The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-23

IL
questonably an able document 1t exhibits the value of
communication between the two oceans in very striking
coors We have acquired California by the energy of
the present administration Its mineral resources appear
TO defy all calculation Its habors are among the finest
in the world 1t furnishes resting place and the means
of repairing our whale SHIPS and of furnishing them
with the which they may desire Its arabic lands
will supply many Of the breadsufs which may be want
ed for the OF vessels and for the inhabitants of
the neghboring islands 1t opens an excellent market
for the productions of our own manufa lures 1t will
contribute to assist in various ways, stimulate the
dustry of our country, and to supply the wants of
its people But it does than this: Itenables us to
conduct extensive and profitable commerce with the
nations othe Eastwih Japan, (when her ports have been
opened by the address of dpomatlss) with China
and the East Indies Let railroad be opened between
the Atlantic and the Pacific and the productions of the
Pacific coast well the manufactures of the East
will be exchanged on the most advantageous terms with
those of the Atlantic States
There is another immense benefit to be attained by
opening railroad across the isthmus Our citizens are
invited by the opening resources of this newly
CURED country to emigrate to its territory better
road is opened to them Immense facilities are granted to
their transportation The road is opened, too to the mails
who are destined to California The power of steam
is exerted both the and the land to bind the
distant regions OF republic ogether and by means
of perfect organization in California, we are
able to extend a more complete protection to the
country we have acquired and the people who
are focking to. its shores. No man can shut his
eyes to these benefits When the road has been com
pIeted by private capital and enterprise, all these ad-
ho ad hutth o
the work presents difficult question We have ex-
amned The bill which accompanies Mr. King report We
have considered it with care and confess that
we are struck with doubts about the power which
it invokes for its consummation. We do not profess to
be we'll acquainted with the terms OF the contract which
il is proposed to make with the government 1t is said
by some, in whose judgment we have confidence, that
they are too high We presume however, that Congress
will weigh them with great before they act upon
the bill. But there are doubts whether Congress
exercise the power which il, necessary to carry
out the provisions of the bill Does the constitution
authorize such pledge to be accepted, and TO such
amount is required' Can Congress, by any
action of its own assist effectually by its funds in
establishing roads in another country--say in England
or in France in New Grena Notwithstanding the
right OF way may have been secured by the nterposion
Congress regulate the TOLLS upon the road Was not such
objection made the tolls and the toll gates
the national road? and does not similar objection ap-
ply another road established in another country in
Guiding depos, warehouses, &c We republshth fol-
lowing sections from the BILL about of which we are
clear that the power is vested in Congress The gov
eminent would doubt protect citizens in the right
of way They would in all probability contract when
the road is completed for the transportation OF its
nails stores, call persons in the service of the Uni
ted States, with their proper personal baggage,
and all SUPPLIES and freight of every description be.
longing to the government of the United States
they would pay fair, and even liberal equivalent for
such service. would give them. doubt, pleasure
contract with the worthy and enterprsing individuals
who about to this work. if they will furnish
such facilities upon fair terms. One thing certainly
strikes US as desirable TO the company-the sooner the
work is executed the more certainly will they reap all
the advantages flowing from this roulette greater the
chance of defyng competition
LIST. The said William II. Aspinwal, John L.. Stephens
Henry Chauncey and their associates their assigns be-
ing citizens of the United lStates, shall. within year
from the passage OF this act and within three
years complete, an iron railroad across the sthmus OF
Panama. from the Atlantic the Pacific ocean the rails
of which shall weigh not less than eighty pounds to the
yard in length. aog
IL They shall transport by steam, on said road,
the said ishmus period of twenty years. free
Of cost charge, the mas all persons in the employ
service of the United States with their proper sonal
baggage. and all supplies and freight Of every description
belonging the government Of the United States.
Sd. The tolls DO charged goods, wares and mer
chande which may be transported said road from
The other, belonging to American c-
zens which may b. conveyed the hibors depots
Of said railroad in registered enrolled vessels of the
United States, shall exceed five dollars per in
weight measurement; and not than five dollars
shall bo charged any American citizen any
other who arrive in vessels OF the United States
Tor passing over said road
4th They shall their cost and keep in good
repair during the continuance OF the said contract fire.
proof warehouse each end Of the road adjoining
suitable wharf for the use oil the government.
9th All freight which may arrive in registered or en-
rolled vessels belonging United States shall be
ported the said road, if required, in the order or
according the time OF its arrival and all citizens oil the
United States and other persons who may arrive in vessels
above described the depots shall be conveyed over
said road they shall DESIRE in the order or according
their arrival shall passengers or freight
arriving in vessels nations, time, have pre-
cedence preference passengers or freight OF such
the United States arriving AT tho same or an
earlicr hour
9th The said shall continue IN force Tor twenty
ve,rs from the plcrion said railroad during which
time the government of the United States shall pay to the
said William II. A.pinwaIl, John L. Stephens. Henry
Ch,nncev and their associates, their assigns being cii
zens Of the United States, hundred and fifty thousand
dollars per annu consideration of the services be
nerorned by and the restrictions imposed them. Pro
ded Congress may at first session, after the said railroad
shnl have completed and in operation years.
.cnd said contract by joint resolution otherwise,