I agree with the Senator from Pennsylvania [Mr. COWAN], that the
measure before us is important: whether so transcendently important as
he depicts I do not venture to say. But, Sir, I believe it a beneficent
measure, and important from its very beneficence.
The bill as originally presented was complete and simple. I think it
met the idea so ably set forth by the Senator from Ohio [Mr. SHERMAN].
Were the bill adopted in that form, it would be truly beneficent. It
would prevent any State from becoming a turnpike-gate to the internal
commerce of the country.
No State, I insist, has a right to take toll on the internal commerce
of this great republic, and it belongs to the United States, under the
National Constitution, to regulate that internal commerce. It was in
the exercise of that power, under the National Constitution, and also
of other powers, as the power to regulate the post-office, and also
the military power, that this bill was conceived. I say, Sir, in every
respect it is beneficent. It has been to-day ably and conclusively
vindicated by the Senator from Ohio. On other occasions I have
considered it. I feel now that there is little occasion for any further
elaborate discussion. I regret, Sir, with the Senator from Ohio, that
the amendment of the Senator from New Hampshire has been fastened upon
it. I wish it were in our power now to give the bill its original force
and virtue. But, even with that amendment, it is better than nothing.
It does something. It goes forth and does battle with a monopoly in at
least one State of the Union which was in view when the bill was first
presented. It is also a precedent for the future action of Congress,
and it will open the way to what the Senator from Ohio so earnestly
desires.
I shall be glad hereafter to act with him in carrying out the original
purposes of this bill, so that no State shall be able to set itself in
the way of the internal commerce of the country. But, considering that
the amendment is already attached to the bill, that we have now passed
the stage when it would be advisable to open the discussion again, I
hope the Senate will proceed to its final passage. Though shorn of some
of its virtue, it is better than nothing; it will do much good. Even in
its present form it is essentially beneficent. Therefore I hope it will
be adopted.
The bill passed the Senate,--Yeas 22, Nays 19,--and was
approved by the President.[34]