The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-29
The Railroad 10 the PaciGc-Its Imports
ance 10 American Trade.

The Railroad 10 the Pacifc-Its Imports
ance TO American Trade.
We have, heretofore drawn the attention Of the
public 10 the gigantic project entertained of late
years by a few flrsight-d and intelligent men, for
constructing grand railroad from some point on
the Pac fic coast of America to the waters of the
& eat lakes; thus establishing direct steam com.
munication, by water and by land, between the
Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
We consider this a subject OF the most momen-
tous importance to our country, and deserving of
the camest consideration by every one who has
the interest and welfare Of the United States at
heart.
1 When it was broached to a wondering people,
it was considered the emanation from the brain
OF an enthusiast, so startling the proposition
at first sight; but gradually, and mpercephbly, it
has taken hold mems minds-assumed a rea-
sonabe shape and complexion, until the present
time, when it is considered not only practicable,
but it's construction essentially necessary, to en-
able ms keep pace with the march of improve
ment and enterprise that characteIizes the pre-
sent era.
We have lately been favored with copy ofthe
report of tne Senate committee, to whom this
subject was referred on the memorial of citizens
of the State of Indiana, which we have atten-
pressed with the importance, nay, absolute ne
cessity ofconstiuc,ing the work in question with
in reasonably short time, if we mean TO avail
ourselves of the advantages that divine Provi.
dence has provided, in putting it within our
reach TO become the richest greatest, and most
powerful nation of ancient or modern times
This report embraces many valuable sta
tisucs and arguments that cannot be con-
troverted, and 20 to prove the immense labor
and research bestowed on the subject by the COM
mittee, the magnitude of the benefits that would
flow from the work. and its feasibility and ulti
mate construction by the people OF the United
States. We intend to keep this subject before
the people, and incite them 10 examine it in all
Its bearings, believing that the moro it is discuss.
ed, and the more light that is thrown upon it, the
moro popular it will become, and the sooner will
II be undertaken and perfected. With this view
we intend to take up the report IN question, ana
lyse and condense it, and present the views it
Contains, and such additional ones a 5 may strike
us; and give the same to the world in the CO.
lumns of this Journal In taking this course. we
consider that we will do great public service :;
and when the'task is completed, we will have the
satisfaction of knowing that we did all in our
power towards extending the wealth and great
ness of the United States, and the spread of re-
publican institutions.
The committee have examined tina subject in
twelve different points of view, and reported
upon it in the same order, adding some valuable
fables, compiled from authentic and reliable
sources, showing the amount of trade it would
influence, the free and rapid intercourse it would
afford between the United States and Asia. and
between Europe and Asia via the United States
and other subjects Of importance The following
is the order they have adopted -
T. The power of Congress over the entire subject in
The practicability of the proposed work
g. The inadequacy of the proposed for its &C.
compIl shment and the expsdiency Of applying such
d. The effect Of its construction in bringing into do.
msnd and enhancing in value, the public lands every
part Of the country
s. Its effect in extending and promoting the interest of
It's effect in the support and a means of enlargnr
and dyer.itying the manufactures of the country
q JUS erect in the developement of the mineral re-
sources of the country.
It's effect OF the great arteries of intercourse
IN sSIehoing the internal trade and commerce of the
whole country. - ~
g Us effect in extending commerce with China
and the other countries OF Asia the Archipelago
and other islands in the Pacific and with the countries
on the western coast of North and South America
TO- Its consequence in fostering the whale and other
hsheres in the Pacific the bays and rivers thereof in
extending and protesting the mercantile marine in those
seas and thus forming the most extensive nursery of
United States. - 0
purposes OF trave and transportation at rates of charge
ana transit duties to be regulated by be np in
All respects subject to power and control encorag.
ing eonsian, intercourse and mparng to the citizens
oner countries the liberal principles of 60
-, and lastly The effect that would be producea in
nO,It pouSsi and military point of view the Ameri
can Union oy the construction of railroad across tho
continent to the shores OF the Pacific
The committee have decided ne reg,,as tho
first point, by assuming as beyond disnufe thar
the United States have the power of Constructing
roads IN territories belonging to the United States.
and beyonS the limits of the United States. nro.
posed under that clause OF the constitution which
declares that Congress shall have power to dis
pose of, and make all needful rules and regul,.
tons respecting the territory or other property Of
the United States" and of constructing roads
within the limits of n State, provided Congress
has the means Of doing so, and the consent of the
State or States, through which such roads would
pass, being obtained. The latter principle was
admitted at an early time in our history, and was
acted upon, and practically carried out. in con-
structing the Cumberland road from Cumberland
in the State OF Maryland to the Ohio river. and
afterwards through the States OF Ohio Indiana
and Illinois, and to the seat of government IN the
State Of Missouri.
u may be well TO mention at this branch OF the
sui Ject, that although the power to make inn
proVements within the limits of the States has
been exercised, that its con stutionalty is dispu-
ted by many men OF eminence, whose opinions
are worthy OF the greatest consideration. Among
these we can point to the Hon. Thomas
II. Benton, Ugited States Senator from Mis-
sour, who. for this and other reasons.
has on all occasions denied the constitution.
ality OF this over, and has uniCormlv
voted against all measures requiring its exercise
There are many others of equal weight who are
rame orfrfon -asybsw Benton, and without
influence this project could never be en-