The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-11-29
A New csntraiixat1on scheme.


a supposed popular cord, the subject has
been advocated in some sections with
more zeal than others, but in all the
essentials there is a marked unanimity of
argument, sameness of language which
savors of directing head centre, from
which all draw the Inspiration. There can
be no question that the ultimate purpose
of the Republican party is to centraIize
the power of the government and thereby
place the party in an almost impregnable
position for perpetuation of political
power. They care not how it is brought
about--it Is the ultimatum which they
desire and will have, too. unless the ten
dency to centralizs power is condemned by
the people. Nearly twenty years OF party
supremacy has made the Republican man
ayers avaricious. They have Toasted on
the government patronage so long, that
they begin Ito believe that Office is theirs
BY divine right, and any attempt to wrest
from them the power they possess. Is des-
perately contested They see the grip
surely weakening, and realize that
the only means of safety tor the
Republican party (they tell the people it
is the country. but they lie about it, is
to build up a central government which shall
be so powerful. so supported by political
patronage that to change parties would be
almost impossible 1t is not that the Re
publican party fears war. or that the
country is in danger. that national sup
remacy is advocated-they don't believe
word of it-not one of them-but it Is be-
cause the Republican party managers
have got the grip on the government spoils.
and that they are determined TO retain
control no matter what means be employ
ed to secure the desired end. This is the
reason why the railroad transfer scheme is
so earnestly advocated At first glance 1t
appears to the casual reader a fair PROPOSE
ton. 1t apparently holds out golden
opportunity to lessen the corporate power
of our wealthy railroad mpanies, and in
their desire to weaken the influence of
close corporate power and bring the cor
poratious nearer to the masses, the people
at first look favorably upon the measure as
Offering a sure means of relief. If the
transfer were advocated with an honesty
of purpose, these stalwart managers
could be forgiven, but their aim is SO
plainly apparent, that it should be ex-
posed aud the true inwardness of the
measure made plain.
In the first place the government could
not assume control of the railroads except
by purchase. The government has no
more right to compel transfer of railroad
than has an individual. To accomplish
the proposed transfer Of all the railroads
of the United States, would require hund :
reds of millions of dollars. This sum
would have 10 be raised by a loan with
interest, TO cover which would require the
issue of bonds to the amount of the pur
chase money-which alone is sufficient
objection, for TO issue more bonds would
be dire calamity to the country. Then
again, even if the terms of purchase were
agreed upon BY the government as the
party of the first part, the railroad corpo-
rstions as the party of the second part
could object. and no doubt would Ii they
did-the transfer would of necessity fail.
because there is no power under the con-
stitution to compel such transfer, and even
should an amendment be made and rati
fed, it would be tested in the Supreme
Court aud would be set aside beyond
question. for any amendment which tends
to lessen the rights of individuals is extra
judicial, and consequently null and void
There is still more potent reason
why the transfer of the railroads
to governmental control would be
fraught with danger to the people, and
that is the tendency to centralize the power
of the government and curtail the rights
of individuals and states. The govern
ment of the United States is already vest
ed with all the power which the safety of
the Republic requires ind to enlarge the
scope of governD entail control would be a
dangerous step toward centralization-a
step which all liberty loving people should
contest as detrimental TO the safety of our
republican institutions. There seems to
be settled determination with the Re-
publican press and managers to build up
a sentiment in favor of more power in the
government To hasten the consumma-
ton OF their project, which is nothing less
than Capitalization, the people are being
taught to believe in state of affairs which
does not exist. Well concocted stories of
the limited power of the federal authority
are sent broadcast as truth. and, if ques-
toned add exposed, with one accord The |
partisan stalwart press rushes to the res |
cue, and with the brszen etfrontery Tor |
which they have e reputation seldom |
equalled and never excelied, the lie is |
and, to make it appear more plau- |
is added to and renewed with even more |
vehemence than at first. In this matter |
of governmental control of railroads and |
companies, the people. naturally |
to corporations, are easily led as
tray as to the real purpose of theRepublican
leaders. Il ray of hope of speedy relief
FROM real or financial wrong is held forth
and at first may be eagerly embraced. but
when the subject is properly understood
by the people. instead of supporting this
latest Republican scheme will condemn it
as heartily as thew at first unheId II The |