The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-13

and including the above States, without estimating
the Immense foreign commerce,) their commerce to-
gether IN twenty years more would be $500 600 900.
Can the whole country flor all parts must share in
look Tor any such results from any other source
The gentleman says; "From the eastern line Of Mis-
sour 70 Long Island sound, or TO Delaware bay, or
Cape Henry, or to the mouth of the Peedee is for
hidden ground. The inhibition Of the constitution
covers every line. Beyond the western line of Mis-
| souri,, the general government may have power 10
appropriate her money, TO grant her lands TO
else uncontrolled her jurisdiction OF person and of
soil" | cannot understand this, for | cannot
read that the constitution makes any distinc-
| ton between the two sides Of the Missouri; but
| il il is meant that all is under State urisdic-
| uon 10 the western borders Of Missouri then
understand and fully agree with him, that the
constitution inhlbits all action by the general gov.
| eminent. But at the same time | must show the
gentleman that he does not understand me, or the
situation of the country through which have pro-
posed this road foT all, from the Missouri to the
Mississippi, distance Of near five hundred miles
is in precisely the situation of all the country west
Of the Missouri 10 the Pacific, in the entire possess
sion Of the Indiana, their titles not being extnguish
ed, the laws Of our government not being extended
over II, except as relates to all the Indians In
age state, and no white population upon IT, From
the Mississippi 10 Lake Michigan is under Terrific
rial government, the general government now exer-
cisng its control and Jurisdiction by building post
military road so that il will be found that do
not propose to pass through any State and but ono
Territory; and have sought to, and believe have
avoided, the very objections which are raised.
He asks, 'Why start from Michigan" Because
it is the only starting point because 1t is the only
point at which we can find lands to produce the
means TO accomplish the work; because IL is the on
ly point at which materials be found, and which
must be taken onward by the road as II progresses
TO the mountains; because it affords cheap and
| sy water communication with the Atlantic cities, to
take laborers, materials and settlers 10 the starting
| point which important advantages cannot be had at
any other point, except subject to great delays and
heavy expense; because 1t is the only starting point
which has settled country around, as Michigan,
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, to supply the laboTers
and settlers with provisions until they can produce
for themselves; because 1t avoids the constitutional
objection of passing through States; because il is
nearer to all the Atlantic cities, even Charleston
than any other point, and gives 10 all better
and freer opportunity for fair competition for its
benefits; because IL is more central than any other
point and on the same, or nearly the same, parallel
of latitude as the pass through the mountains, ma
king straight line 10 the pass, from whence il can
extend to either the Columbia river or California,
as our possessions shall then dictate; and because
the strong and not-to-be-mstaken indications Of all
the Atlantic States far as, and including Virginia.
have fixed this the route; for they all pushing
their railroads 10 the State Of Ohio draw TO them
| selves that rich mine Of commerce which now
goes by the lakes to the canal; and this road is
four.fold; its importance will be felt by all, while
New York, with her Erie railroad, Pennsylvania,
with her Pittsburgh road, and Baltimore, with
her Cumberland road, will push on, each striving
forthe rich prize. And if Virginia pushes on road
direct to the Ohio, or through Kentucky to
| meet the Madison road in Indiana, the Ohio road
| at Cincinnati, she will have direct communca-
ton with this road, and will not only have fair
competition for its benefits but will draw her share
Of the rich products of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan, and all the States which may grow up
West, as well as Kentucky, to her Atlantic shore /;
| and there is no other route and ether way that
she and al can get at it so well as by this.
The gentleman asks, "why commence the road
| at Michigan, so much nearer 10 New York than
Philadelphia Baltimore, and Charleston Ifhe will
but look at the map he may reverse the question,
and ask why is this road commenced so much
nearer to ali the southern cities than to New York
| or Boston, 1t will be found on examination Of the
proposed routes of roads to Ohio, that New York
| by the Erie road via Dunkirk, is more than one
hundred miles further from the starting point of this
road than Philadelphia by the proposed Pittsburgh
| road, and nearly two hundred miles further than
| Baltimore by the Cumberland route considerable
distance further than Richmond or Norfolk, fur
| Their than Charleston or New Orleans.
have studied this subject long in all its bear
lngs; feeling and seeing its great Importance have
devoted my whole mind and efforts to 1t. / think |
understand it, but am unwilling to set my opinion
| up against those of more experience. | think |
have selected the only route and only mode by which
this great work be accomplished We have
practical and scientific men in our country be-
| lieve they will sustain my views. | call on them
| either to support ne, or show where am wrong.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
| A. WHITNEY.
| WAsHINGroY, January 6, 1916.
/