The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-29
international Railroad Bonds Ina the
Senate.

The strongest and most ably contested
question that has been before the Senate
this session is now under discussion. 1t was
brought before that body by report of
Committee on Internal Improvements AS a
substitute for the House Bill donating
twenty sections of land per mile to the In
ternational Railroad, in lieu of the bonds
granted them by the last Legislature.
The substitute grants the railroad bonds
as under their charter, for the distance from
Jefferson to San Antonio, which reduces
the bonds from six millions to about three
and one-half millions, and no lands for the
balance of the road. The question thus far
has been ably discussed, many of the Sena-
tors participating and clearly demonstrat-
ing by their earnest efforts in the defence
of their views, that this question has Il
strong claim on public attention, and in
deed, this fact no one well informed can
doubt. Thus far the discussion has been
conducted with dignity and fairness highly
cOmmendable, and which, if continued, will
certainly reach just and equitable cOnclu-
siR. Senator Latimer, of Red River, made
very earnest effort against the bonds, and
in his usually eloquent and humorous style,
defined his position.
He closed his impressive speech 10y refer
ring to an incident in the life of Sampson,
which he said was from Shakespear, or the
Bible, although he was inclined to the be-
II lit was from the former Senator King,
81 Kendall, delivereda forcible and pointed
speech in favor of the compromise pro-
posed by the substitute setting forth the
Importance SS4he road bShrIi ,,--Dl4lad to
So - Developing that part o oa.
st f4F>f ali E57lroad saciIi-
~ II she'd the injustice of the
road seTng left with its present termini-
injustice, not only to the company, but to
the people of the State. Senator billiard.
of Cherokee, made forcible onslaught on
the report of the committee, railroad money
subsidies and ALL and announced his inten-
tion to carry the war down to the regions
of old Pluto. He was eloquent in his de-
nunciations and unmistakable in his posi-
ton in reference to the International, now
and for all time to come. Senator Word.
of Anderson, made a fOrciblc and earnest
appeal to all Senators to vote for the
report AMI to make ii more definitely and
clearly cover the ground, and secure per
manent settlement with the company
offered an amendment that placed the mat
ter beyond doubt. He deprecated repudi-
alton, which might be the result, if the
courts decided the bonds valid, and the
whole six millions due with accumulated
interest, had to he paid. He wanted to
save the people the payment of at least two
and One-half millions of the debt. Senator
Finlay, of Calhoun, made one of his happi-
est efforts in behalf of the committee re
portt. He luc:dly eXpounded the constitu-
tionality of the bonds of the road. both in
form and fact, and that no decision as yet
in any of the courts cast even Il doubt on
their validity. In eloquent and glowing
language he portrayed the great advant-
ages of the completion of the road from
Jefferson to San Antonio. and the certain
completion Sin Il few years of the road to
Mazatlan, on the Pacific, and the vast trade
it would attract through the State, this
route being the nearest and best route
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and des-
tined, when completed, to be the great ma
tional thoroughfare
Her deprecated reputation as M eternal
brand of shame, which he did mot wish
to fasten on the noble State of Texas, and
in the compromise offered i'll the report and
amendment the way was clear to prevent
this disgrace and reduce the State debt at
least two and one-half millions of dol
lars. With this record he was willing to
meet his constituents, and more than will
ing to meet any who might hunt him down
for the vote he intended to cast on this
question. He said legislation was the sci
ence of compromise, the yielding of prefer
ences and opinions for the general good.
Senate adjourned with Senator Pickett,
of Liberty, on the floor.