Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-01-18


ton that the prior lien would represent in
its amount only such bonds as should be
necessarily issued by companies for the con-
struction of their roads at fair prices agreed
upon, in an honest way, between the real
and substantial parties.
The government should have the right
now to purge this paramount lien of all that
is fraudulent and fictitious. Ii the transfer
to innocent hands of bonds of this character
prevents their cancellation il might be well
To seek remedy against those who issued
and transferred them.
II legislation Is needed to secure such REM
edy, Congress can readily supply it. | de-
sire to call attention. also, 10 the fact that il
all that was to be doUe ON the part OF the
government to fully vest in these companies,
grants and advantages, contemplated by acts
passed in their interest, has not been per
fected, and if the failure of such companies
To perform in good faith their part of the
contracts, justities such course, power rests
with Congress to withhold further perform
ance on the part of the government,
If donated lands are not vet granted 10
these companies and if their violation Of
contract and duty, are such as in Justice and
morals, forfeit their rights 10 such lands,
congressional action should intervene to pre-
vent further consummation.
The executive power must be exercised
according 10 existing laws. and the executive
discretion is probably not broad enough to
reach the difficulties.
1t is quite time that the troublesome com
plicatious surrounding this subject should be
adjusted and settled No one, think, ex-
poets that these railroads will be able to pay
their immense Indebtedness to the govern
ment at its maturity.
Any proceeding or arrangement that would
result in putting these roads or any portion
of them in the possession or control of the
government, is in my opinion to be rejected
certainly as long as there is the least chance
for indemnification through any other meas
ure.
| suppose We are hardly justified in in
dulging the irritation and indignation natu-
rally arising from the contemplation of the
malfeasance TO such an extent as to lead to
useless destruction of these roads or loss OF
advances made by the government
The settlement and determination of the
questions involved are peculiarly within the
province of Congress.
Public interest urges prompt and efficient
attention. (Signed,)
GROVER CLEVELAND.
The American Shipping and Industrial
League resumed its sessions this morning.
Five minute addresses were delivered by
number of delegates.
Capt Samuel Watts of Boston spoke of
the condition of American shipping, and said
ships could be built in this country with adj
vantage, and the owners could not compete
with subsidized foreign lines. He believed
the only way American shipping could be
revived was through aid from Congress.
DIR, Fuller, President of the Bath Board
of trade said he believed that the people of
this country are in favor of the re-establish-
ment of our merchant marine, and spoke of
the completion of the great transcontinental
railroad lines with Pacific trade. He said the
league was neither in favor of monopoly, nor
did they come before Congress as beggars.
1t demanded its rights only. The tonnage
paid to the government during the last 20
years amounted to S60,0O0. 900. Now they
wanted the government to do something for
them The speaker referred to the discrim-
nations against American shippers by Eng
lish underwriters. and characterized it as
shameful. He called attention to the fact
that the number of foreign merchants doing
business in New York city is largely on the
increase. He expressed the opinion that
if Congress did not come to the aid of the
merchant marine and pay out portion of
the peoples money in the treasury the
curse which fell upon S0dom and Common
rah would come upon this nation.
Ex-Governor Perham, of Maine. spoke of
the Importance to the government in time of
peace, and especially in time of war, of
maintaining aud assisting the merchantmen
Capt. Goss, of Maine. said that in his
opinion the passage of a free ship bill would
kill the ship building industry.
Sewall of Maine, said that there were %
industries directly employed and many more
indirectly, in ship building, and when we ask
for bounty or a small subsidy the cry is :;
"lou ATE taxing the poor man TO help the
rich The speaker said that the railroads
had been subsidized and encouraged until
few were paying any dividends, yet not a
dollar was given US. The speaker believed
in American ships, American seamcn and
American labor.
1t was announced that the President would
receive the league tomorrow afternoon at
l.30 O'Clock.
Speeches were also made by Representa-
tives Gerr Of Iowa. and Fulton of Califor-
mia. Both favored government aid to the
American merchant marine. J. H. Smith,
jcolorcd) cx-mnister to Liberia, read pa
per on the interest of the African race in
American shipping. The speakers of the
evening were Representative Whittehorne
and Orlando B. Cotter of New York, Fred
erick Fraley of Pennsylvania, president of
the National Board of Trade. and General
Hooker of Mississippi
The Corean legation was presented to the
President today.
Tonight Carlisle was considerably better
than this morning. He had another chill
this afternoon, caused by intestinal disturb
ances, the result of overwork, and disordered
digestion. He is not dangerously or even
seriously i'll.
Secretary and Mrs. Fairehild gave din
ner tonight to the President and Cabinet.
Senator and Mrs. Stanford gave dinner
tonight in honor of Mrs. General Grant