The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-03-11

ulc A<S iStosuaS w uSeoA AasA'~' VI" sN'~ A"N" VI
April, whether the public interest will be ad-
vanced BY an issue Of State bonds in aid OF
the more speedy construction Of the rail-
roads, contemplated and provided for by the
recent legislation Of Congress. While the
bill submitting this question to the popular
suffrage was pending in the Legislature, we
RETAINED from extended comment, but we
now recognize, to the fullest extent, our duty
as journalist, and shall endeavor to assist
the popular decision in the premises by
dspassionate consideration Of the measure.
One thing we desire to state at the TIRES
hold. We deprcate any attempt to make
party capital in this discussion. Democrats,
in all sections Of the State, must be allowed
to take and advocate their positions, with
out future question by the Democratic press
or in Democratic conventions. The harmo-
ny and ascendancy Of the party dictate such
q course; and this journal would Justly he
condemned for abuse Of its position, II any
strain Of personal bitterness was allowed to
mingle in our comments either upon the
Loan question itself, or upon individuals who
have been prominent as legislators or citi.
zens in the discussion Of its merits.
The proposition takes the form of Con
stitutional Amendment A technical OBJ
lection has been raised that the Constitution
should simply authorize the measure leav-
ing the Legislature TO act subsequently,
But the course Of New York, in providing
specifically by constitutional amendment
for the Erie Canal enlargement, was quite
similar, and it will at once occur to all that
no subsequent Legislature should be allowed
TO remove the restraints upon the issue of
the bonds, or to release the securities held
by the State, without an appeal to the pco-
pie. That appeal is secured by surrounding
the loan Of State credit, with the guarantees
of a constitutional provision. OF course,
there will be additional legislation, in the
adjustment of many details, but the people
will now he enabled TO know and fix in nd
vance, all essential particulars. II is mat
ter Of indifference to US how legal pedants
may characterize such q course--it certainly
is frank, Democratic. and safe.
One thing is very apparent from the
whole progress Of this question. 1t has
been suggested, and is acceptable to nine
tenths Of the advocates, as measure OF Fl
nanciaI Relief. The whole community has
been made painfully aware of the fact, that
the capital which was available for business
purposes when the crisis came upon us last
fall, has been struggled for during the win
ter months by our men of business for the
purpose Of remittance. So far from an in
disposition to discharge obligations accrung
to parties beyond our limits, the books OF
the Express Companies exhibit most heroic
cxertions to forward every available dollar
Fortunately the season has been favorable
and our people have acted generously to
each other but as the spring approached,
and plans were forming for next years bust.
ness, the question occurred irresistibly TO
thousa nds is there no means Of turning in
our favor the current Of emigration and cap
ital, or at least keeping up the flow Of both
to Minnesota, which we have enjoyed since
1852! Who has not felt that X ansas, with
its unpaid advertisements in every ne~spa-
per Iowa and Missouri, with railroads in
course OF construction, and perhaps new
Territories about TO be organized further
West, were powerful competitors for next
springs emigratio-, and that something must
bcrdone to prevent lethargy in every walk Of
business, The experience OF other new
States suggested the Railroad system Of
Minnesota, (which was depressed in common
with the whole community, and especially
with new enterprises Of the kind every
where, az afording the best opportunity OF
restoring confidence at home and abroad
The suggestion once made, il spread like
wild fire. We have an intelligent people
every neighborhood contains men capable Of
performing, and Of course sppreciating. an
act Of Statesmanship- and very speedily,
from the four points d the compass, came
instructions To the legislature, az follows:
Yoa members Of the Legislature" was
their substance, i" represent State, estab
lished such by the authority and in the pre-
sence Of Corgress-a sovereign State, II
no, yet q confeIerated State-sDd the name
u Minnesota has power and significance
which you may make useful to her suffering
and struggling people. Here, aiso, Is sys-
TIN OF railroads. 40 drawn over our area Of
100000 square mills, ~ ~, 70 compete on
iutssrtort. oxx ifra ~,Sk - -. sxl 1900