The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-05-05

was paid down. Tho purchasers will be bitterly dis
appointed when they find that their titles ore MOI
worth tarthng, and that their beautifully engraved
scrip is as worthless us so much blank paper
! .f... For the Culedonian
| As a Rail Road INSTRUMENTATION from Boston to
Montreal would be Of vital importance to those cities
and the intermediate country which might traverse,
| and in which nearly the entire population
of New England and the Eastern Townships are in.
leresed, especially snce there three distinct
routes ugtated each claiming preference practicable
ity, present, and prospective utility; in this of
excited feeling influenced by local interest, il may be
expected that maGy visionary projects should be on
tertainGd, and great exerlions mude to deceive the
pubc,to subserve such inlerest-thn local interest
or some trihing circumstance may bias the public
mind and give direction, and seeming Importance ,fo
a season even TO measure of this magnitude. Such
believe has been the fact in reference TO our Leg
islalve action, upon the Rail Road Bill and the pres
ent position Of Montreal on this subject.
That she is now identified with the Sherbrooke aad
Portland line and that the Of popu lar feeling
there, is favorable 10 that route, ! am willing to adj
mn and that she would probably reject at this time
any proposed union with Boston, via Sianstead and
Concord; but this is referable to the influence and
circumstances referred to. But when the merit of
this route is understood there: and the mist Of error
vanshes before the light orruth and reality, as our
prospects brighten and union with Boston on e.
quail terms becomes probable; then will they awake
from this delusion and hail with joy so favorable
connection.
But it was not the design Of this article TO discuss
tho merit Of either route but correct an erroneous
INN, ,yg.., 81, L. 1.
and enc which has given more influence 10 our rival
routes, than any circumstance or argument that
be urged against u.s. the association Of Cookers
survey, from Sianseud via Sherbrool,e to Montreal.
with this route. BY reference TO the map of New
England, you will see that the proposed line from
S,snstead through plymouth, IIaverhil ard the val
ley Of the Passumpsie thence Barton aud Stansead
is comparatively direct route, bearing west of north
Prof 1wininS in his survey through the State Of W.
establishes this TO be the favorable route north
of Wells River, in that section of the country He
arrives at his terminus at Beebe Plain about two
miles west of Rock Island. Dir Wells commenced
his survey at that terminus, and follows the same
general direction to the Alagog outlet, and thence in
direction bearing north Of 10 the ST. Lawrence
river And this in my opinion is the irst accessible
point, north Of Wells River on this line, by which
Montreal can be approached with rail way. This
route is very direct, presents but moderate elevations
with generally favorable gradings and no serious OBJ
s,aoles 1t is bat 90 miles from the Province line to
Montreal by that survey and by dvergng n very liz
tie TO the South from West Sheford, may in,ersect
the navigable waters of Lake Champain, and the ST.
Johns rail road; the importance of which shall dis
cuss in II subsequent communication.
On the contrary; Mr. Croker assumed IA starting
point about two miles south from the line, and about
the same distance from the terminus OF Twinins's
survey; and encounters great il not insurnountable
obstacles in the very commencement and thence pro-
ceeds in north eastery direction, over high sum
mits, IS ihro deep valleys until he arrives at pont in
tha township of Compton, about l 2 miles cas-, Of his
starting point.and thence west of north through Sher-
brooke, to Melbourne, at point even north of Mon
trea and thence in serpenine direction TO that CITY
This circuOus. indirect route, increases the distance
thirty three miles, than trebcs the attitudes and
doubles the aggregate cost of making the road In
til that survey no person, from the first settlement of
the country, thought of travelling that waw from
stnnsead to Montreal So much for Crocker's survey
The legitimate, shortest route, passes centrally
through the American population in the Eastern town.
ships, and in such TO secure their inter
est
Ifthese statements should be questioned | would
invite the attention Of all concerned 10 an examination
Of the map of the Eastern townships, and to Messrs
Crocker's and Wells Reports, which are now before
The public Then let it be distinctly understood that
The sherbrooke influence, Land Company, Sc. by
heir own management and election, are prospective
y welded to Portland, and that this line is now free
rom that troublesome, and runous appendage excep,
heir prerogatve TO dictate the terms upon which we
may be permitted to tap their line when Judge Preb-
e's steam shall force road through the wilderness
oi Maine, and tho Granite Mountains Of New Hamp-
shire. JOSEPH WARD
News FROM TEXAS. We learn that Zen. Hous
on has at last openly declared himself against annex
lon. We have been long expecting ,his-conse-
luently we not disappointed in the slightest pos
ible degree. We are happy in the belief, however,
hat he does not possess sufficient influence to thwart
his great national measure. Our readers may expect
ome startling Developments with regard to British