Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-04-30
CoVINGToN NmWs.

STREET RAILROADS A NEcEssITY.-As to
the demand for street railroads, we suppose
there is little difference Of opinion among
our citizens, but with regard to the proposi-
ton on that subject now pending, there is
an antagonism for which it is impossible, by
any ordinary process Of reasoning, TO ac-
count except it originate from desire on
the part of some persons to oppose every
thing practical. Any ordinance, though II
were perfect as man could make II, would
meet the same fate; il would be opposed by
men who would protest themselves strong
friends of railroads, on general principles, but
opposed to this particular measure. Had the
project for street railroads in Cincinnati been
submitted to vote Of the people one year
ago, there would have been three to one
against 1t; were it now proposed to abolish
them, the vote would be equally as decisive
the other way.
The opponents of the present street rail-
road ordinance may be divided into several
classes:
|. Those who are constitutionally opposed
TO all changes, and are Mortified at any thing
that ignores the established order of things.
They are, probably, necessary element of
society, for without them, hasty revolutions,
which would change, without improving,
would be of frequent occurrence.
2. Those whose personal interests are
averse to this particular scheme proposed,
and who would favor another, If, by that
means, they could reapt the advantages which
will accrue from the construction of the
road. They view the matter only as an i'm
mediate source of profit, and are disposed to
ignore the general advantages to the public.
3. Laboring men, who suppose that it will
interfere with them by diminishing the de-
mand for their services, and consequently
either reduce their salaries or throw them
out of employment entirely. We have al
ready anwered this argument fully, and shall
say nothing more upon the subject now.
4. Political demagogues, who WILL in
three days, be as rampant in its favor, should
| it carry, as they are against it, Their object
is to win cheap laurels, and they are alto
| gether indifferent as to the means employed.
The three first classes named are entitled
| TO respect veneration for the past is reason
able and right. The desire Of gain is i'm
| planted in every man, and it is natural that
| we should prefer to reap harvest of wealth
| rather than it should flow into the Golfers of
| another; and the laborer is naturally jealous
Of any thing that he believes will interfere
with the means by which he supports his
| family. But for the demagogue we have a
most profound contempt. He is a useless
| member of society-one with which it could
readily dispense. Every other man, whether
| fogy, moderately conservative, or radical, is
of great importance in adjusting the great
social balance; but he can occupy no position
| without intruding.
There are now several of these excresences
assiduously laboring to excite prejudices
against a measure so intimately connected
with the vital interests of the city, that, with
out il, it will not even be a respectable ap-
pendage of Cincinnati. Let our people be-
ware of their Vaccinations, and at the
proper time administer rebuke that will
quiet them for years to come.