New-York tribune., 1882-03-04
MR. SEYMOUR AND TIE CANALS.

Probably 10 man in this State has devoted
more attention to the canal problem, in all It's
phases. than HOrato Seymour He began to
study the subject as long ago as 1S42, when
he was member of the Legislature, and he
has taken a deep and comprehensive interest
in it ever since.
Mr. Seymour has just addressed letter to
the chairman of the Canal Committee of the
Assembly, which, as expressive of the opinion
of one having authority, cannot but carry
great weight. The letter is devoted to outlin-
ing reasons why the canals should be free.
Last winter, as our readers are aware the Leg
islature remitted the tolls upon western-bound
freight Mr. Seymour takes the ground that all
canal tolls ought to be remitted. To adopt this
policy, lie argues, would only be to do as
well by the canals as the State has already
done by the railroads Originally the railroads
were prohibited from carrying freight, were
required to pay tolls to the canals, and were
subjected to other burdens which they are no
longer required to carry. Relieving them OF
such burdens has worked to the advantage of
the people, and the question now is, says Mr..
Seymour Shall the State be as wise and liberal
toward its own canals as it has been toward
its railroad corporations?
The Ex-Governor has a conclusive answer
for those who hold that the pending amend
ment to the Constitution providing for free
canals is simply a proposition to require all
the people to support the canals instead of
those who use them. As he looks ut it, the
object of the amendment is not alone to relieve
the boatmen and save our canals, but to
tighten taxation in every part OF the State.
On this point Mr.. Seymour says, and his words
deserve the careful consideration of those who
OPPOSE the amendment When our canals
were first projected, they were opposed be-
"cause it was feared that, while they might
"beneGt some sections, they would injure
"others away from their lines. This proved
Ito be the reverse of truth. The wise way
"to tighten taxation is to add to the wealth
"and prosperity of the community. Since the
"completion OF canals, the ratio OF taxation
"upOn the extreme northern and southern
"scctions of New-York has been reduced,
"whle the markets for their products have
"been improved and enlarged"
A third strong point made by Mr.. Seymour
is that the valuation of the City of NcwYO YOrk
and Kings County has increased so greatly be-
cause of the canals and the consequent com
munication with the West that between them
they now pay moro than half the State taxes.
TO make the canals free means to make New
York and Kings more prosperous. Can those
who receive so much from these commercial
points in taxes for the education of their
children the support Of government and for
the salaries of their members Of the Legisla-
tnre, be unwilling to make small cOntribu-
ton to sustain the tide of prosperity which
enriches themselves rs well as others
Mr.. Seymour devotes the concluding para
graph of his letter to expressing his dissent
from those who favor the transfer of our canals
10 the General Government. He believes the
advocates of this suggestion overlook the fact
that it would put the canals under control of
influences which are striving to divert trade
70 rival ports. Baltimore, Philadelphia and
.Boston will have in the East the influence of
slxty-two members of Congress to aid them in
their designs, while New-York will have only
tlirty-four. In the Senate New-f York will have
but two members while the rival cities will
control sixteen.
We may add that the indications are that
the amendment providing for free canals will
pass the Legislature this session. 1t is to be
hoped that it will. The completion OF the
Welland Canal, which opens n rival route
from the West to the ocean. admonishes New
York that If she proposes to retain her COM