The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-01-24
xEws FROM THE STATE CAPITAL.

The feeling upon the Pro Rata Freight Law, every day
scanning more and moro Importance The discussion
apon the question before the committee is awakening h
nerScrs 70 the importance sf the subject For lonf
tns every thi pg seemed to be one sded member tha
would doub, the justice Of Pro Rata law was among tbs
rare eurosis about the CApi but since this discussion
hs commenced there has been considerable change
many OF the members new look upon ii in another
lsht, and will not vote for any bill that may DO
offered upon this question. Nearly all, however,
consider that there need OF legislation upon the
subject The rainous competition that has been going on
between the rival lines Of railroads bidding for through
freight has unquesonaby aroused the Indignation Of the
people Of tho State, which, from the very nature OF
things, s having its effect upon the members here. Bat
when the question up before the House many who
Aaye heretofore been considered for the law vii
be found on the doubling list The opinion every day
becoming stronger that the Pro Rata Law will not accom-
plth the object intended That there should be some
the prevailing feeling here but in what way ths can be
accomplished - question that y every day becoming
ne rea canal men are not in favor Of the PRO rata
freight Law unless they can have the tolns of railroad
ehts laso. They are not here, and Will not probably
make their appearance II is said that they have become
disgused with tho Of the Clinton League When
ey ~en into convention last summer there were three
things that they demanded
Second That tolls should be imposed upon all railroad
Thrd That no passes should be issued 10 pubo officers
Those were the, conditions TINT they asked aud de-
Ianded The C5Dtou League then sprung INTO existence,
having iis head quarters in New York, which has been
Hugh Allen. 1t became necessary a. once NEE that hat
tAey should have funds; these patriotic gen
sleinen would have office rent TO pay, postage and
stationery bills as well as travelling expenses, 10 say
thing OF small salary 10 pay for time expended An
sassmeut levied upon all the forwardcrs along the
npe Of the canal in proportion TO the Of
done, ranging from twenty Eve to hundred fty
dollars with the large sum thus raised they were enabled
70 move along swimmingly
The SON Of Mr. O'Riley has been travelling the State
al the fall, with his carpet bag fuiof petitions, which he
circulated in every locality and urged upon the people to
of the several counties and persuaded the Super
visors to petition the Legislature. These petitions are
rs asv the no doubt MS
but little knowledge Of their result. Anxious for
some change and TO prevent, II possible, the
we're ready seize upon anything that was offered that
4 the least promised that result.
The Clinton League have abandoned the last two propo
stions OF the canal men, and now and have been
since the election, directing their efforts exclusively for the
Pro Rata law Some OF those that paid one nsaImen of
since refused TO pay the balance and At all sats
Ned with the course the League has been taking Funds
having in many instances been cut of, may soon find
The managers Of that society less patriotic than in the
past
Tho enclosed letter was sent to candidate for the
1eesature by The Clinton League soon after bis nomna
ton Tho kind Of letter sent to every person
that placed Ia nomination. large majority Of whom
League received no reply Many who replied in the air.
native have since changed their mind and now declare
that they cannot vote for the BILL send you the letter,
oYaeng the Of the member to whom 1t was segt-
aaRYour position connecdoa with the pobio affairs Of
State Of New exter; which you connected
measures state desirable the friends
g the canal system g ascertain your ysws far
think proper express them particular points OF State
policy deeply affecting the inserea" OF the whole SOM
% State conventions Of all political parties having warmly
general concerning the canal
Slate ocs. ~ an these political co9ysnsoSs having freely
g ssvsrsi nporsHt matter. affecting ne railway
sysssma conaec.on with popular .sa. and public 5s
y he S
IL
wise 70 act with reference 70 these important subjects
enclose oe including he pro
& DE- e
&C: Of al for se e as lee
DC s.s k1ecuye SOmmi.se and substantially he as
' any rG Tsphes and gentlemen may
these questions will printed for use in the order
noDsss for STATE oices inerrsssories addressed
Are you you not in favor OF preserving the State
:. the Of The o s state S6 New
ne inland Or e use e all on sa err for
r. osoas
are You or are yon not in favor Of the completion
% give he isaSirsd depS Of seven feet a the
Of a %S y. vine
ser-whch depth VIII a. as complete nat great woTs
and the lakes o. e suS than
Inc ocss Of New YORK cs lie
canal commenced snc with sevenfld greser ave
ensrss%sst was wSicn when scc,moshsd
end they can be aceompshed during single WINTER win
s sap Of %
tr euctan q steam IS motive power Of taeir saoa,
viii ll interest TO country, espe
In
of course all competition dehsnce says'he
saSsnse the snseas Which have
e. = Il :Is ses to make New York the mistress
are not in s s Of 70 the
x lbs sats-by porasa defending them sgeinst that
Pew ros @ 0s
Eastern a,es ON bette; rlos than the and par-
pass o and nom New city railroads which
mi sd
set forth the report Of The majority Of the
iSstsianse which with other documents is Tow suumed .
ssa sns ss poae 81 % The
despoc monarhs Of he world have ever dared TO nt
Yorr The foregoing questions respectfully in
ved-'0 be addressed to 9 SssssS Il TsC h Yn
hUGa ALLEH, Secretary
NEW YORK, DC. Is, 1852
The select committee upon this subject met again this
afternoon bear testimony that might be offered on that
important question.
Mr.. Thatcher whose pen mas been busy OF late upon
this question: took the question In favor o the ralroad
and argued that the price charged upon through freight
should govern the local frcgh for the that
heights for long distance could be carried ut lees prics
than for shorter distance. This he said has been the
case with our lakes canal and rivers since freight
had been carried by them.
Mr.. Randall followed in defence of The road.
and stated the stated by the League in their
pamphlets from the rates ~hcn they were in
connection with other roads, which did not exist.
He for further time TO furnish proof upon the de
rent points that had been asserted by them The egsa
zion OF other States protecting and fostering railroad
property whst here they witness attempt destroy
Inc private capital invested in this class Of property
which had increased the wealth OF the State than
al other influences combined, 10 sustain the canal
Mr. Randall argued at leng showing the faacy OF The
plea that Rata law would help the canals but stated
cts in connection with the trade Of the West, where
was necessary eights should be carried at the very
lowest figure To prevent their going other lines OF
roads and II there any restriction put upon them
those freghts would 60 the Southern roads. lie
held that the freight the roads brought through as
ssri,a hmm