The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-14


The Union Pacific Raiiroad-DIr. Durants
Letter.
Mr. Durant, the Vice President of the Union
Pacific Railroad, has addressed letter to
President johnson, which was published in
yesterdays HERALD, with regard to the APP
pointment of a special commission to re-ex-
anime the road Mr.. Durant is kind enough
to inform the President that his company win
have no objection to this special examination
If the commission shall be authorized to ex-
anime all roads receiving similar government
subsidies and bonds as the Union Pacific re-
ceives, but he protests indirectly against what
he deems an invidious distinction being made.
He intimates that the government has listened
to representations of an unfavorable character
regarding the work, and goes on to say, by
way of explanation or contradiction, that the
construction of the Union Pacific Railroad is
at least equal to the other subsidized lines.
He refers to Generals Grant, Sherman and
Sheridan, and to others who have lately
passed over the road, for the thoroughness and
excellence of the work. He seems to fear,
however, that an examination may create
delays in the construction TO the detrlment Of
public interests. Mr. Durant appears to have
Seized the opportunity Of the appointment Of
this special commission to write letter in de-
fence of his company and their work in adj
vance of anything damaging having been made
out.
Well, let us have, as Mr.. Durant suggests,
an examination Of all the lines receiving sub
sides, bonds or other aid from the govern
ment. T1ns ss Can be h6 objection to that. II
is quite likely the work and affairs Of all need
investigation. There is general impression
that the other subsidized roads, as well as
the Union Pacific, are being constructed more
with view to making rapid fortunes for the
favored managers and stockholders of the COM
panies than for the interests of the public. If
| this impression be not well founded there can
be no harm done by an examination. The
people want to know, at least, how the work
has been done and how the government sub
sides have been applied. Why, then, should
Mr.. Durant be so sensitive, II, as he
asserts, the thoroughness and excellence
ed? Why, rather, should he not court inquiry
for his road whether the other roads be ex-
amined or not? To have the work proved
good, thorough and secure, would raise the
credit of the company and tend to increase its
business. As to appealing to Generals Grant,
satisfy the public. No doubt these gentlemen
would give their opinions honestly, but the
question arises, how much do they know about
the mattera Riding rapidly over railroad
shut up in q car, while being dined and wined
by the managers or other officials and seeing
only what is pointed out to them, how can
they know the security of the bridges, the
strength Of the ties or quality of the rails
The regular commissioners, too, are carried
over the work much in this way, and it is sus-
pected they may have reasons to keep their
eyes shut. As to retarding the work by q
special examination, that is all bosh II will
create no delay. The enormous subsidies,
grants and wealth which the government has
given to the company call for an iuvesti-
CATION. Besides, the government gives secu-
rity for the bonds by which the road Is con-
structed. and II ought to know whether they
will be Of any value hereafter. II the road
should be badly constructed these bonds may
become yalueless, or greatly depressed in
value, and then The government and people
would have to pocket the loss. By all means,
therefore, let there be thorough examination
Of the Union Pacific Railroad, and for that, Of
oil the other subsidized roads, by honest and
expert commissioners, so that the public may
know whether they can travel safely and
whether the money loaned will ever be paid.
Jsdse PicrrcponVs Twenty Thousand.