The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-05-16
WHOLE NO 04G

1t IS true, but nevertheless certainly, IN behalf.
OF the present system OF ralw ay oppression
1t must be manifest to every intelligent man
that the annual expenses OF the Government
can only be secured by taxation, and that $780,
600, 900 per annum must be forthcoming or the
Government is bankrupt. Since the taxation
must naturally exist why should any farmer
object to the assessment OF the national taxes
in manner that will foster home industry and
home market? The city OF Chicago has raised
the value of farm produce within radius of a
hundred miles, and when the West becomes
dotted with cities OF the first class. the farmer
will no longer be compelled 10 send his wheat
to Liverpool for market and extravagani
charges on raw products will affect him but
slightly.
There is another question connected with the
supervision OF railways which ought also to be
fully considered-the safety of life and limb
upon American railways. The Ancricdn Rail
'cDy Times reports that ia persons were
killed or severely I'M urcd in January, and 1856
IN February last, and that the casualties of the
last year amount TO nearly 1,400. DAILY and
hourly are men cut down in the prime OF life
by tins railway mlsmanagement. Fully sixty
per cent. of these casualties are occasloned by
the displacement or breakage Of rails, which
imperiectons could be remedied by reasonable
supervision and frequent inspection.
1t is the duty OF the statesmen OF the Repub-
lican party to take charge OF this movement,
and to provide adequate remedies. 4 Con-
gressional committee TO take into consideration
the question of intercontinental transportion
by water routes is in session during the recess.
and we hope they will give 10 the country
scientific and well-matured report, worthy
Of the important subject upon which II
treats, and If they should not be successful we
advise the creation of permanent commission.
The result OF the labors of board OF steam
boat commissioners upon our inland marine
has been an immense saving OF hfe and prop
erty, and we see no sufficient reason n why an
analogous commission should not be applied to
the protection Of life and property Oh AL the
railroads of the country, and also to inter-
oceanic trade and travel
There are few questions with which the
stateman is called upon TO deal that present so
many difficulties than the one under discussion.
Legislation OF a revengeful character. and
which would work injury to railroads as such,
or cripple them when they are well managed,
and that would cut down freghts and fares
below living rates Is neither for the best inter-
ests Of the country nor would it meet With the
sanction OF public opinion. Neither Congress
nor the State Legislatures are IN possession OF
sufficient data 10 determine with certainty
what the rates OF fare ought 10 be- and we
hope that before anything is undertaken
beginning viii be made at the foundation. The
press can, By giving its attention to these facts
and viewing the question from an objective
and unpreiudiced standpoint. contribute largely
to its proper solution.
We assure the farmers OF the West that it is
the disposition of all citizens who are not di-
rectly or pecUniarly Interested in railways to
aid them in tins cause and to sympathise with
them in this struggle, aud every attempt to
teach them that the mechsulcai and profess
slonl classes are unfI1endly and no. TO be
trusted should be treated as an iusidious sug-
gestion from the enemy. Whatsoever is tor
their best interests is for the best interests Of
all. Their gain Is our gain their prosperity is
our prosperity, and, therefore, all classes,
without distinction OF occupation, ought to be
invited to consider this momeptous subject, 80
that 1t may De wisely adjusted.