The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-20

is debate gotten up about that Why, sir, one word
from the senator from Pennsy vana upon this floor, was
sufficient TO to bring in this paper It is brought
in, and the first word from the senator is that the
contract has been withhoden!
| MIR. CAMERON ] AN sorry that the senator has mis-
understood my remarks of last evening. desired not
only the paper he has introduced but the present
tract, upon authority. had two FIRST TO place
this paper before the Senate and secondly that might
learn whether these gentlemen have really made con-
uact Tor have very strong doubts upon that subject.
My belief Is, sir, that they have conditional contract
from the government of New Grenada and that the
dtion is the iuhlment OF agreement upon the part Of
this government, which shall guaranty the making of the
road
! This system is not to me, sir. 1t began in my
State twenty years ago Ii began with guaranty of one
million 10 build little canal, and it ended in making
State debt OF forty millions OF dollars
m opposed TO Injecting the government TO the IN
terests OF individuals think that If upon further
animation it shall appear that the contract is conditional
shall produce competition in this country, and
men of enterprise will be found to make this road with
out subecting interests TO theirs. anxious
any that such road should be built In my State
we have crossed the Allegheny mountains, sumountng
an elevation Of 5000 feet and at cost OF less than two
fifteen twenty millions will be required, where
grade will be required higher than 30 feet to the mile
Why sir, it is a small affair. And shall we agree to give
them 100000 year for carrying the mail, &c. and
leaving them, besides, the whole trade OF the world
Why, sir, there such scheme as this in the
history of the world We told that centuries have
through this ishmus, argument that the
difficulties almost insurmountable. Why, sir three
hundred years have been consumed because the country
IN ignorance and barbarlsn, and no man was per-
med to look upon the route until lately Recently we
have made treaty by which we have acquired the right
of way; and it is due to this government that we should
understand the position which should assume. Ii
make this contract what is to prevent these gentlemen IN
New York from selling the road? Ought there not to be
of foreigners-of the British government for instance ?
We ought to have guaranty that the road will be made
in scientific manner 1t ought also to be wholly under
the contro OF the American government. All these
things and many more, | wish to be presented If the
contract with our government Is but conditional one,
then the road will be open for competition; and should
not be surprised If several roads, and canals, perhaps,
should be built across the isthmus IN the course OF few
years.
Mr. FOOTE. rise to vindicae myself, as the hum
bles of those who have participated in the discussion
progress, against what may have been designed
BY the senator from Missouri Mr. BENToN] as sort II
implication against all. That senator complains that
debate has been gotten up in this body without neces-
sy. By way OF usliyng his complaint he alleges that
upon the first ntlmation OF the senator from Pennsy-
vania MIR CAMERON that il was desirable that this
document should be brought into the Senate it pro-
duced accordingly Sir, certainly did not understand that
anything like clear, distinct nimatlon had been made
by any whatever thai this original contract would be
thus forthcoming do believe that heard any
thing about its being produced until this debate had
CURED lis production, then, having been brought about
by this debate, it to me that the debate itself
very seasouaby gotten up, and has not been without
some good effect.
Whilst have the floor, wish to renew my inquiry to
the senator from Ohio, lMr ALLEN That senator
decided opposition to this particular measure, and
yet as highly as any one else to appreciate the
Importance of connecting the two great oceans the At
lantic and Pacific, by means OF railway. Has that
gentleman matured any scheme for effecng junction of
the two oceans? Is there any particular mode of attain
ing this object known TO him, entitled to favor than
the one now before US? In connexlon with this inquiry,
may as well mention that, upon hasty and superficial
view OF this subject II has appeared to me at least pos
shle that, upon more dspassonae and eisurely exam
nation may find out that the government is possess
ed of all the requisite constitutional power to authorize
to establish such railway Tor military and other pur-
poses under the provisions OF this treaty. and If so,
would be enabled incidentally (meIey incidentally, of
course legitmatey TO to Itself the immense emo
uHens promised by this scheme, and at the same time
guard the commercial interests of our citizens from that
eS19 on the Preparation OF which Is at least
posed railway should be constructed by It, will at least
be able TO justice done to citizens, and pre-
vent their being harassed with unjust and grinding
charges for the transit of either persons property
As matters arranged by this bill at present the gov
ernment will retain power in its hands to restrain this
company in the management OF its concerns prevent
the most ntoerabe imposition of tolls upon all who may
have occasion to their road either for the ranspora
ton of goods persons 1t is not my purpose express
any opinion upon the constitutional question alluded to
indeed cannot say that have one but know of sew
eal highly distinguished gentlemen, remarkable alike
for profunity and force of intellect legal learning, and
disposition to aiX strict construction to all the pro-
visions OF the constitution, who have expressed the
opinion, in manner marked with much deliberaon,
and soennity too that the federal government has
full power, under the constitution to construct such
road this for military and other purposes. 1t
would certainly seem that If the government should
find ii necessary to construct such road this be-
tween and ocean, for the purpose of securing the
transportation of troops or munitions OF war for the
defence of California and Oregon against foreign
invasion domestic violence il might do so
with manifest proprety; and that thus establishing
it for such purposes no good reason could be assigned
for cutting it off from all the incidental advantages
ing from its establishment Certainly, if the government
can in the mode proposed by this BILL supply the pecun
AIRY acknowledged to be necessary the establish
ment of the road IN question, cannot be without power
also TO build the road itself 1t in this view of the
subject that ventured to PROFOUND the question which
did TO the senator from Ohio. having habitual and
most decided respect Tor his opinions upon all subjects
powers properly apperainng to the federal governments
and hope he will find it convenient to respond to my
nlerrogaory, either now or at some other stage of our
proceedings
Mr. ATCHISON obtained the floor hut gave wayto
Mr.. ALLEN, who said VIII the senator give way to
allow me to answer the question propounded by the
ator from Mississippi? should have answered il imme
diately bad not another senator obtained the floor
have no hesitation in stating what my views upon the
subject Ii we had any right to acquire by treaty. pas
sage across the ishmus of Panama, have right to
open that passage to enjoy all the fruits which sought
by the negotiation OF the treaty; and believe that we
not only have the constitutional right open the passage
but believe that it will become the imperative duty of
the government of the United States to accomplish thai
object.
Mr. DOUGLAS. 1t is my desire that we should post
pone the discussion OF this question, until have the
subject placed definitely before us do not now intend
therefore, TO enter upon the discussion feel bound how
to state for the consideration of the Senate that see
no mpoprietybut in fact can see great proprietyin
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