The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1902-01-18
LETTER FROM PORT DEPOSIT.

hEIIEk FROM pORI DEPOSlT.
Mr. EditOr:-Since | last wrote YOU we
have been much alarmed by the tremen-
dous gorge of ice in the SuSquehanna.
As yet we have escaped with but little
loss; the prospect ahead however looks
threatening. Should Il sudden rise occur
with the ice in the condition it is here at
present, the consequences will be fearful
in the extreme. All accounts from up
the river represent its situation very
alarming; mt different points above, the
ace has accumulated in masses extending
many miles and spreading over large
extent of bottom lands. If it should by
any casualty break II passage through
and come down before the river is clear
here. our whole shore would be liable to
be swept away. We hope for the best
but are living in dread of the result.
The ice first gorgcd in the Penny
Shoals" mt Havre de Grace, where it
aoW lies filling up the entire channel and
IN many places apparently resting on the
bottom.
1T is to be hoped that the swash may
be cleared out before another severe win
ter comes on, as that is the only chance
left by which we may expect to be secure
III the future. What is required. is for
the channel to be dccpcncd and the OBJ
struction removed.
The present situation of the river de
monstrates clearly the wisdom of the
Legislature in refusing charter to the
railroad company, to bridge the river at
Havre de Grace-it shows plainly that
any additional instructions. (such as
piers placed in the channel. increases
fln liability u.int e having
property swept away and destroyed.
From limitations put forth by the daily
papers of Baltimore and from other
sources we are led to infer, that another
desperate attempt will be made on the
part of the company to force Il bill
through the present Legislature. grant
ing the privilege.
The battle is to be fought over again:
we are not anxious for it, but will not
shrink from it. We know the odds we
have to contend against. The money
power of Il SoulleSS corporation, that re-
CARDS neither private nor public rights,
combined with the influence of the Balti-
more press. it is presumed by many will
have controlling influence in the legis-
iative councils. ! do not believe it. We
have justice on our side, and though few
in number, vet | feel assured that in the
end the right will triumph. be the odds
ever so great. If the Legislature of
Maryland could be made acquainted by
personal observation with the true state
of the case, if they couu hut see for
themselves the present condition of the
river they would at once become salts
fled that the erection of Il bridge at
Havrc dc Grace would be detrimental in
the extreme to the interests of this place;
and that no advantage to be gained by
the company could compensate for the
injustice that would be done a portion
of the citizens of the State. We feel
confident thnt our claims to be heard will
not he disrcgarlcd, though numbers may
seem to bear down all before them, vet
like the Spartan band ut Thermopoly. we
will defend our rights, our homes, and
our property to the last
If the railroad Company wish to rec
Commend themselves to the favorable CON
sideration of the people of Cecil county,
let them come forward and settle their
taxes; have they as yet paid cent into
the treasury of the county or State,
whilst the people of Cecil are grooming
under Il heavy and burdCnsomn taxation.
This corporation with Il large amount of
property in our borders, laughs to scorn
every attempt to collect the great claims
against it. What has become OF the $500
paid to counsel 10 prosecute for the
county taxes. Whilst you and | and Mi
of Vs. must be down and submit to the
constituted authorities, this company can
lord it over all and claim the privilege Of
being exempt from contributing its pro-
portion.