The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-01-01

t OF ILLINOIS,
On his amendment 10 the bill granting the right Of Gay
through Tie public lands for raioad from NAH
80 ~; Louis deiioersd "a NE House Of Representatives,
Monday, December 80, 1850.
Mr., McCLERNAND said bis amendment conempla-
ted project which had been much discussed in different
parts Of The country and which had been generally APP
proved by those who understood its object AT the last
session OF Congress bill had been passed granting
quantity OF land for the construction Of railroad from
Chicago to Mobile, thus connecting the North and the
Sou'h together al remote points With the completion
OF this important work and speedy communication
would be opened between the northwestern lakes and
the bay Of Mobile i was now proposed BY the amend
men under consideration TO connect the East aud the
West together by similar communcaon-com-
nencing on the Mississippi at point opposite or
near the city OF 81 Louis, in Missouri extending thence
upon The most direct and eligible route to the line of The
Chicago and Mobile road thence by branches upon the
most eligible routesone 10 New Alabany, Indiana,
opposite Louisville, in Kentucky, and the other Gin
cinnaii or Sandusky, or to any point between those
places, IN ONO; the nam road and branches thus de-
eated TO be located by the legislatures OF the States
through which they pass. Such were the provisions OF
the amendment with respect 10 the location and temn
OF the roads The grant proposed of alternate
tons OF the public land along the lines of the roads for
SIX miles on each side with the right 10 substitute other
lands within fifteen miles OF the roads, excluding the al
eInae sections reserved 10 The United States In
sideraon OF this grant, the States of Illinois, indiana
and Ohio undertook to transport the troops and any
property OF the United States free OF TOLL and TO transport
the mails at such rate OF compensation Congress by
law may direct
tue man road, radiang Ion The MISSISSIPPI river, should
intersect the Chicago and Mobile road because there
was understood to be Division OF opinion among the
friends OF the general from Illinois and Indiana
as to the proper point for the intersections because it
was unusual II not unauthorized, for Congress under
take TO trace the line OF such Improvement within
State aud because proper regard Tor the dignity and
rights of the individual States required tbat such matters
should be left TO their discretion For the same reason,
he had abstained from designating the locations Of the
branches eastward OF the Chicago and Mobile road eay-
Ing that question 10 be decided by the legislatures the
States Immediately concerned, who may be SUPPOSED 10
be more familiar with the which should control
such locations than the members of the present Congress
were. Such was his individual view but if the House
chose to hx the proposed intersection it would no, be
io hi 10 reectthe whole measure, important was
on that account.
The proposed roads, when completed would traverse
the States OF Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, embracing an
extensive portion OF the Mississippi valley containing
large and growing populaon and rapidly rising agri
cultural and commercial Importance Not only would
they traverse those States but connecting with the Ohio
and Pennsylvania improvements, and with the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad they would complete system of CON-
mnncaons ahordDg easy, certain, and speedy inter.
course between Baltimore and Philadelphia the At
lantic, and Cincinnati and Louisville, on the Ohio and
ST Louis on the Mississippi And, after the liberal
grants OF land that had been made for the Wabash and
Erie canal for the Illinois and Michigan canal and for
the Chicago and Mobile roadal tapping the Mississippi
valley, and terminating norlheTy the north western
lakes, and ultimately at Boston and New York-aer all
that. not but fair and just that the great interests
more Immediately contemplated by thus measure should
be ged-encouraged not only by those who rep
them but also by the members representing other
more favored interests Nor would those roads
trae all their advantages at Baltimore and Philadelphia,
and other souherly cities; but, connecting with
other similar improvements terminating the lakes,
extending unnterrup'edly to the cities OF Boston and
New York, they would materially contribute to swell the
trade and travel TO those and all OF the cities of and
including Norfolk. Norfolk would be benefited by the
proposed branch road TO Louisville, by the extension OF
The same, now partly completed through Kentucky to
Big Sandy other point Of easy access from tina,
city
These roads rise far above the doubtful importance of
merely local improvements. They essentially nation
al works. appealing to every section OF the country for
wifi oPm SEs II and support When completed they
will at no distant day connect the Atlantic with the
Pacific They will afford avenues of trade
and travel combining the varied interests OF extend
ed country interest and whole, generaliZng
public sentiment, and Strengthening the bonds of the
Union. And who would not hail such RESULT
The road will traverse extensive region in the States
of illinois and Indiana particularly in which large
quantity OF public land is situated, which has been in
market vafously from twenty-five 10 forty yeas, which
is prairie land remote from timber and which m ust con-
nue unsuitable until the OF introducing materials
Tor its Improvement afforded. Many of these lands
have been IN market until the interest upon their
price than TO that price In this yew the
measure will promote the revenue OF the government by
enhancing the value and acceerang the sale OF the lands
through which the roads pass-lands which
sold 1t will promote the interests of the States which
the lands lie, by causing them TO be appropriated and i'm
proved by industrious Settlers thereby adding not only
10 TIE wealth OF those States but 10 the general wealth
OF the country al large.
Such a brief outline Of the amendment, and such
would be its favorable operation if il should be enacled
into law,
Mr. Nee. appealed 10 the members from Missouri,
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, particularly, to
come forward in support OF the measure. He appealed
also TO members from all the States unite in It's support,
with view to It's national Importance and the general
advantages II must confer He hoped the friends of the
measure would unite in passing il now. The reference
of the measure 10 any committee would be It's defeat Ii
must be passed now soon not at all at the present
session, IL ever