Washington telegraph., 1852-03-10
The SPEAKING ON THURsDAY.-In ac-

Dockery, addressed the people at the court
house in this place, on Thursday last, on the
subject Of railways, generally, and particu-
larly Of the contemplated route, from a
point on the Mississippi, at or near Gaines
Landing, to Red River. Col. d. is the
general agent for this route, is enthusiastic
in its advocacy, and expresses great conf
dence, from the encouragement he has re-
ceived in the various counties which he has
canvassed in its favor, in its ultimate success.
The cost Of the proposed route, he estimates
at $1,500000, which is about $4,000 per
mile, and thinks stock to this amount will
be readily taken in the counties most i'm
mediately interested. Ten times the amount
Of State and county tax now annually paid
by these counties would according to his
estimate, build two-thirds Of the road, and
this amount, he thinks could be raised by
the people in three years. lie also pro-
poses to receive labor for stock, and by this
means hopes to add greatly to the facilities
for completing the work. The Colonel Is
indefatigable in his efforts to place the pro-
ject before the people, and should he be
able to inspire them with half the zeal and
energy be himself exerts in the cause, he
will doubtless succeed. We hope he may.
But, while we wish him all success in
his efforts, we still entertain a preference,
which we have heretofore expressed, III
favor Of the Memphis terminus, as being
not only the best, and most practicable
point Of connection with the roads east OF
the Mississippi, but as the route most likely
to succeed, because of its being more gene
raj, and Of greater public utility, and upon
which a greater amount Of capital can be
concentrated, than upon any other route
proposed. Thatit would cost a much great
er sum than the proposed route to Games
Landing is true, but the advantages the
country would derive from a road of It's
magnitude, connecting us as 1t would, with
the different roads east Of the Mississippi,
already built, and in process Of construc-
ton, would more than compensate us for
the difference in the cost.
The convention which recently assembled
at Little Rock, laid aside all local preteren-
ces and fixed upon the route from Memphis
L. 7, 10 LnJ,
the main trunk line through the State. The
delegates from Northern and Western Ar
kansas, acquiesced in the decision with a
spirit of Gberality that the South and East
should endeavor to initiate, and not by
diverting public opinion to other proposed
routes, create sectional jealousies which may
have tendency to delay, if not totally de-
stroy our prospects OF Obtaining road to
any point.
Upon this route a commencement has al
ready been made,--a company has been
formed, stock taken, and bill is now pend
inc before the Senate Of the United States,
granting the right Of way and a donation Of
alternate sections Of land for SIX miles in
width, on each side Of the road, through its
entire length. Should this bill pass Con-
gress, and of its passage we entertain little
doubt, the donation will Of ITSELF with
proper management build half Of the road.
Let this bill become law and the Mem
phis route can and agiU be built.
The people Of Texas have already ex-
pressed their preference for the Memphis
route,--in the eastern portion of the State
they will be satisfied with no other, and
gentlemen Of ability and experience are
now engaged in canvassing that part of the
State in favor of this route. AS soon as
thev become satisfied that It's construction
through Arkansas is certain, they Will COM
mence operations with view Of continuing
it through that State in the direction of EI
Paso, and ultimately it would be the main
thoroughfare from the Atlantic to the Pa
cifc.
We would be pleased to see Railroads
traversing our State in every direction, but
all cannot be built at once. 1t requires
time and more capital than the people have
to invest in that way, to do this. 1t is there
fore, in our opinion, the best policy to con-
centrate our energies and capital upon that
route which promises the most certain sue
cess. that route that will command the most
foreign aid, that will prove most profitable,
and be most national in its character
That route, with due Difference to the opin-