The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-12
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS

1t appears, now, more than probable
that the great question Of "nternal i'm
provements" by the general government, is
to occupy the attention of Congress and
the country. The resurrection of this sub
ject, as it may be proper to term it, has its
origin in what is known as the FARMERS
movement" at the west--at least, so far rs
that movement looks to u reduction of
freights from the granaries of the west to
the sea board of the east. The matter took
shape in the House of Representatives.
Monday, by the passage of a resolution, in
troduccd by Mr. Smith, of Ohio--a repuli-
can and n MISUNDERSTANDING, in substance,
sit to be within the constitutional power of
Congress- by law so to regulate commerce
among the states IA to protect that portion
of internal commerce which is among the
several states from all unjust or oppressive
tolls, taxes, distractions, or other burdens
whether imposed by railroad companies or
by combinations thereof, or by other COM
mon carriers, and that the present condi-
ton and magnitude of the commerce
among the states demands the prompt and
wise exercise of those powers and duties
Upon its introduction, the rules were su5-
pended and the resolution adopted by q
vote Of one hundred and seventy in the af-
iirmatvc. and sXty-four in the negative.
An analysis of the vote shows that the re-
pubicans voted almost solidy in its favor,
while the democracy were almost equally
united in opposition thereto. This, 10 be
sure. is but declaration of opinion 1t IS
not action upon distinct project, to be
carried into practical action now or at fu-
iure time. 1t il nevertheless not the less
suggestive. From it, ii Is evident that q
naiority of the House OF Representatives
believe in the constitutional right of the
general government to engage in, and car
ry forward general system Of, ''interual
improvements. This question being, now
opc of the present day, one that must he
considered, discussed and acted upon by
;lc people Of to-day and their representa-
tives, il becomes Of vita, importance that ii
ShpNlt W unNcletONu ou ihi ~ iidJ w. Va
many Years it was n question that poliiicl
unexpectedly aspirants to the presidency
trembled when its consideration was ap-
preached. 1t made and unmade Senators,
Representatives, Governors, and, even,
Presidents and Vice Presidents For many
years, since that time, other issues have
agitated the country, and this has been suf-
fcred to remain at rest, only, as is shown,
to spring forth fully armed on the tenth
day of February, A. d., 1874. We pro.
pose, from time to time, in brief articles,
to consider the history of the question and
the reasons urged tor the exercise Of this
power by Congress. We have, this morn
ing, only time and space to state, in oul
own language, the constitutional provisions
relied upon to show that this right and power
rests in Congress. BY tho constitution, i
is provided that Congress shall have powe
to establish post offices and post-roads de
clare war, regulate commerce with forelgI
nations, among the states, and with Indian
tribes to provide for the common defence
and general welfare to dispose OF ant
make needful rules, etc. In reference to tn