Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-12-22

There is no stipulation for anything on our
part, either as to time or money, ia The bill; but
there is stipulation that the road shall b. COM
peted within three years. The paper which gives
to these memorialiss the exclusive right 10 con.
slrucl, within ten years, this road was now in
The Senate, placed there for The examination OF
Senators. He trusted they would rely upon the
integrity OF the officers OF the governmenl-thal
il would be LEFT 10 them to make with The memo
rialists the best possible arrangement. The
whole business, by this BILL is left open to the Sc
cretary Of the Navy
Mr. Allen wished 10 know whether il was pro-
posed by The bill 10 transfer the right OF way OBJ
tanned by this government from New Granada,
TO individuals in New York, SO that no other CT
lzens could 60 there and construct other roads il
they deem proper.
Mr.. Benton replied that, agreeably 10 uniform
custom in such cases, The exclusive right 10 con.
struct railroad, under certain conditions, had
been granted to the memorialiss for ninety
nine years. Others might go there and employ
any other mode OF Transportation that they pleased.
Mr.. Clarke wished 10 know whether former
eIpired contract between the government OF New
Granada and other parties, Tor the construction OF
similar road, hal not been transferred TO Tho
present mcmorais!s, and if SO, he desired also TO
know the terms on which that transfer had been
made
Mr.. Reverdy Johnson said tina, he understood
the contract for carrying the mails 10 Liverpool
to be 100000 per annum; so that, under this
proposed arrangement, The memorialists would
be receiving 100000 per annum, or Sc, 900 600
in twenty years, while the road could be con-
strucled for a million and half or two millions
OF dollars being clear profit OF 100000 10 the
contractors, and giving TO them grant under
which they may amass millions more. He should
be very glad 10 take the grant for making this
road without dollar OF money, ami could OBJ
tain the required 81, 000,000 in FIVE days. The ad-
vanages 10 the memorialisls were very apparent
MIR. Benton could no, join with the Senator
from Maryland, in his stupendous mode Of clear
ing four millions OF dollars. He proceeded 10
show he large outlay which would be necessary.
the number OF agents and laborers required, aud
10 prove that the enormous profits referred 10 were
entirely imaginary.
Mr. Breese insisted that under the proposed
contract, ii would only be necessary for the me-
morialists TO complete that part [aboul 20 miesl
which lies between the head waters OF tine rivers
al this point on The Pacific and Atlantic sides,
which are now navigabie al high wafer, aud that
the completion of the railroad over these inter
vening miles, would not cos, more Than ,000, 600
dollars.
YET by the bill, The contract proposed with The
memorialis,s would go into effect so soon as
steam could be used IN transportation, whether
by railroad or By steamboats,. Wilhou, intend
ing 10 oppose the measure, he desired that time
should be taken for lull consideration OF ali the
circumstances.
After some further remarks by M'ssIs. Dix
and Cameron, the Senate went into Executive
session. and subs quently adjourned
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES..
Mr.. Vnton, from the Committee Of Ways and
Means, reported bill 10 supply deficiencies in
the appropriations for the current year, which
was read and referred 10 The Committee Of the
Whole on the state OF the Union.
A motion by Mr.. Robinson, 10 reconsider the
vote ON Mr.. Roofs resolution, (insructing he
committee ON territories 10 bling in bill Tor the
organization OF territorial governments in Cali
fornia and New Mexico, and excluding slavery,l
came MP, when Mr.. Wentworth moved 10 lay
the resolution on the table, and This las motion
prevailed to 81.
Mr.. Giddings introduced bill authorizing he
people OF the District OF Columbia 10 express
their wishes as to he condition OF slavery The cir;
which, on motion of Mr.. Thompson Of Missis-
sippi, was laid on The table, LOG 10 II.
Mr. Rockwell OF Connecticut introduced joint
resolution, authorizing the survey Of route for
a canal or railroad between The Atlantic and Pa
cifc oceans, which was referred 10 select com.
rniliao
Mr. Bolts introduced resolution, calling on
The President for information as to the authority
ty which the Secretary OF the Treasury framed
a tariff tor Mexican ports during The wal, &C.,
&c. Adopted
Numerous other resolutions, memorials and
petitions were presented, bot none requiring PAT.
licular notice. Adjourned.