Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1881-01-16
THE HALF MILLION n


AFNVN A0s y"
EDIToR SENTINEL: 1t has been an open
secret in this community for a few weeks
that q number Of "prominent citizens "
OF Eastern Nevada, consisting Of business
men, lawyers, Judges, Capitalists, "ex-con-
gressmen, lobbyists and politicians Of
both parties, had resolved to build a rail-
road from Eureka to some point in Utah,
or elsewhere. 1t seems from the dispatch
to the SENTINEL that this syndicate Qet us
call it by that name, If you please, rather
than ring), has made the first movement
in the scheme, by the introduction of 9
bill by Senator Perley, of White Pine.
This bill proposes to donate to these
q prominent citizens the sum Of five
hundred thousand dollars from the treas
uries of the counties Of Eureka, White
Pine and Lincoln. Although there is q
provision in the law giving to each county
railroad stock in lieu Of bonds, anybody
familiar with these matters well knows that
the counties will never reap any benefit
from such stock, but that in time the first
bonds and mortgages will eat it all up. 1t
is the old story of railroad subsidies over
again. These are simply springes to catch
w~oodcocks."
The Perley bill gives one hundred thou
sand dollars in money, or bonds, from Eu-
reka county to build not more than twelve
miles Of railroad in this county-nearly
ten thousand dollars per mile for q sub
sidy as far as Eureka county is concerned.
When it is remembered that o narrow
gauge railroad can be built at a price from
81, 900 to Sc. 900 per mile, this appears like
a pretty good starter for our prominent
citizens" The poor, insolvent and tax
| ridden counties of White Pine and Eureka
are each compelled to give the sum Of two
hundred thousand dollars to this new rail
road company.
The question occurs. are the people and
taxpayers of these counties willing to give
this large sum of money for a rail-
road project Of this kind? 1t is
we'll to look into these matters in
advance, and not to wait until the money
is out of the treasury, or the Indebtedness
fastened ON the counties.
1t had been supposed by most people
that the question of railroad subsidy had
been laid at rest. Both political parties
throughout the land have long since re-
solved against it. and there is not a legis-
lative body in the United States--save posi-
bly, that OF Nevada-which would entertain
sAC wv " HNAO v a
moment.
The history OF railroad subsidy in Neva-
da is we'll known The counties along the
line Of the Virginia and Truckee railroad
are now laboring under heavy taxes to pay
the interest on railroad bonds, while the
people Of Lander county are making an
attempt to relieve themselves OF the op-
pressive burdens of taxation by attacking
the legality Of the bonds themselves. ITO
be forewarned is to be forearmed." II the
people and taxpayers OF these three east
ern counties are in favor Of railroad sub
sides, if they are willing to be taxed in
order to present these prominent citi-
zens" with half a million of dollars, let
them say SO now; but let them hereafter
hold their peace when the day of Judgment
and payment comes.
The day Of subsidized railroad schemes
has past and gone in this country.
Even in the halls Of Congress, where the
monster held out until about a year ago,
its head has been lowered forever. Rail-
roads are now built as the needs OF the
country require. If a road will pay plenty
of capital will be found to build it. The
Eureka & Palisade Railroad was built with
out the aid Of Eureka county. The rail-
road from the Mound House south, to-
wards Colorado, has no subsidy, and is be-
Ing punt % last as possible. Inc Austin
Railroad will soon be extended south with
out the aid OF counties. Are the people Of
these three counties SO overburdened with
money that they can afford to invest it in
railroads built by this syndicate2
Warning is hereby given to the promot-
ers Of this railroad subsidy scheme-the
politicians and prominent citizens'' Of
both parties who are at the head Of the
measure-that the day of reckoning will
come that hereafter they will have to &C.
account to the people for introducing SUBJ
sidy legislation again at Carson.
"The mills of the gods grind slowly" and
the subsidy politician will find a record for
himself that even the association of prom
inent citizens" Of both parties win not
wipe out. The course Of the Senators and
Assemblymen of the 'Great East will be
closely watched. II they favor this SUBJ
sidy each Of them will have a chance to
explain his vote when he meets the ''dear
people" again.
"Be sure you are right and then 60
ahead" Is the advice Of
ANTI-SuBsrDY.