The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-11-15

servatyes, we intend to hold the middle ground
between the extensive distrus. both The rad
calism of Locofocoism would shrink from as
soon from the centralism of Whiggism. We are
Republicans-our platform the Constitution, and
the conservative pOoer the sovereignty of the States
We may be disappointed with Taylor, as too much
inclined to the Wing extreme; but we have already
felt and deeply, the injurious influences our in
situations from the other extreme, the anurchy Of
LocQfocoism. Firm i'll our faith, we invite others
to join with us, this Government and this Union
arc only to be preserved in the spirit of
REpUDLIcANIsM.
The Great Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.
To the Editors Of the Republic:
GENTLEMEN: In looking the proceedings Of
the great convention lately assembled at st. LOUIS
to take into consideration the national railroad con-
nexion between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans
was sorry to see the want of unanimiy among the
| numerous and enlightened delegates from different
parts of the Union. With few EXCEPTIONS, each,
while protesting the most enlarged and liberal
views, narrowed his mind 70 the support Of mere
sectional interests If had been honorcd with
seat in that asscmblagc, should have addressed
them follows:
"GENTLEmEN: Permit me to ask, what is the
great and desirable end proposed to be attained by
this highly interesting assemblage of distinguished
and talented delegates from various parts of this
| mighty republic? 1t is the connexion of the At
lantic and Pacific seaboards by railroad, or as it
is called, an iron river. And what is most TO be
desired in accomplishing this design 1t is, that
the course to be selected shall be the shortest most
direct, and most practicable, well as most bene-
fetal. Now, permit me to put it to the unbiased
judgment of any man, and placing the map Of the
Union before him, to say whether the line of the
fortieth degree of north latitude is not the
desirable, and the one which ought to be adopted,
If practicable? Suppose there were no obstacles OF
great rivers, mountains, barren plains climate,
is not this the line that would strike the OBJ
server, with scarce moments hesitation? IL starts
from the great Atlantic seats of commerce; it passes
through the heart of the American empire, and it
ends the Pacific, at the future seats of western
commerce and population! This line having been
adopted the inquiry is whether it be the most
practicable and useful? To this inquiry will en-
deavor to give an answer
at will not be ten years before there will be a
complete railroad connexion between the starting
point have indicated and the city of st. Louis,
of the great centres of the west Although the line
of forty degrees ia indicated, there must
riiy be some deviation to the north south of it,
from various considerations. To go north of st.
Louis would afford no advantage to counterbalance
the crossing of both the Mississippi and Missouri,
while on the other hand the former only would re-
qure to be crossed. Thus st. Louis, being for some
time to come the stopping point of the great
tional eastern and western railway, it must also
become the starting point of the continuation to the
Pacific. Starting from this point, The road will
pass through the heart of one of the most import
| ant States in the Union, Astounding with popula-
ton and wealth For three hundred miles, by
keeping the south side of the Missouri, il will
have no great rivers to cross-may pursue dividing
| ridges to the frontier, Indian territory. Its
course will thence be through country capable
of supporting large population for three hundred
miles further, keeping the dividing ground of the
south fork of the Kansas and the northern branch
of the Arkansas. The former stream is stated by
Colonel Fremont to be capable of supporting
dense population, having sufficient wood and fer
tile soil The general course of this stream is the
direct route. On reaching the Santa Fe road from
Independence, the question will arise to the
course to be pursued to overcome the great noun
tdins Of the tcesf, compared to tohich our IIeghanes
are bat hills.
$40 overcome this great difficulty, two courses
are proposed the one is, TO continue to Santa Fe,
then descend the Rio Grande to the nearest crossing
place, to the waters of the ella The other is the
continuing on the direct course, in the direction
attempted to be explored by Colonel Fremont and
falling the waters Of the Colorado Both of these
routes are unexplored. Much has been done by
our Government, and the Administration is at
present engaged in completing these explorations,
but much remains TO be done. Il is great national
object, and feel confident that the present Admin
istration will not yield to any previous adminisra-
tons IN promoting such Objects as far as its power
extends, or, If insufficient in recommending to
Congress the necessary measures
CONNECTED with this subject, there is TO which
i attach great importance; and one on which have
| reflected much for some time past. Ii is, TO what
extent the Rio Grande is susceptible of sackwater
improvement, above the point Of steamboat navi-
CATION, The same inquiries should be made respect
ing the Kansas, Arkansas the ella, and the Colora-
! do. If such works could be accomplished they
would afford an immense increase Of population and
wealth, and of course contribute 20 the support of
railroad, well as add te the commerce OF those
regions. have no time at present 10 develop these
! ideas as fully as could wish.
''The line which have indicated, regard rs the
main trunk; the lines from Memphis or Chicago
consider as important, but subordinate. If we
take the 10th degree Of north latitude, and extend
| ten degrees each side Of it, and carry belt of
twenty degrees around the globe, we will find that
with few exceptions, IL toH include all the great centres
Of commerce aud ciUiIisdtion throughout he tcorid
1t will be found, also, that the most direct route
| from San Francisco TO China is not by the Sand
| wich Islands, across the Pacific, but by running
north, to the Fox Islands, to the southern part of
| Kamtschatka; thence along the Kurilcs to Japan
steamer might run in this direction, without ever
being out of sight of land, and reach Canton in
| twenty five or thirty days.
"Such, gentlemen, arc my views on this import
ant subject As TO practical measures, ] must can
didly say, that give the preference to those pro-
posed by Colonel Benton over any have yet seen"
Such, Messrs Editors, would have been my
speech if had been at the convention. II you
think it worth place in your paper, you can in.
sert il. II. NJ BRECKENRIDGE.