The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-06-21

for the safety and permanency of our insti-
tutions To consider the vast interests in
volved by such measure, passed in such
manner as it was, stealthily. without sin
gle warning voice, and under the dictation
and influence of foreign country, must be
the subject of modification and of wonder
to our people who understand the duties of
the representatives of free people.
/ The wrong in the passage Of the law has
no. been rebuked by either political party,
but on the contrary has been upheld by
both the great political parties, until the
voice of the people is being heard, speak
ing in tones of admonition, and the signs
of the times now indicate unwilling obedi-
ence to the will of the people by the part
les seeking power from them, !
The introduction of system of Nation |
al banks by laws of Congress, located in
the different States, and most of them for
mere domestic purposes without being ne
cessary in the administration of the affairs
of the Government of the United States,
presents a very grave constitutional ques
ton, and one of vital interest to the peo-
pie.
The legislation of Cong ess upon the
finances of the country in the interests of
bankers and the capitalists of the country,
in my Judgment, makes the path of duty TO
every citizen plain. The only safety to
insure fair and impartial legislation in
Congress upon the financial matters of the
Government is to exterminate every sys-
TEN Of banking in any way, directly or in
, directly, effected by Congressional legisla-
i tion.
, The action of Congress upon the bill
"to strengthen the public credit" passed
March, 1869, must satisfy every reasonable
] mind of the importance of Withholding
] from members OF Congress the power to vote
: money into their own pockets, as was done
e in this case, for it is very certain that a
:. large proportion of the members of Con-
}, gress, aiding in the passage of the mea-
Y sure, were bankers and stockholders in the
r. National banks, and personally interested
q in the bill The authors and abettors in
e this infamous measure should have been
l. rebuked and consigned to private life, as
!. unworthy the confidence of an intelligent
II people, but instead of this the author OF
the bill was rewarded by appointment to
one of the highest and most responsible
positions within the gift of the Chief
Magistrate.
st In considering and reviewing the finan.
\ cial policy of the United States during the
- rebellion and since the restoration of peace
IS in relation to the public debt in cured
h thereby, the impartial his organ must, in
ID truth, be compelled TO record its part the
=. fact that capital has not done its part ir
the great struggle; that while the blood OF
IS the common people was shed with un'
+ restricted profusion to save the life of the
er Nation, the capital of the country had it,
h own sway, making money ont of the mis-
:: fortunes of the republic.
Is No pen can picture the sacrifice and suf
ne fering of the common people Of this coun
" try during our fratricidal war, and for thi
No they are entitled to the administration of s
just, impartial and pure Government, af
10 fording protection to the humblest, ant
D. imposing its burdens equally and impair
he TALLY upon all alike, without special legis
IT. lation in the interest of any class.
j., If the financial policy of the Govern
- ment of the United States shall be contin
ued as now indicated, with no "step back
a ward" general bankruptcy to the debto
at class is inevitable. The Independent mel
of Ohio have banded together to avert th
.s impending storm and they appeal to tn
III free men of the country to rise above part
he to save what is now left. The professe
od purpose of resumption in January, 1879,
a delusion which must be apparent t
71 every rejecting and candid mind, consid
s.S ering all the circumstances connected wit
ly the subject. There are some wrongs in tn
nj legislation of the State demanding th
ne consideration of its people.
'al The railroads of the State have becon
en- powerful in influence, and while the facili
IL les afforded by them ought TO be daily al
he preoiated and these corporation justly dea
he with every safeguard should be interpose
lat to prevent abuses which are liable to resu
from their immense business relations wit
the public.
The custom of issuing free passes
Officers of the State, including Legislator
10, ought to be prohibited by law, for there
n neither justice nor propriety in those co
porations giving away that which just
belongs to the stockholders. The faciliti
afforded to the legislators by means of fir
nd passes-enables its members to carry
business at home and at odd spells at Il
capital to vote on measures not well CO.
'ur sidercd.
ous There is great cause of complaint on a
DUR count of too much improvident legislatit
w. in Ohio. To refer in detail to it for Il
'A' last few years would occupy much tin
and paper. The result is litigation al
cen uncertainty in relation to the rights al
do duties of the citizen under these laws.
our To correct these wrongs it is my purpo
o,u to ask the cooperation of the voters
o' Ohio. STEPHEN JOHNSTON.