| From the Richmond Sentinel |
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| October 1, 1863 |
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| In some remarks on yesterday, we said we
were informed that transportation on "some of the railroads of
the country could only be obtained for private individuals by bribes,
in addition to paying the railroad rates; and that in consequence of
this, transportation other than for the Government, was, in principal
measure, for the benefit of speculators, who could afford to pay the
bribes. We stated this, and we repeat it, upon the most undoubted
information. The connection in which the statement appeared, however,
may have seemingly thrown the charge upon those who were intended to
be excepted. Our information is as to railroads from the South. We had
not heard the charge made as to those which enter this city. |
| We do not, in the least, suppose that the
Superintendents of the roads over which transportation bribes are
received, give any indulgence to such shameful conduct. But such is
the eagerness of speculators intent on a fortune, such their anxiety
for getting their wares transported with dispatch, that they will
freely pay an agent or conductor a heavy fee for priority, and will
then keep his score; testifying only to the general fact of bribes
demanded and received. It is a crime, therefore, which, though
notorious, managers of roads will find to demand their utmost
vigilance and astuteness to detect. And yet it is so grave an offence,
and so injurious in its consequences, as to call for an extreme
watchfulness, in the presence of the great temptations to which the
employees of railroads are now subjected. Offences of this sort should
be closely looked for, and severely punished. |
| But as we stated, yesterday, it will be an
additional, and after all, the best protection to the people, if
Government would transport for itself, and leave to the people of each
neighborhood and town a sufficient local supply. |
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