The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-09-30

ED. STAR: The indications of the times ara
such as to declare that private citizens have nc
rights that q railroad corporation is bound ia
respect. But of all the outrages committed
upon private rights, that perpetrated by what
claims to be an Incorporated company for
building q narrow gauge railroad out to West
wood, is the most brazen and unconscionablc.
1t is well understood that the whole scheme
OF the corporation Gf it is one) is to enable y
few men to indulge in speculation with village
lots 10 this end company has seizei upon,
and taken forcible possession of, the property
of individuals along the proposed route, with
out even the ceremony Of asking leave or offer.
ing compensation. 1t is generally supposed
that the Constitution OF Ohio has ordained that
'.when private property shall be taken for pub
lie usc q compensation shall nrst be made IN
money or first secured by deposit OF money;
and such compensation shall be assessed Dy u
jury"
But what cares this Westwood Company for
suah slnall matters as the Constitution? Moth
ing at all. So they proceed at a midnight hour
TO lay down fictitious track, over which
common handle II could not travel. In doings
this they tear down fences; throw open private
gardens and Enclosures, exposing them TO
waste and destruction, without ever consulting
the owners about the right of way. They ap-r
propriate the public streets and highway to
their own use without the vestige Of authority,
or even the common ciyility Of asking permis-
sion.
When tho citizens and property holders who
ase injured by their high-handed outrages,
meet peaceably together TO consult ana re-
monstrate against such violation OF prlvate
rights, a band Of men, hitherto in high stand
ing, and their employees, most OF them
neither residents nor property-hoiders OF the
vicinity, are summoned to be present. and un-
der the lead Of an attorney skilled IN
the rogues law Of roilce Conrt praSa aSa
company's proceedings. And these fesolu--
tions. that in no manner represented the views
Of the citizens and dprOperty holders OF the VI
cinity, were published by the same paroies az
the sense Of the meeting tnen convened. so 10
becomes evident that what has been seized by
| the stong hand of violence these parties intend
| to hold by falsehood and audacity.
| In presenting these outrages to the notice OF
| the public, the residents affected thereby arc
not moved by opposition to the construction
| of steam railroad from Westwoods tnciI
opposition arises from the violent anq
unlawful measures resortea ,ES,;c,, 10, 1h,s Nv
proposed route must cause 70 inc
| highway travel in that direction. Approachlng
/ the intersection and crossing Oh thc turnplke,
this proposed railroad runs ior "
fra vel must be rendered exceedingly dangerous
TO human life by reason Of Frightening horses
| by the locomotive. Moreover, TINS being upon
la hillside, aud around curve, the engine can
not be SEEN far enough in advance to be avoid.
ed by any one driving vehicle on tEe turn
/ pike, thus forming trap into which the trav-
cling public must inevitably fall, to the lmmL.
nent danger OF being dashed down prccipice
| by frightened horses. Nor Is there any side
street or highway whereby this driving along
The side OF the locomotive can possibly be
avoided.
It is understood that the com aany assigned
| as their reason for SEEING upon the lands thu,
taken for their sham road in the night season
was that they feared an Injunction. " nat ad4 I
i vantage can accrue to them IN this regard ~
such proceedings OF violence and an attempted
| fraud upon the law, may yet be a question loi
the Courts to determine. The main purpose ot
| the meeting referred to was to consult as to
| the best method in Which tnesc matters couli
be la Id before the city authorities, and peace,
ably ask protection against this forcble and
unlawful invasion Of their rights. Bas in this
the meeting was disappointed by reason OF tlis
boisterous crowd called to produce disturb.
ance and confusion. JUSTICE :
/ CINCINNATI, Sept, 10.