American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1867-05-01
A Good Suggestion.

1ne articie We copy ueioW irOn tue JUN
erset Herald a#d Whig, embodies an
important, and, we think, most
excellent suggestion. The Free Railroad
Principle having failed in the Legislature,
the people must renew the contest,-aRd, in
renewing it, organize for the nomination
and election of such candidates only as will
be faithful in the hour of trial. The time
has come when no risks should be run, and
when the faithful and the faithless should
be dealt with according TO their deserts.
We give the suggestion of our cotempo-
rary our hearty approval; and, in addition,
suggest that the proposed convention should
be held at some central point, and with the
concert which is manifestly proper in the
case. The subject is one which concerns
the people at large. Pittsburgh, it is true,
has deep interest in the Free Railroad
question, but not more so than the quarter
whence comes the suggestion for conven-
ton. Indeed. the suggestion has come from
the right a. arter, and in good time. We
trust the editor of the Herald and Hhig
will take upon himself the labor of the pre-
liminaries necessary to concerted action.
Meantime we say to the friends of the
Free Principles everywhere prepare for ac-
ton, aud for each action as will preclude
the possibility of being defrauded again:
RAILROAD CONVENTION.
Now that the Legislature has adjourned, ,
and every hope of obtaining a Free Rail-
road law, or of securing restoration ofthe
charter fraudulently wrested from the Cons
nellsville rnad has been disappointed, i'm
mediate action should be taken by the pei
pie of Western PENNSYLVANIA to secure JUS
tice to their interests, during the next win
ter.
A convention for this purpose has been
mooted in the Pittsburgh papers, and we
trust that measures will be at ence institu-
ted by the Board of Trade, or some other
body Ofcitizens, to carry the idea into effect
We suggest that this conve ntion be call
ed at as early day as practicable, so that
the result of its deliberations may be laid
before the forthcoming political State con>
venti0ns, and action upon the subject mat
ter be pressed upon both.
We further suggest, that the proposed
railroad convention eschew all generalities,
all mere declarations in favor of, aud de-
mands for n general railroad law, but at
once refer the subject to a committee of
able, practical gentlemen of whom
will doubtless be in the convention to
frame and report such bill as will meet the
wants of the people of the State. The bill
matured and adopted by this convention,
can then be submitted to the State conven>
tions of both political parties, and the fact
squarely ascertained, which, if either of
them, will dare refuse pledge to this meas
ure of right and justice demanded by the
people. Moreover, a bill thus framed in
advance, can be submitted by the various
county nominating conventions to their can
didates, and positive tangible pledge ex-
acted, which will prevent a recurrence of
the disgraceful and shameless violation of
pledged faith witnessed at the late session,
on professional difference of opinion, be-
tween the merits Of various bills.
By all means let us have convention, q
| good practical convention, that means bust
ness, not talk. The people Of the State
want a free railroad law, we Of this county
want the Connellsville charter restored a
| general law being of no especial benefit to
US, with our only available route already
covered by the surveys, and location of two
companies. We have the power in our
hands if we only please to concentrate and
make it effective. Neither of the political
| parties dare refuse us this measure of Jus
tice. But if they do then let politics go to
the dogs. WHAT is the pride of party, or
the success of few candidates to people
denied justice, outraged, and impover;shed ed
by legislation such as we have been cursed
with for years.