The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1873-07-11

ii 1t could be lnaugurated, also, remeuy o.
existing evils. In taking this view Of inc
matter, however, the vastness of the inter-
ests already invested looms up into proml'
nence. If these interests should combine
to prevent competition, we tremble for the
future of our country We have no fears
but that the action of the courts VIII Dc
right we wish that we were as certain
that their decisions would be respected,
acquesced in, and submitted to. Courts
must decide according to the law and con-
stitution. In the judicial determination OF
questions, arising out of these complica-
tions, the fact stares us in the face, that the
people and legislatures aoillingly conferred
rights, powers, and, in some instances, eN-
elusive privileges upon individuals-torln-
ing them into corporations-in orde' % on
tain ranrt,ad facilities. In thfle tarly DAYS,
It would not have made much difference
what was asked, it would have been grant
ed with avidity, if so be it could be shown
that it was necessary for obtaining rail
road. An instance of this may be found
in the original charter of the Vermont Cen
trail railroad company, eXmpting them
from taxation forever. Hapily for Yer
mont, however, that clause IS now abro-
gated by the passing of the control Of the
road from that corporation to the Central
Vermont railroad company. So it may be
found in some of the earle charters, that
ercl,tsige rights to carry passengers and
freight, between certain poins, were grant
ed to certain corporations. When the at
tempt has been made to provid, for the con-
struction of competing lines, yen in this
State, the application has been met by the
claim of ''vested rights" and an outcry
raised against 'parallel railroads" 1t
would, in our judgment, puzzle wiser men
than those comprising our courts, to dis
cover how parallel railroad could inter
fere with vested right more than a paral-
lei bank, but the claim and cry has pre-.
vented competition even in Vermont.
This question, however, must, sooner OF
later, be met and settled 1t were better
for the parties interested, and for the honor
of the country, that it should be considered
and met calmly, nationally and dispassion
ately. There is, indeed, no reason why il
should not be so met and settled The
issue-as distinct issue-cannot. be forced
h.Nt,N For tit,Nn to ,,1 -, I,,,
time, let us prepare for the inevitable In
a contest where the lights of the people arc
ranged upon one side, the result cannot
even for moment, be doubtful. The safe
ty of the people has been declared to be
higher than all law, and so it is, for govern.
ments are organized to assure that safety.
There ought to be, as we have said, no Con.
test or question about it. There will De
and can be none, if reason and common
sense. control the Sssas Ils-,Ianger.
danger there should be. will he the result
of combination of the vast railroad inter
est into monopoly, for the purpose d
crushing all attempts at competition, ant
exacting what they please. The excite
ment now prevailing in Illinois will yiel(
to reason, and succumb to equity and jus
tice. If these corporations suffer, it will
be from their own madness. Our interest
in this matter is chiefly as a national ques
tion. We have no particular fears that te
railroad men of Vermont will attempt to
override or oppress the people. The man
ayers of Vermont railroads, with an eXcep,
tion or two, are, and must be, with us, Of
us and from us. Their interests are our in.
terests, and our interests are their Interests,
and we trust that it will always remain So
1t certainly will if the people and press re
main constantly on the watch tower, ready
to proclaim and denounce the first ap-
proach of danger, no matter from where
or by whom it may be threatened.