The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-01-18
Checks drawn


The estimated total cost Of our Public
Works at the time Of their completion was
Sl4,697, ,549.79. The average annual
expense, beyond tie income ier the lest
five years, has been a fraction less than
one-half OF one per cent. on this cost. We
have then this unfavorabie exhibit. We
have property that cost US about fifteen
millions Of dollars, ,anG we find by FIVE con-
secu,ive years experience that, instead Of
its paying the intereat on its cost it is ac-
tualy running US in debt.
This is one view of the case. Let us
look at the other. Many intelligent cili-
zens urge that Public Works, by a proper
system of management, and graduation Of
tolls, can be made not only self.sustainiug,
but source Of revenue 10 the State
There are many and weigbty reasons why
this should be thoroughly tested, before
we abandon these costly and important
works. Large investments have been
made on the line Of these works, as is
claimed under an implied pledge on the
part OF the State, that they should be
kept in permanent condition for use. An
abandonment of The canals, or their sale
without sufficient guaranty for their
maintenance would be iuinous 10 the par.
ties interested. 1t would depreciate the
value of property TO an amount exceeding
the cost Of the canals.
In 1898, Congress granted nearly half a
million OF acres Of land. between Dayton
aud tie mouth Of the Auglaize river, for
canal construction. This was upon the
condition expressed in the deed of convey.
ance. "that said canals, when completed,
shall forever remain public highways for
the use Of the Government of the U. S.,
free from tolls or other charge whatever,
for any property of the U. S., or persons
in their service passing through the same"
These lands were accepted by the State
Of Ohio with this condition. They have
been sold, and the proceeds have been
applied TO the purposes Of the grant. II
these canals are sold, or pass out of the
State, how is this promise to be fulfilled
to the General Government?
On most of the canals, and especially on
The Muskingum Improvement. there are
outstanding leases Of water power By the
State, for ninety nine years, renewable
forever, and in some instances there are
contracts in lieu of former grants. in per-
petuity. These contracts impose obliga-
lions on the Stale that must be met
How shall these vested rights be protected
if the State dispose OF her interest in
these works?
Itis urged that il the Canals are sold
they will intimately be controlled by the
Railroad Corporations OF the State, the
effect of which will be 10 SO diminish
transportation Of the canals as to result in
their virtual abandonment; the effect Of
which, in turn, would be 10 create such
monopoly in the railroads as TO materi-
ally increase the tariff OF transportation.
ard conflict with the we'll established pol.
icy of every commercial State 10 multiply
rather than to lesson the avenues of trade.
Even if the support Of canals shall impose
a small tax, it is worthy OF consideration
whether the incidental benefits of the
counties no; upon or adjacent thereto, by
reason Of lesser rates OF transportation,
might rot more than compensate for tho
tax.
There are thirty-six counties in Ohio,
on or contiguous to our Public Works.
leaving ffy-two counties dependent
mainly upon rivers, lake or railroads, for
their avenues TO market. The canal
counties are mainly those that were with.
out natural outlets TO a market. 1t 10
instructive TO note their present position
in regard TO population and wealth. By
the census OF 1860. the thirty.six canal
counties have population of i.l53. ESQ:
while the flty.two other counties have
a population OF l,190. 1877. The thirty
SIX canal counties have an aggregate Of
S469, 253, s92 on the tax list The 6fty.
r no.,:..e,J NJ. ,..,riL s,,,0S I 81.