Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1848-12-23

are OF every species Of military and naval supplies But is
not rnerey these supplies is also for the transportation of
rsons not merely military, but Of all persons These are
the great ends to be attained and accomplished and for these
the bill stipuates pay nothing There is no stipulation
for any thing, either in point Of money in point Of time
All is le open contract. But the bill has consideration
which of the highest possible moment is that the work
shall be completed within three years after the time Of
We are to thank the gentleman from Illinois (r. BREEsE)
for bringing forward his objections but he msconceyed the
object of the bill and his misconceptions put him of the track
With this will make few observations to the honorable
Senator from New Hampshire (Nr. HALE) That senator
has argument which feel strongly any one against
monopoes-al monopoes. But there happen to he
which monopoes both just and polite. There cases
except by giving advantages the company engaged in Them
OF that kind is the work before Of that kind sir,
mail steamers, which only go California but to Europe
Of that kind is the great Cunad line of steamers which have
won the admiration OF the world They are steamers en-
ployed by the British Government OF that kind are all
great enterprises foot for which individuals not
peent and is necessary in order to secure the ument
Of such enterprises, TO add consideration sufficient to ensure
the company against loss order gel work accom-
shed and all that duly considered should advise the Sc
creary Of the Navy be careful before he enters into any
with this any other company. The bill states
maximum beyond which he cannot go. And there no mi
nmum to which he Is confined The maximum, SIR, is IN
favor Of the country, and trust be satisfied that
officer of the American Government will make the contract
upon the best terms for his Government.
have no objection heb going over, but for extend
ing it. it is death to the BILL The loss Of few months now is
the loss of year. And then is something novel; sir, for
legislation stop for the purpose Of giving others
opportunity in and bid against proposition desirable
ITSELF and particularly sir when the object contended for
is already in the possession of another. An application
which may in may the whole object. They may
offer carry for the smallest possible and the meres
fraction Of time What, then The right, sir the right is
already in the possession OF another And what becomes
then, Of the contract No. sir the bill is open The bill
submits the whole matter to the discretion of high officer
the Government, and see why should be afraid
to trust to his discretion in the limitations.
Mr. ALLEN. As this is a matter of great importance,
sir and subject entirely new, desire information in
regaxd to it, The Government of the United States has,
believe, in virtue Of treaty stpulaons the right of way
itself and for its citizens the Isthms of Panama
desire to know whether the intention Of this bill transfer
that right from the Government Of the United States
company in New York. that other citizens of the United
States, except that company exercise hat right
the lsthmus of Panama.
Mr.. BENTON. l apprehend that all persns who would
be at liberty to traverse the isthmus this bill refused
would still have the liberty concerning ih and all other
privileges if the bill were to be passed.
Mr. ALLEN do not speak Of the rights Of those gen.
emen in New York Their rights have social concern
in this Senate Our business with the ghso the people
of the United States, which secured them this treaty.
desire to know whether it be the intention of his bill d.
vest the Government and the people Of the United States of
the right Of transit the Ishmus Of Panama. and invest
this company in New York with this right he exclusion
Of the people of the United States who may desire to
sruct railroads canals that shmus. This is what
wish TO know. desire simply 10 know whether we are to
give up any rights that have acquired under his treaty. by
this bill to any company in the United States, whether the
people of the United States every body the United States
shall have the right 20 there and max, road canal rail-
road, any thing else simply wish know whether we
lose any OF the rights which have acquired by the treaty
with New Grenada
Mr.. BENTON. Mr. President, woull merely saw that,
so far as the railroad is concerned the RICH exclusive for
limited time the grant for ninety nine years. But
transit every person go according his choceon foot
through the woods, on mules, in any he may
please The privilege Of the road is be exclusive and
that in which the people OF the United States get the
benefit Of the treaty.
Mr. CLARKE. rise at this moment to ask for the con-
tract which made by the Government Of New Grenada
with company Of the citizens Of France, in 1885, which
contract has been transferred to these personshe memorial
lists Ii any Senator has copy of that contract shall be
happy to il before this debate proceeds further II is very
desirable IN order TO understand what will be the situation of
the United States, and the citizens Of the United States in
case this bill pass for that 20 be understood by the
Senate, before proceed to any ratification Of the petition of
these memofalsts.
II this is be restricted, it is very desirbe that we
should know IT. and if it is be unrestricted and unlimited
we should also know it.
would ask whether copy Of the contract is In possession
OF the honorable Senator from Missouri Mr BrSTos or Of
any other person.
Mr. BENTON. It is in the city, and can be produced
but 1t has expired. ..
Mr. CLARKE. ! understand that that coutrac, has ex
pred, and that the have been granted the pre-
sent emoriasts. is very desirable know what are the
terms OF that contract and wha, the Of the contract
under which the present memoass claim the exclusive right
Of way across the shmus.
Mr. JOHNSON, OF Maryland. Mr. President II is not
probable that shall vote for this bill unless understand il
more thoroughly than it is possible understand il its pre-
sent shape rise now simply suggest things
and shall be much indebted 10 the honorable Senator from
Missouri he can remove my objections The bill itself is
not, understand the honorable Senator Alright bill au-
'hofzng The Secretary OF the Navy TO enter into
with these gentlemen for the transportation Of munitions Of
war, naval stores, &c, but il bill directing as well as
authorizing him to enter into contract with these gentlemen
The language OF the bill is that he is hereby Authorized and
directed 10 enter into such contract II gives him no op
ton al all but compes him enter into contract upon such
terms % the bill prescribes
Another provision Of the bill is-snd far that is con-
cerned II Is entirely in the power, the exclusive power of
these drecorshat he is TO give than three
the amount which paid for the transportation Of the
mail from New York to Liverpool The BILL if understand
correctly, directs the Secretary Of the Navy enter into
contract TO the provisions Of which have Just referred with
no limitation except hiatt paid for this service shall
not exceed threeourhs the which pay for the
OF the mails Liverpool They may 10 no
that high hese gentlemen think proper say that they will
not contract for any thing short Of that amount
Now, recolect Alright, the which we pay for
the transportation Of mails from New York Liverpool
very nearly four hundred thousand dollars per year. Hence
we snail be paying these gentlemen three hundred thousand
dollars pei year for the period Of this conc-twenty
which, IN twenty years. would amount to sir millions Of dol
lars Now, am correctly spprized Of the character OF the
country and the length OF the road, Ism very much inclined
to think that would not cost the naImum to make this
road, more than two millions Of dola perhaps il might be
done Tor million and hs A, The very utmost the cost