, 1873-02-21

dENxNA, ILL.,, Fob. II, 1873.
TO The Editor Of Tia Chicago Tribune:
SIN; We regard lilo article undor tho nbove
caption, in tho Times Of last Saturday, as boing
simply general onslaught on "railroad mon."
Faots AFRO ignored, aud wo hayo instoad a column
Of sensational goneralitics, madoup OF sovereign
States, unlawful votes, State existonco, &o., &c.
Why not state that tho question Of both pasaen-
ger and freight charges Ii now before the su-
promo Court Of tho State for decision, md upon
TINT decision rests tho coustitutionality Of the
law Tho "Throe Cantres, having anticipated
tie decision Of the Supreme Court, and the con-
stitntionaiity Of tho law, hare proceeded to ex-
ecution. The railroad men wait tho decision.
Who arc defying tho lawn? I. ia possible that
tho Bloomington decision may bo reversed. 1t
Z ia probable that tho Kankakoe decision will DO
affirmed.
The Illinois Central Railroad holds position
differing from that Of Nil other railroads iu tho
State, In thia That tic Illinois Central Rail-
road is operating under special contract as Woll
as ehartor. 1ta chartor is IN tho form Of "an
agreement, by which tho State Of Illinois con-
tracts to give to tho Illinois Central Railroad
all tho lnndB received from tho Goneral aoyerrl-
mont and tho right 10 establish reasonable rates
for ffeights and passengers. Tho Company, On
pny into tho Treasury Of tho State por cent Of
Its gross earnings in consideration Of it's rights
and privileges granted by tho stato Thi, CON
Bideration has been, md ia, doemcd to be 80 val.
uable that tho people have voted unconstitutional
provision against its oyer being released, aua:
pended, modified oto., etc. While tho stato Of
Illinois iB thus strictly holding tho Illinois
Central 1lailroal to tho performance
Of its obligations, can the State, by All oct Of
it's part OF tho agroomont with the road2 OF
courso not, bocn1iso tho Constitution provides
"that no law impalrinng tho obligation OF con-
tracts slnll be passed." Docs Tho low compel
lug the Illinois Central to transport passengers
with tho State TINT they ohould have the right to
establish thelE own ratos? This question ID now
before tho Supreme Court for decision, Tho
State Of Illinois Inns the undoubtcd right to pro-
won't tho rnlroad from charging unreasonable
rates: But who are to decide thia quostion,--a
ing themselves judge and jury; or the Courts.
who boing in possession Of iii the facts, Will
most likely render impartial Justice? Any body
OF men, bo they who They may, should, in con-
DO net infringe upon tho rights Of othera, for,
'a is thG msn sSnaenS4 Ts aud Sp a%s
S should and must bo ,oboyed by all.
. decision as to Its cons:ituhona1ty, wo think Il
by fnr Tho boat course to patiently whit ita do
clsiou rather than attempt to enforce it our
aelvoB.
Although not Il political farmer, yet we know
Hydraulic Ram. Tho last wo heard Of tho old
fellow, farmer in Ohio was trying cross in
Ills Morino flock: with him: We regrot to say
that, In this line, he was h failure. How ho will
.'pnshing down railway,tariha, and IN pushing up
tariff duties," wo are unable to divine. But
should he fail III this as lie undoubtedly did in
tho sheep business. We suggest that his namo 10
sent i'll to the Governor ns candidate for Rail-
road and Warehouse Commissioner.