Year: 1872




GpRox THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT oP THE TRISuSk1


TRENTON, March 2s.-The Pennsylvania Centtai
Railroad Company controls the New-Jersey senate
and the interests of the people are at discount.
The direct issue between the people and the rairoao
monopolists was presented to the Senate this morn
ing, and decided in favor Of the latter. The New
York and Philadelphia Railroad bill came up for
final passage and was signally defeated. The
interest manifested was greater than has
been shown in any measure during the
session. The galleries were crowded with
spectators, among whom were many OF the
foremost men of the State. The Assembly was so
deserted that a quorum could scarcely be MAN.
tanned, the members crowding the floor OF the Sem
ate. An attempt was made early in the morning
session BY the enemies of the bill to force it's pas
sage, and it was with difficulty that delay of one
hour was effected. When the hour had expired, Mr..
Hewitt of Mercer asked that the bill be made the
special order for Tuesday next but it was lost by
vote of to 12. call Of the Senate was made, and
all except Mr.. Edsall Of Sussex were present. mo-
ton was then made to let the bill lie on the table
till o'clock. but that was lost.


Mr. TAYLOR of Essex who seemed to be the spokes-
of the opposition took the floor against the bill.
He said he found the amendments in regard to the
City of Newark to be all right, and then entered
into bing attack upon the bill. One section pro-
vded that the road must be begun within five years
and completed in 10. He would amend by beginning
it within six months and completing it within three
years Another objection was that the bill required
the Commissioners, in making assessments for lay
ing out the road to take into account all ot the
benefits which would accrue to landowners lie
would amend by striking out the word all. Again,
majority of the directors ought to be residents OF the
State Then, too he had heard a rumor that the
charter was merely sought for the purpose OF selling
it. He had heard that $4,000 had already been
asked for it. He would therefore move to recommit
the bill for amendments. Mr.. Hewitt said the
friends of the bill had no objection to the
amendments and he would accept them
II Mr.. Taylor would assure him that the passage
OF the bill would not be delayed. He reminded the
Senator from Essex that while the latter was urging
the passage OF the NewJersey Central Railroad Com
panys bill, yesterday he had admitted the necessity
and business OF amendment inserting the usual tax
clause and asked that the bill be not delayed Dut that
the necessary amendment be introduced in another
form. Mr. Hewitt said he had on his desk statement
binding the corporators, so far as men could be Dound
to accept any iments that were reasonable as 10
tho rates Of freight which they should charge. He be-


eved the amendments would kill the bill. Mr. Taylor
persisted in urging his amendments, and went into
rambling statement OF the manner in which his time
was taken up. and his desire not to delay the BILL


Mr. Cutler Of Morris tired to speak, and was stopped
by an astounding ruling OF Mr. Trick OF Burlington, who
in the chair that motion to recommit was not de-
batabe Mr. Cutler appealed from the ruling, when the
Chairman backed down completely and allowed him the
floor Mr.. Cutler spoke briefly and In manner SO elo-
quent and forcibe crowded galleries repeatedly
interrupted him with applause. His remarks were In
substance as follows:


There ia a bill on our desks which requires that the
majority OF the directors OF railroad companies sa pe
residents OF the state. The principle OF that bill has
beep ignored on the floor OF this Senate and the cham
pion OF the attack was the Senator from Essex he now


asks that il incorporated in this bill but that IL un
necessary since it already in there He objects to the
time for building and completing the road. cannot
imagine upon what basis hs Oh. sH1u oe % an wI
sew will defy the Senator from Essex TO ma upon tne


a months and Completed within three years We have
than ten bills this session ana none OF them
have such provisions Every South Jersey road mas the
provision OF beginning in five years. and completing IN
zen and all those OF North Jersey or beginning III teo
years and completing in five years. l am in favor
lis recommit for exceptional reason olil IN wIrSn @
senator from Essex has voted Yea upon every bill pro-
vidng the beginning OF road WITHIN nve years ubt
This one ana now asks it be required to be begun
vithin sIx months The objection is captious he
makes another objection about the benefits to the
owners OF lands through which the road passes In
every bill which has come from the Assembly with that
proyison motlon to strike out has been lost in the
S Witch aecis ths state Of New-Jersev from the Della
ware n the Hudson appealed 10 the senate yesterday
70 save the state 900 year, but the senate OF New
Jersey voted No. / appeal now II We are 70 decide
whether people shall rule or the advocates OF gen
tbe aeeregaed capital OF great corporations, that We
meet the question fairly aud fearessly


Mr. TAYLOR said the road was not for the benefit OF the
neone unless it was built. Mr.. Williams OF Passaic
granted that but thought that the charter was pre-
limnary step. II necessary to have charter In
order to build road regard to the objection against


thor axraz m n
II. The Supreme Court had decided that only general
hnaat cond be take consideration Each Senator
il respoasble for the defeat Of this bill Let
ma pye it fair test and try to strange it in Com
mittee The motion to recommtt was lost


Mr. Hewitt then took the floor for the bill. and made
the most able speech of the day. speaking in substance
as follows:


For any wears exclusive privileges granted TO
corn,ratio1 10 control railroad travel this state
We we're told that privileges expired in 1853 and
then our grievances would be removed Since that time


ose nower bower which is felt in this State felt in
this gature felt IN In the primary meet


n9s OF both parties IL is this power hich selects the
candidates VINO take their seats in this Legislature The
agents " this power not only do TINS, but they come
down to this gslaure and use all the means men can
nae 10 carry out their aims They are endan.
gering the liberties and the rights OF the people.
They eXpend more money than single state.
their rights be prOtected ask whether they exist
only as the slaves Of these men. lApplause.l what
protection have the people against these oppressors


They ha We none The railroad corporations stand above
the people when the people are abused and wrongs
are beaed upon them unless they find help here In this
Legislature they 20 their knees TO their oppres
sor, and beg for Justice They control the very prosper


ty OF our The tendency Of their power Is


10 carry all trade the termn OF the road They carry
the products OF other States this state at compe


tive rates but Jerseymen have not that protection which
comes from competition. The monopolists calculate
with great just how many burdens the people can
hear have known them To sit down and calculate ex
actIy how much freight particular concern could bear
/ believe the eorpOratOrs OF this new road
came before this Legislature with hon
eat purpose and an honest wish 10 give
the people a road. The mere effect OF getting this
charter will he felt long before the road Is built Why
"a there s not greater prosperity In West Jersey with
all of our natural adyantagest Capitalists abroad fee