The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-03
WAsHNGros, d. c., January 90, 1886
To The Editor of the Union

SIR: In your paper of the 10Th inst, find some
remarks in relation TO Mr.. Whtneys plan Of rail-
road on the most eligible route, from the United
States to the Pacific. At the conclusion Of the art-
Gle to which refer II is asserted that Mr.. A. Whit
ney is the original inventor of this magnificent pro-
ject, destined, if carried out, TO be beneficial to
our country In answer to this, permit me TO make
the following statement:
/ A plan similar to Mr.. A. Whitney's, and, per-
haps more extensive in its conce pon was deliver
ed, in lS42, to Mr. John Tyler, then President Of
the United States, through Mr.. Samuel Burr, prl-
vate secretary, ad Interim to his exceliency. That
plan mine.
requested Mr.. Burr to hand it to the President
at convenient mc ment, and to draw his attention to
the subject, not that desired to draw the particular
notice of the administration of the public, upon
myself, in any way, but merely Lecause deemed
the subject of vast Importance
The said plan had, in addition to q railroad, many
other objects in view scarcely less important
among others, project to settle the whole tract Of
country through which it was proposed the road
should pass, from the Missouri to the Columbia riv-
err progressively. TWAS part of the pan that the set
dement's should be under military regulations, the
emigrants to be divided into regular companies.
At certain intervals on the whole road military
posts were to be erected, garrisoned by troops Of
the United States regular army--the settlers TO be
under the control, command and protection of the
United States troops stationed at the forts, and to
construct the said railroad from settlement to settle
ment rapidly as the work could progress and
the settlement be formed; reasonable wages TO be
paid them for their labor. By such arrange
ment, the emigrants would enjoy ample means Of
| subsistence and the opportunity would be held out
to them of making money; the emigration and the
construction Of the road would progress regularly
and upon a sure foundation, and the whole work
would be accomplished in less time, and at much
less expense than perhaps upon any other plan tha,
could be devised.
The settlers, by being drilled and disciplined in
military duties, would be enabled to protect and de-
fend themselves against any hostiltes the part Of
the Indian tribes; and above ALL our government
would have a istrong army of hardy and energetic
men its command, to defend our rights in Oregon,
and on the Pacific ocean, without the expense, in
convenience, and danger Of having standing army
Of regular troops.
To be brief: shall touch but one more point
contained in the suggestions which submitted to
the President in lS42 and that is the undivided pos
session of Oregon and the Columbia river The great
importance is shown of forming impregnable rights
by actual settlement. Our whae-fshery in the Pa
cifc, our trade with Asia, and the thousand islands
intervening, but above ALL direct trade with Chi
ma, would be vastly augmented; and this grand and
comprehensive addition to our national commerce
would thus make it extend to the shores Of the At
lantic, and form great connecting link, which
| would enrich our people and strengthen our re-
sources. All this would be the inevitable result Of
the plan proposed. Our trade with China would
be direct; and Europe would have the great advan-
tage of indirect trade with those countries through
the United States so that not only the United States,
but all nations would be benefited by it.
Should Mr.. A. Whitney be DESTROYS to know
more of my plan and suggestions, proposed in 1842,
| | refer him 10 Mr.. Samuel Burr, ex-secretary Of
the Territory of Iowa. Mr.. Burr probably has CO.
pies of all the particulars, and would communicate
them with pleasure.
In making these remarks, claim no particular
credit for myself l am perfectly satisfied in having
done my best to call attention to the subject The
suggestions which I submitted to the consideration
of the executive were merely designed to bring the
subject into discussion. I have done more than
good citizen and democrat should do; and If Mr..
Whitney entcrtains opinions similar to mine, so far
as regards the good that may result from this enter
PRISE he will parake of my feelings, without claim
ing patent for priority of invention. In any case,
it should belong to the people.
PETER Won SCHMIDT,
Civil Engineer.