The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-01

Pacific and MisSissippi RaRrodd-Mr. Bentoa's
Project-Hs ID, fects-hon Resources Of Missouri,
Sc. &c.
The Pacific and MISSISSIPPI railroad question is
daily acquiring new interest in the West, as con-
frmatory accounts reach us of the great wealth OF
the California mnes and Of the difficulty of reach
ing them by existing means of travel. Mr.. Benton
is losing no opportunity TO awaken public senti-
ment in relation TO the project brought by him be-
fore Congress- in furtherance of a great national
thoroughfare between ST. Louis and San Fran
cisco but unfortunately, the mind Of the man is
so deeply mbued with hostility to Mr.. Calhoun,
and, through that statesman, towards the South,
and al Southern projects for railroad across the
continent, that much of the influence he might
cxer, is not felt Indeed, he is so given TO mix UP
his advocacy Of free soism with almost every SUBJ
jet he touches upon, that none but the ultra sup
poriers Of that political faith can tolerate his almost
inteimnable speeches. This is much to be re-
GREETED by those who appreciate Mr. Benton great
abilities, and who ardently desire speedy railroad
connection between the Atlantic and Pacific shores.
Many, too, shrewdly suspect that the Senator's
present advocacy OF the project is but an adjunct
measure in his progress towards the Presidential
char IN 1852 and do net hesitate 10 say, that
though they desire the construction of the road,
they should dislike very much To- see him conveyed
10 power over IL.
Regret has very generally been expressed through
out the West, since the adjournment OF Congress,
that MIR. Benton's bill did not become a law This,
/ apprehend, has arisen from the almost universal
appreciation Of the importance Of great national
thorouehiare, and not from an examination into
the Intrinsic merits OF the bill itself. With Mr.
Benton avast majority Of thlnklng men must agree
that the proposed by him Is liable 10 less OBJ
lection than any other that could be suggested
but the bill contains features 20 decidedly obec-
tionable, that 1t would seem matter of wonder
how II coud, as whole, have been favorsbly con-
sidered, by Western man, for n single moment.
The very title of the bill is index to an insu-
perable objection TO its details =" bill to provide
Tor the location and construction of central ma
tional road, from the Pacific Ocean to- the Mis-
slssipp nver," &c, nc. The second section shows
that there is no error in the phrsseoiogy OF the
tile fort declares that the road shall commence
on the Bay OF san Francisco, and terminate at ST.
Louis. Now, II Is apparent that this bill cont-m-
plates the commencement Of the work at its Paci-
hc extremity, and Its continuance eastward until il
shall terminate on the Mississippi.
The objections 10 such mode Of commence
ment must be obvious; and It Is apparent that the
cost II prosecuting the work, in accordance with
this feature Of the bill, would prove immensely
greater than would be the case were the point Of
beginning on the Mississippi, and the terminus on
the Pacific.
In the first place. il would be found difficult. il
not impossible, 10 procure artisans and laborers in
California or Oregon. 20 perform the work required,
or II they could be procured, il would Be at
heard Of cost.
Secondly, such portions Of the road as might be
placed IN travelling condition, could scarcely b. as
profitable before the completion of the whole az
corresponding portions on this SIDE would be. BY
commencing the work on the Mississippi. and con-
tnuing u westward, a vast region Of fertile coun-
try, much al which is already densely populated,
would be brought IN proximity with the great
rivers Uf the West and would thus furnish an inn
mediate source OF revenue.
Thirdly, the scheme Of Mr.. Benton contemplates
the transit around Cape Horn, TOR nearly all the
materials required for the road If of the provi.
sIons necessary 10 sustain those engaged ia the
work. The freight on railroad iron alone, would
make this article, when added 20 the original cost,
almost, II not quite, doubly expensive IL would
be, furnished along the eastern sections from the
mines Of Missouri. by commencing the road at st.
Louis, the whole line could be supplied with neces-
sary materials, provisions, NC from Missouri and
other western States and Territories. end at one
half the expense required by the scheme OF Mr..
Benton.
This great work, properly called national. should
be strictly national in every respect. Bat 1t re-
mains a question whether II could be 60 were the
commencement made on the Pacific Missouri Of !
herself possesses the material for the construction
Of the work, but her great Senator would overlook
those facilities, and leave uadcyeloped her re-.
sources.
In regard 10 the one article of iron. the Western
States could he benefited some eighteen millions |
OF dollars, hv calling INTO requsiiion their re-
sources Directly on the route Of the conten- !
Ilsted road, and within the State Of Missouri, |
b. tier iron can be afforded, and 20 cheaper rate,
fur such n work, than could be procured cleo |
where. The railroad iron Of Missouri -, VI every |
respect. superior 10 the European, and when the 4
Transportation Of the latter considered the d.
ference in cost is very materially IN favor OF the /
former
Last wear. pig IRON Yves delivered On the west |
benk u the Mississippi. sixty miles from the place
81 its manufacture, at tzj per to1 TINS artcie /
alght lie manufactured into rails, directly on the