The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-06
From the National Democrat
Atlantic and Pacific I,aiiroad-Southcrn
Route,


This subject is righiuy attracting much attention IL
is generally conceded that railroad connecting the At
laniic and Pacific must be built not only de-
lend and protect and Interests the Pa
cic coast, under any exgencles which may arise in
relations with other nations, but to cement and perpetu
ate the Union, and foster and advance our social and
commercial intercourse with brethren IN California.
and with natural friends and allies ndia China,
japan, Australia Western America. and other countries
which must sooner later avail themselves OF this great
ineroccanIc communication These considerations can
not be lost sigh, Of by any who is not entirely behind
the spirit and progress OF the age
The practical question ia, which OF the four different
routes proposed and all OF which have ardent support
es, fact s most feasib route ttween The fps oc,ans
taking into consideration It's length the time required of
its construction, its COST dependant upon climate, Ia
ctes for supplying materials snd subsistence during It's
constructions lis business afterwards, the character and
resources OF the couLry through which II passes and
the convenience OF It's location. not only to accommodate
the trave mails and business OF the United States, but
the trade Of this continent aud the world In all these
particulars and others which will readily suggest them
selves. have no hesitation after careful examination,
in giving decided preference to the southern route.
There is another point which think should commend
This route to ne special favor OF the public. allude TO
the wise which has been adopted by its projectors
and stockholders IN throwing The stock open Tor general
distribution among the people, thereby giving II truly
national character and conciiiaing The good will and
supper, OF the whole country, and OF every State Un
like the stock in some roads, which was monopozed by
twelve fifteen men who called themselves capi-
tasis. (and OF whom after amasslng fortunes IN
their operations, have endcayored to control TINS enter
prise the way,) II has been the object OF The At
lantic and Pacific Railroad Company 10 give large
distribution of the stock possible throughout the
Union and although, IN The organization OF the compa
ny, large subscribed by individuals, which
wspapers under the control OF adverse interests have
seized upon prejudice public opinion, still know that
these subscriptions made for the very purpose OF
curing general distribution OF the stock and the Hon
r. j. Walker, who has been particularly assaied upon
this point and other large subscribers, have their sub
scripons with the aid OF the executive committee, in
the OF rapid distributions 10 paying subscnbers-so
..t.. ohAfyn
like several roads, this company can number them by
thousands scattered in all parts OF the Union Who will
pretend that stock distributed in five, icn twenty, and
hfiy-share lots does not atofd guarantee
tha the road will be built than il monopolzed for
individual emoument by few sslf-syled capitalists
There is another particular, IN which the company or
ganized under the New York charter has been vrulenty
assailed with the Intention OF foresallng public opinion
against their undertaking. mean the simultaneous out
cry raised by presses under the influence OF railroad mo-
noposls and other adverse interests, that the company
design, by gigantic system of bribery 10 buy up
members OF Congress- and 10 this way secure large con-
gressonal grants OF land and money. Nothing could be
more uniounded OF unjust 50 fafifom looking to Con,
xress for any aid than may be embraced in general
legislation upon this subject open 10 full and tar public
competition and which, It is believed not member IN
either branch OF Congress viii be disposed TO Withhold
this company have unanimously passed resolution, in
roduced by Mr. Walker himself, at the hrst opportunity
after iis organization the 7b OF November, instant
apply Congress for any grant q foni or noneg
Does this look ike bfbing members OF Congress!
moi rather the strongest proof OF confidence 10 the intrinsic
merits OF the route, and OF the companys ralance upon
the power Of private enterprise and ihe general d'Snou
| uon oil Their stock in small alloimenisl
How them il may be inquired, can The road be bull,
answer simply by demonstrating that the route selected
is the practicable one that i rs demanded by the IN
ierest. of The connry that unes the North with the
South, and both with The Atlantic and Pachc-b being
thus indispensable TO preserve the Union tha, u can be
built cheaper and expedtousy than any other route
by s.orer line, tree IRON SHOWS. mountains, or un-
nels; and when built will be good and sale investment
These points beng established as have no doubt ihey
he reference To The southern route and the stock
generally distributed IN snail amounts throughout thc
county, the States through which the road passes VIII
undoubtedly, for their prosperity and interests, upon
proper guarantees, make such liberal grants OF land upon
| the line OF We road may reasonably be required
Aef The work shall be so far advanced by private en-
'erPrise as 10 secure It's completion, Congress ~ y
peases, extend to fostering hand BY liberal coa
tract Tor the transportation oi the mas munitions oi wat
nc, and as such contracts when made N adranS have
generally been found hard bargains for the contractors
the which this company has adopted would seen
TO be wise one in declining 10 make any application o