Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-01-08
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prepare an Address to the people of Ohio, made
report in which it was stated that an address
could not be prepared in time TO submit the
same TO the Convention at its present session.
He stated what in the judgment of the Com
mittee the report should be and what it should
embody, and asked authority from the Conven-
ton TO prepare and publish the same at the ear
liest day practicable, not latter than the first Of
February next; whereupon
The committee were authorized to prepare
the Address and publish the same by the first
of February.
Mr. Bggeston offered the following resolu-
tom
Resolped, That in the opinion ofthis Conven-
ton it is inexpedient for the State of Ohio to
SELL lease, or relinquish the control ofits Canals
Mr. Eggleston, in support of this resolution,
said he was opposed to selling the canals, for
he thought the Railroads would purchase for
the purpose OF monopolzing the transportation
of freishts. What is for the interest Of the car
rer of the canal, is for tie interest of the Stale
No money will ever be paid for them if sold,
as they will come and say before the Legisla-
ture, ave have had hard bargain; please let
us off -
Mr. Chamberlain said that he wished to be ex-
cused if he made any foolish remarks; but if he
as from any body else. The sale of the canals
would have serious effect as to taxation. He
thought the decrease of the tax duplicate on
property on the line of the canals, in case of
sale, would more than counterbalance the pre-
sent expense of keeping them up. The MAORI
ty of the Stock was owned by the Rail Roads,
and the tolls would be arranged TO agree with
the Rail Roads The object opposing the sale
of the canals is so that the Rail Roads cannot
monopolize-they will consolidate and work to-
gether One other subject. contend that freight
ought to be carried cheaper-say 81 per ton;
but it cannot be done with poor canals. If there
is but water enough to carry the boat, you can
carry no freight We should have more water
about five or six feet would compete with the
Rail Roads We want more eapacious canal,
and we want it always kept in good repair. Such
a canal will compete successfully with Rail
Roads forever. Canals never wear away-Rail
Roads do. All we want, then, is to increase the
canal facilities.
We want settled line of policy, so that the
public will know what our public works are do
ing. We have been changing about so much,
that the Rail Roads have taken the upper hand of
US With settled line of policy at this, the best
time to commence it, the canals can at once re-
gain their former position as channels of travel
AnQ IIdu- pOElAblOus
Another important question. The State has
established the works, and invested this capital.
to the amount of millions The faith of the
State is thus pledged virtually, to every capi
talist on the line of our canals. II she sell out
her Public Works, she violates her pledged
faith There is no question about it
The Mahoning Railroad owning the greater
portion of the stock of the Ohio and Pennsylya- |
MIA Canal, put up the tolls SO high that boats |
can't navigate and make money, as will be the |
case if these canals are sold. The Railroad |
all business The President of |
the canal is a creature of the railroad, and can't
do anything but what the railroad says; conse-
quently property has decreased so per cent on |
the line of the canal There are no two ways |
for the State to follow; there is no argument |
but getting rid ofthe expenses. We are poorer
without the canals than we are with them A |
iudicious line of policy and suitable adjustment |
of tolls will not be an expense to the State, if |
he canals be kept in good repair.
Mr. Hughes was in hopes that some one
would speak for the opposition plan of selling
the canals.
Mr.. Collins, of Hamilton county, responded,
saying that he had no interest at all and was
open to cinviction. don't think it right for
he State to build nor to keep canals. Now l
am radically Democratic-the State has no
light to carry freight. l think the canals can be