Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1846-11-10
JOLIET SIGN AL.
Tuesday, November 10, 1916.
RAIL ROAD TO OREGON,
JOLIET, ILL.

HALL AUhD III UhEuUN,
We have been furnished with a report
from the Committee on Public Lands in
the United States Senate, which was
written by Judge Breese, of this State,
who was chairman Of tho Committee.
The report is made on the memorial of
Mr.. Whitney, submitting to the Senate
a proposition for the construction Of
rail road from Lake Michigan to the Pa
ciiic ocean, which was referred to that
committee. 1t is maIkedwith tie greatest
reason and ability, which should entitle
its author to high degree Of honor-con
Sidering that the scheme has heretofore
been regarded as visionary and prema-
ture, and has been ridiculed b those
who occupy high positions in our govern
ment. The question is now before the
country, and the people in a favorable
light. After undergoing an examination
OF, all its different bearings by committee
composed of our most distinguished
Statesmen, of both parties, it has receiv-
ed their unanimous endorsement.
The rout proposed by the memorial is
from the shore of lake Michigan TO the
Mississippi above the mouth Of the Wis
consin river, and to the Missouri above
to the mouth of the Great Platte river, and
thence due west to the great South Pass
and TO the Columbia valley. 1t has been
estimated that from the head of ship nav
igation ofthe Columbia river to the point
of crossing the Missouri is 1880 miles;
and from the place of crossing on the
Missouri to the southern shore of lake
Michigan is 100, which makes the whole
distance for the proposed Route about two
thousand six hundred and thirty miles.
The report states that that point on
lake Michigan. must be selected, for the
reason, that it is the only point where pub
lie lands can be had suitable for the &C.
compishment ofthis great work. This
point affords an easy water communica-
ton with the different parts of the Union,
and is nearly on a parallel with the pass
in the northumberland would give all a
fair opportunity to compete for its bene-
fits. 1t is estimated thatwhen this road,
and all the other means ofcon1munication
which are contemplated in the United
States, shall haze been completed, that
our extensive coantry could be brought
together in th1 short period of four days,
The benefits resulting from this alone
would be of the greatest Importance to
the people of the United States hist
the trade frocl China, which W IS
over this route would be of incalculabIe
advantage tosthis country.
The land on considerable of the route
is said to be unsuitable for settlement and
therefore, could not be expected to sell
for much. But about seven hundred miles
on the eastern terminus, the lands are
said to be ofthe best quality; and about
one thousand miles of the distance from
mouth of.the Columbia to the South. Pass,
they are equally as good. If this. road,
was but commenced, these lands would
sell, readily, and the government would
derive an immense profit from their.
sales. 4 statement is made Of the a
mount necessary reconstruct the road the
entire distance--allowing for al expenses
IN keeping the same in repair, till the
whole shall have been completed at $685.
8s2, 900.
The report does not entirely approve Of
the plan which has been suggested for the
building Of the road, but argues that the
public lands are the only means. which
should be employed to make il. The
United States claim to own near 1000.