The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-12

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hHetghty commodities. Its cost is what chiefly.
constitutes the difference between the value Of
land near and remote from markets. With 4
wide separation Of production from consumption,
tereets upon common carriers, both the value of
ducts become eco. thus in the absence Of lawful
the combined power of those who determine
treights at their pleasure. There are certainly.
few functions pertaining to valid authority, the
obligatory than that which concerns the just de-
tormlna!,on OF the respective rights Of producers
While the enforcement Of impartial justice be-
embraced IN tariff rates, Is attended with formtd-
able dlmculties esteem it cause for public con-
gratGlat ton that the fundamental principle vest
ture, has been asserted in such unmistakable
terms BY the highest judicial authority of the
State 1t this decision shall be affirmed by the
at large may well rest content. The victory will
have been substantially theirs.
Inc corrective power being thus placed clearly
within reach they can well afford to accord con-
siderate treatment to corporations to which the
public prosperity is much indebted. The asser-
in was
as 2 precaution against the inevitable evils re-
sulting from the exercise of irresponsible power.
The simple assertion Of such sovereignty will
probably nave had every effect intended or de.
sired. With that mutual forbearance which will
be the dictate Of wise policy either side it is
not probable that its reassertion or the detailed
restrictions resulting from 1t, will soon be re.
CURED: Danger from that source being thus
averted 1t becomes generous and grateful peo-
PIE to pursue policy of liberal forbearance to-
ward organizations through whose agency the
public welfare has been 80 Enthusiastically and
continuously subserved.
Through their enterprising and liberal policy of
anticipating the development OF the country and
lorestalilng ITS wants, they have fastened the
settlement and cultivation of wide frontier areas
which would otherwise have remained indefinitely
an unproductive wilderness.
In the pursuit Of this policy, they have become
involved In embarrassments which call for the
same considerate action that often successfully
marks the wise management Of private affairs.
We should not forget that Minnesota is the pros
porous offspring Of that enlightened system of
land grants i'll aid Of railroads, which seems to
fits alike doners and recipients, the State as
dispensing trustee, and the people at large. as
ultimate benefciaries: From the happy results Of
struclion OF our railroads, may we not obtain
hint for their wise, practical management
The actual identity of interests, apparently
conflicting, it is believed, can be nowhere more
susceptible OF practical exempliication than
in the reciprocal advantages of a wise adjust
ment OF the claims and obligations of producers
and carriers. Motives of simple policy not
less than those inspired by love OF tair dealing,
require such just treatment of railroad inter-
ests as will reassure the alarmed capital en-
barked in them, and induce its re entrance
into our State for the completion and extern
sion OF the comprehensive railroad system so
essential to its welfare.
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.
The importance of the subject induces me
to direct attention to the condition and pros
poets of the Northern Pacific railroad No
State, with the possible exception of Oregon.
has so much at stake as Minnesota, III the
early completion OF that great work; and it
aforjs me pleasure to be able to congratulate
our people upon the improved prospect Of tie
company charged with its prosecution.
Instead of resorting to tedious and expen-
sive adjustment OF their interests through
receiver, or wasting their substance in litiga-
ton, the various parties concerned ouietly
came together in spirit Of Cancellation, and
effected q speedy and economical settlement,
the result OF which is that the reorganized
peted road and the large landed domain ap-
pertaining thereto, wholly free from debt
The road in its structure and appointments is
unsurpassed by any in the country. It trav-
erses region from Duluth to Bismarck I'M
equalled on the continent in wheat growing ca
pacity, which is bordered on the north BY the
rapidly settling Canadian province OF Manito-
carry the road into the heart of the rich min
ing Territory Of Montana, and thus furnish an
additional market Tor the agricultural pro-
ducts of the, State, and greatly aid the general
government in the difficult transportation of
Indian and army supplies to that inaccessible
region. On all accounts the construction OF at
least the additional section of 500 miles should
he pushed with the least practicable delay
The portions OF the road already completed
are paying their expenses and give an earnest
OF what the greater work will do for the coun-
The land grant of the company will expire
in 1877, and in view of the Sacrifices made by
the men Of faith and. enterprise who
have literally contributed to the
work, in :. view of >, the: COM
mendable disposition they have shown to-
help themselves in surrounding difficulties :;
considering the vast scope of the enterprise !;
the munifcent aid already extended to the I'm
ion and Central Pacific roads, and the concerted
effort being made for the extreme Southern
line, we have right to expect kindly treat
ment at the hands Of the, general government
from whom there should at least be no difficult
tY in securing renewal Of the grant. l COM
mend the matter to such favorable action by
resolution or memorial as you may deem ad-
visable in furtherance of the object desired.
NAVIGATION. w
desire to call yonr attention t. the interests
of the people in regard to perfecting the navi-
CATION Of the Mississippi river and its tributa-
rie$, now in progress uader the auspices OF the
other States lying between the Alleghanies
and the Rocky Mountains, our leading pro-
ductions are bulky in their nature and to be-
made remunerative must have cheap and easy
access to the markets of the world.
A generation has passed since the work of