Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-11-27
WatertOMn Union League,

Regular meeting Nov. 23d. Roll called
/ by Secy. Minutes of preceding meeting
read ami approved. Dues objected. Press
Moore reed a ing and interesting article on
Railroad Aid and Bonds in Michigan. We
give the following extract:
1.-The Supreme Court of Michigan held
that tue construction of a railroad. to be
owned and controlled by private corpo-
ration, and held for the profit of the mem.
bers OF thai corporation, is not public OBJ
Ject. The state itself carrot levy taxes in
aid OF railway enterprises, nor can it author
ize municipal bodies to do what it cannot
do itself
"This is but the affirmation of the same
decision made in Iowa and in other states.
"Ihe courts everywhere are inclning to
tie opinion that the construction of rail
ways is not public object for which mu-
inequalities may levy taxes, and that unless
there be an authority in the state to levy a
general tax for such an object, no county
can be authorized to do so. 1t requires,
| therefore, an express constitutional warrant
10 authorize the collection of any tax for
| such purpose.
"There will be some very loud compla ints
the bonds already issued, as we'll as those
voted but not issued; but the rule of law
laid down by the Supreme Court is that he
who purchases the bonds of a public COMO
| ration takes his own risk as to their validi-
ty and legality"
| The Pres't stated that the constitution OF
this state is precisely the same as that of
Michigan and Iowa, but how different has
! been the decision of the iuCpes
Vice Pres't Devy lead the bill passed by
Mr.. ID. Hall, "To limit the time for the COM
mencement OF actions against towns, coun-
| ties, cities and villages on demands made
| payable 10 bearer" He then read the fol-
lowing address
| Mr.. President, Gentlemen and co-Uorkers of
| me Un'on Leogue.-ln our city papers of
! this week notice call for the formation
| OF q society to be known as the Watertown
| Protective Association. The object in view
| appears to be to take up and ex-
change and give new bonds for a few
| iso ated scattering bonds that may be pre-
sented for exchange to the board of bond
commissioners. When the question of COM
| promise was agreed on by portion of our
| citizens, | believe it was well understood
| that settlement of the whole debt not
| part of it, was agreed on by interested pal
ties: And in order to reach that end tour
ifths, or large majority of the bonds, must
come in before any exchange would be
made.
1t IS obvious to any person who gives the
question any consideration that the ex-
changing ola few bonds does not financially
help the city, while the great majority hold
off and stand inssjudgment against US. And
| more especially the Milwaukee and Water
town R. R, bonds being now nine years
past due. And having an act of the Leg
islature invalidating all bonds and cou pons,
warrant or promise in writing unless action
shall be commenced within six years from
the time such sum or sums of money have
become due. Next February limits the
| time of action in this case and we can wei
afford to wait the result. Provided we
have no Mayor or Presto dent Of the council
it will prevent any new suits being brought
against The city, pending the above men,
toned time. 1t will be we'll for all our
citizens to calmly consider this matter and
! think it will be readily conceded that it
is the cheapest and most effectual mode Of
compromising and settling the above mcn-
toned bonds.
Mayor and President of the council Will
city, that any citizen may be made respon-
sible and bring suit against the city.
Mr.. President, in my opinion it would be
as consistent to take proceedings against
| the supervisors OF Ixonia or Concord as
citizen of WATERFOWL, except ne is one of
| the bove mentioned officers. And il IS to
| be hoped there are none of our citizens
SO stupid as to be led away by any such
| doctrine. Now there Is an opportunity to
| wipe out this outrageous fraud or SO much
| of it as is not in judgment against the city.
| 1t is debt we did not promise toipay. It
/ was a Dan Of credit and we never received
one dollar of consde ration in return.
| To return to the Watertown Protective
| Association We have no desire to censure
the motive of the writer of League No. 2
in endeavoring to settle the city debt, but
we do hope tor the interes is of the city
that there will be none of those Corporate
Gamblers. Shysters aud Bloodsuckers that
tried to tasten this deot upon US, TO fill the
ranks of its members. 1t s a very strong
indication of carbon where there is con-
gregation Of jackals and Ravens or other
unclean birds. Respectfully yours,
P DEFY.
Watertown Nov. 23d, 1872.
Mr.. Krebs explained the above in Ger
man.
By the consent of the Executive Com
mittee, Mr.. Gallagher address; ed the members
of the League He stated he had had some
conversation with the Mayor in reference to
some bonds that would be outlawed in two
months, according to Mr.. Halls Bill, unless
action was commenced within that time,
and he is of the opinion that if committee
won Id wait on the Mayor and convince him
of the necessity of resigning to spare the
city the expense of litigation, he had no
doubt he would do so.
The following resolution was offered by
Mr.. Carlin:
Resoiued, That the tres't appoint COM
| mittee of three to confer with his Honor
| the Mayor, f. Kusel, ami al so the Prest OF
| the council, in regard to matters of vital
interest to the welfare of our city.
Mr.. Devy, Mr. Carlin, and Mr.. Krebs were
appointed.
Mr.. 7. Spencer rose and spoke with his
| usual earnestness. He wished to hear no
| more about the Linden House or any other
| plan; he is of the opinion that no tax can
| can be levied on lie city for railway bonds;
he moreover refuses to pay
Mr.. w. Spence then offered resolution
| which was warmly responded to by the
/ members, and was laid over for further ar
/ garment next week.
Prest Moore stated that he had received a
copy of the bonds and coupons, with the
| mWmbers, from Madison. This, for want OF
4 time, will also be laid over till next week.
The meeting then adjourned till next
I Saturday evening, Nov. 30th, at o'clock,
/ TO meet at Woodland Il Hulls Hail. Main st
/ W. SPENCE, Sec y.
/