The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-01-16

Among the most conclusive evidences of the
allabsorbing nature of our national difficulties is
the entire cessation Of apparent interest in local
affairs, which few months ago were deemed so
important. 1t is true that the consummation of
the work of Reform in Baltimore, so far as its
citizens can exercise any direct agency, and the
absolute confidence reposed in the integrity of
those who now administer its government have
allayed public anxiety and quieted all criticism.
Still, this alone would not account for the indifer-
encewhich seems TO prevail on this subject and for
which the reason given above is doubtless the true
one. This is certainly the only apology we have to
offer for the fact that we have not yet REFERRED ed
itorially, to the admirable Message of the MAYOR.
Still, as any comment offered by US must have
been the language of simple approval, we have
rather deprived ourselves of the unwonted plea
sure of fully endorsing a communication from the
Executive of Baltimore than our readers of re-
view which could, in any degree, have modified
their own conclusions-for we believe the senti-
ments felt by us, on this point, are shared by
everybody, honestly interested in the city govern
ment. 1t is no part of our purpose, in taking up
this subject now, to repair an omission of this
kind; but simply to call attention to a practical
matter recommended by Mr.. Brown, Of very grave
moment to the interests of the city. Among the
duties of the Council, there is none of greater i'm
portance than that which gives it a voice in
tine control of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. The vast pecuniary interests of
ofthe city, direct and indirect, in this great work,
give peculiar significance and Importance to an in
timation in the Mayors message. After declaring
that different opinions prevail in this community,
as to whether the policy of this road is or is not
beneficial to the interests of Baltimore, he pro-
ceeds to say:
ION this question have neither formed nor expressed
any opnion Whatever, but it seems me to be due to
the President and Directors Of the road as we'll 70 tb
citizens Of Baltimore that subject should be tho
ter for int gence and importantly ha
teress Of the city, whose report should be made to
Honorable Body"
That the city of Baltimore should look after
direct investment of some ten millions of dollars,
in an enterprise whose proper and loyal manage.
ucnt beside, involves her whole commercial pros.
perity, would seem TOO plain proposition to ad.
nit of dispute, and, inasmuch as her sole means
of proper influence consists in her share of its d.
rection, it follows that the Council cannot be too
cautious in making their selections for that pur-
pose. Their representatives should be in the
first place. of integrity beyond suspicion, of
intelligence not easily baf1ed or deceived,
and while these qualities, which are indis-
peusable, do not reside exclusively in any
one class, it would be well if their exercise,
in the right direction, were strengthened by the
personal interests of their possessors The city is
both stock and bond-holder of the Company. She
has also still deeper stake in the road, as it af-
fects the general welfare of this community Both
these interests ought to be judiciousy subserved,
and neither allowed an undue preponderance'
The Company ought to pay promptly the inter
Mt on. ik debt, and If possible, fair d''i-