The Grange advance., 1874-07-22

or oppression" but complains that they
have done it in this way. He oug ght to
remember that he and Mr.. DonneXy.
"sot'' in the Legislature last winter,
and if there is any better way to "pre-
vent fraud or oppression it was GER
tainly their duty to point it out, and in
failing to do so they have virtually ac-
knowledged that this, under the circum:
stances, was the only practical way that
could be devised, and in standing back
and whining without pointing out a
better way he is following in the wake
Of the old "copperhead" element. and
reminds one forcibly Of the Irishman
sentenced to be hung for murder. He
acknowledged that the sentence was
just, but whined pitifully to think he
must be hung upon the scafold, and
begged SO piteously for permission to Sc
lect tree upon which to be hung, that
the Judge finally yielded and granted
the permission. He quickly responded
Il will choose gooseberry tree your
honor" And I have no doubt if Pres
ident Drake were permitted to select Il
tree upon which to hang Monopoly: he
would select a '' GooseJerry tree, but
the people will not permit themselves
to be duped by his piteous vail.
And now few words with reference
to brakes repudiation and have done.
He says: :'She," (the State of Min
nesota) = has to-day over two millions
of bonds, practically repudiated, and
scarce voice from the pulpit, down, is
raised in favor Of their honest pay
ment." Now Drake knows full we'll
that there never was more villianous
fraud perpetrated upon any people than
the one which secured from the State
those bonds without rendering any
equivalent. That it was premeditat-
ed robbery and that many Of the pres
ent holders were either party to the
fraud or conversant with the facts, and
that in justice, such parties are not en-
titled TO one farthing for their interest
in said bonds. He also knows that, at
the time this question was being ag-
itated with a view to settlement upon
the basis Of the cost to the present
holders, some of the best legal talents
Of the State expressed the opinion that
the present holders of the franchises of
the old road, were legally and justly
holden for the payment Of the old
bonds, and he ought to know, that had
it not been for that opinion the people
of Minnesota would have endeavored
to effect settlement upon that basis,
hence do not deserve his brand of re-.
pudiators. But since the question of
the railroad companies responsibility
has been adversely settled by the courts,
and since Mr.. Drake is so anxious about
an honest settlement to free the State
of the stain Of reputation, let me ask
why it is that we have not heard his
voice until now when it can do no good?
The State has paid him for sixty days
services as Legislator, and that would
have. been splendid time to preach
sermons of honesty and economy, and
that he failed to do it, is certainly not
the fault Of the State of Minnesota.
Again he says: =" When bonuses
are voted they are repudiated upon the
slightest pretext." Let US look at this
moment. Towns are frequently called
upon to vote aid to build competing
lines Of railroads. The inducement is
held out that as soon as a new or COM
peting line can be built ffeights will be
very much reduced +; that it is merely
advancing a few thousand dollars to &C.
cure to themselves many thousands in
the way Of competition, and the verbal
guarantee is almost invariably made by
the bonus agents that this road so.N not
consolidate. But notwithstanding these