Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-03-08
THE II. 4 o. RAILRoAp.
THE ISSUE MADE,

There has In all ages peen ruio Vi
ruin spirit, and with those who have
undertaken to exercise it unto them ruin
has generally come, So with the Baiti-
more and Ohio Railroad Company. For
years, with the aid of Baltimore City, it
ruled the State of Maryland, until she
had to punish it with quo ,earranto.
SO with our little State, which doubtless
owes its existence in great degree to
the unhallowed plann;ugs Of the leading
spirits of this road, have aided by SUBJ
sidized press and profession, arbitrarily
ruled us until we have been forced TO
quo warranio proceeding to establish
our rights as sovereign State to con-
troll those within our borders. We pre-
sumo the first question to be settled is
whether the State has the authority or
power to regulate the charges for carry
ing freight and passengers by corpor-
ated company which is common car
rier. This question, We think, has been
pretty definitely settled. Secondly,
whether privilege granted is irreyoca-
BILE. Thirdly, whether it is unconstitu.
,ional for a succeeding Legislature to
annul, repeal or modify the acts Of a
preceding one. Fourth, whether it is
not the imperative duty of State 10
foster its enterprises, and protect its Cit
liens from the imposition and extortion
of a corporation whose acts are impair
ing their material prosperity, What
pronpts migration from our territory,
or prevents the emigrant from coming
among US, more than the fact that he
can get the products of his labor carried
from points far west of us to market for
less than We can. What checks the
utilizing OF those grand natural facilities
with which we have been so highly ia
vored, for most all character OF manu-
factoring purposes, more than the extra
cost of shipments Of the article produ-
ced within our boundaries, over those
from other points more distant. We
are told that Notwithstanding our terri
tory is used for highway, that our for
ests may rot, our manufactures may die
out, and the products of our soil may
decay on our hands, unless we submit
10 higher taxation for their transporta-
ton than those who are further from
the market, but are favored with conf
petitive transportation facilities. Now,
We want to see the equity Of these posi-
lions tried, and we hope that the pas
sions of the people Of our State may be
properly controlled until they are tried,
as their magpanimity has been tested
by being taxed to protect the property
of those who now indulge spirit Of re-
renge towards us.
A word to those apologists among us
for the aos of this company. Have you
ever reflected upon the comparative cost
of producing grain, or grazing steer,
here and in the western States? And
then attempt to justify this company in
charging us more for shipping our pro-
ducts than those hundreds of miles fur
tAer of. We do not know how we can
better serve or enlighten our readers as
to the injurious effects upon the bust
ness of the people OF our State than by
publishing the testimony taken by the
late railroad committee.
In conclusion, We would say to those
of our State who cannot avail them
selves Ct competitive transportation, re-
~ upon your manhood, walk, ride, wag
on or boat, and drive your steer, as you
did in days before railroads.