught
with untold evils to the State.
We answer tho question by saying that
railroads, which are in fact highways Of an
improved construction, should be open to
all parties on equal terms. They should
connect with each other or be worked in ref
erence to the rights Of each other. If they
are of different gauge, 30 that engines and
cars cannot run from one road on the track
of tho other. trains should bc 50 arranged us
to meet, and passengers allowed to shift
from the cars of one into the cars of the
other. In this way trade and travel should
be left free to choice Of routes on equal
terms.
Such is now the policy and the law of
Maine 1t is wise policy adopted on full
discussion and examination, and found to
be entirely satisfactory in practice. This
feeling is shared by all the people of the
State, saving only those who seek private
advantage at the expense Of tho public.
The law of last winter, oh. G5l, gave all
the powers wanted. to perfect q consolida-
ton of the lines from Danville Junction to
Bangor. The two companies were author
lied to unite their interests, in any way
they pleased, by lease, sale, or joining in q
common stock. The Legislature, IN grant
ing this authority, simply held them to the
discharge Of On obvious duty.
This duty they now seek to avoid. They
ask monopoly. They ask to DO allowed
to become independent Of oil control. II
this 9th section is repealed, the State is in
the hands of q "Camden 4 Amboy monopo-
ly," whose blighting influence would put us
back for an indefinite period.
The public has been deceived by the par
ties who are pushing this matter before the
They pretend to one thing,
while seeking another. They do INSERT
that they only want to save expense
pf management, by having but one set of
directors and officers. THIS preiense !, I'M
rue. Tho bill now pending before the
gives them no such power. They
have italrcady. ltdoes not allude to any such
question. It is not needed for any such
purpose. The law Of 1856 gave them oil
he rights they can ask. The present bill
has q different purpose. 1t releases them
rom an obligation to run their trains so as
10 give accommodations to the public. This
they seek to avoid.
We are surprised at the ignorance Of
member Of the Legislature, who declared it
vas merely question "betwecn rival rail.
Dad interests Tho man Is evidently q
,ovicc in railway matters, or incapable OF
the difference between an inn
,ortant principle and piece Of chalk. {
We are quite aware that few selfish
,usy men among US, are now trying to mis-
cad the public mind on this matter, but
hey arc found only among those. who are
tockholders in the line seeking . monopoly. J
he great bulk Of the people Of Portland,
ave no other desire than to SEQ equal and
.act justice to all parties and all sections Of
he State VI, .--. l.I s1uI
We trust that the discussion already had,
rill DO sufficient to put the legislature on
heir guard. Let them beware how they le
urrender the rights Of the public, to band '
+ unscrupulous spectators "a 9
The State Of New Jersey 10 to-day psnliz-
by the power Of single corpontiou.- n
70 shall be in n similar plight IL tho prs- 7
nt bill passes. Before this il done. let tho 4
eople have chance to be hoard, and have q
me to e1amine into the morris Of the move. .