378 Meyer—Early Railroad Legislation in Wisconsin. 
VI. TAXATION.-EMINENT DOMAIN. 
The consolidationists of 1863 attempted to allay the apprehen¬ 
sions of their opponents by dwelling upon the “ rod of power ” 1 
which the people wielded over railroads by means of taxation. 
They pointed out that the rate of taxation had been advanced 
from one to three per cent. That, although such a rise in taxes 
was not entirely just, the railroads nevertheless “ gladly acqui¬ 
esced ” for fear that the legislature would impose even more 
ber of the most important contributions to the discussion of 1863 of which 
no notice has been taken so far. 
1. Chicago and Northwestern R. R. Co., Reports, 1860-73. The report 
for 1863, page 8, and the circular to the stockholders of June 20, 1864, give 
the railroad side of the Northwestern and Galena consolidation. 
2. Milwaukee Sentinel, June 27, 29, 30; Milwaukee Sentinel, July 3, 
13, 23; Milwaukee Sentinel, August 19, 20, 25, 29. The issues of these 
dates contain the most important articles, notably those signed “ United. 
W© Stand ” and “ Stand from Under” which received attention in the 
press all over the state. 
3. Wisconsin State Register, Aug. 8, 1863; an editorial on railroads in 
politics, combination and consolidation, and the capture of the governor 
and legislature. 
Ibid., Sept. 5, 1863; quotes approvingly an editorial from the Mauston 
Star in opposition to consolidation. 
Ibid., March 17, 1864; comments favorably on a bill “ to establish a uni¬ 
form tariff for freight and passengers on the several railroads in this 
state.” 
Ibid., Apr. 30, 1864; editorial on farm-mortgage law. 
4. The Democratic Journal, La Crosse, July 8, 1863, alleges that the 
Milwaukee press is muzzled by the railroad interests, and contains a two 
column editorial, hostile to consolidation, by way of comment on letters 
published in Milwaukee Sentinel by “ United We Stand” and “Stand 
from Under.” 
Ibid., Nov. 25, 1863, a violent editorial against consolidation. 
Ibid., Feb. 10, 1864; the La Crosse farm mortgage case. 
5. Waukesha Democrat, Sept. 29. 1863, comments on Milwaukee con¬ 
solidation meeting, and indorses the “ solid truths ” contained in the 
minority report. 
6. The scheme as contemplated in 1863 embraced the consolidation of 
the C. & N. W., 242 miles; Prairie du Chien, 240 miles; Horicon, 50; 
Watertown, 130; La Crosse, 200; Racine, 130; or a total of 992 miles. For 
1 Semi- Weekly Wisconsin, Aug. 28,1863. 
