New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-01-22

force in them. They we're approved and adopt
ed BY the Legislatures Of several States TO
whom Mr.. Whitney presented them, and Oc-
casioued the reporting OfbiIls, and good deal Of
discussion in Congress But they led to moth
ing more
The discovery of Gold in California and the
emigration to the Pacific coast have given the
idea a more vital form. From a speculation
it has become q matter Of necessity. Fifty
thousand passengers it IS estimated have, dur
ing the last year made the journey between
the old States and the Western coast. With
such an amount of travel, a Railroad 1000
miles long might be supported. Politically il
is also necessary. California is too remote 20
remain long a member Of the present Union.
At such distance, with the most convenient
routes Of access running through foreign coun-
tries, she might govern and defend herself
cheaper and quite So well without the federal
Executive and Congress at Washington. For
a time the strong American feeling of her citi-
zens will induce them to adhere 70 the Union.
Sill they must presently begin TO calculate its
cost. and to consider the suggestions Of COM
mon sense as well as Of national feeling. But
let san Francisco be brought within i've or six
days of New-York, and the case is changed.
This shows that the road is required TO preserve
the Unity of the Republic.
The degree of interest now felt IN the sub
jet may be understood from the .aet that above
a dozen different schemes are now urged on the
attention of Congress Spectators hope to
make money out Of the affair. Politicians hope
to,get into office by appearing as the advocates
Of so grand and popular project. Others
from motives Of genuine patriotism and OF IN
tenectual enthusiasm desire to connect their
names with the greatest material enterprise
ever undertaken. But the very multiplicity oil
plans renders the adoption BY Congress OF any
Of them predetermined, and we fear that the
present session will end without anything being
done
First Of al the schemes is that OF Mr. Whit
ney. It's features are familiar. He purposes TO
build the road by grant Of land along the line.
From the sale of this land be will raise the
money to do the work. When it is finished 1t
will thus have paid for itself There will be
no stock on which to pay dividends, no debt
calling for interest. The business OF the road
will accordingly have 70 payuO charges beyond
repairs and running expenses. 1t will be able
20 carry freight and passengers at exceedingly
cheap rates This is an important feature IN
the ylan It insures the carrying trade be-
tween Europe and China and India. We have
supported Mr.. Whitney's project with the con-
dition that due restrictions be placed on the
sale Of the land, so that no great monopoly
should grow up from it, and, with that cond-
ton. We still prefer il to all others.
Col. Benton's plan, if not now before Con
gress. is sure-unless the question is settled
in the meanwhie-tO be there next session,
when the veteran statesman comes into the
House He wants to have the road built by
The Government, and has his own views about
its route He insists that il must start from
Missouri, touch at Santa Ft, and enter Cali
ornia bya Southern gap in the mountains.
Mr Whitney goes for a Northern route, as
being shorter, and more sure Of taking the
Oriental trade
Next il the plan Of Mr.. Gwin, OF Cali
fornio. now under discussion in tho
Senate. He proposes 20 have the read
fork AZ each end-one branch running 20
the Gulf of Mexico, and another to Iowa al
the Eastern extremity; and one 20 California
and another 70 Oregon az the Western. The
work is 10 be given to the highest dders the
Contractors - be a Corporation and TO carry
on Il road for thirty years after il IS complete
when il reverts TO the United States. The
( Government is 70 give them alternate sections
of land along the line, and 70 fix the rates
which they shall charge for freigh. and passage
They are TO carry tie mails, military forces and
official agents Of the government free Of cost
The road is to be completed in ten years at the
/ iarthest.
A plan exciting good deal OF attention is
I that fSthered by Messrs. Lew ). Chatheld
Erastus Corning. Simeon Draper and others
who are now before the Legislature OF this
State asking for a charter with capital Of
one hundred millions, and before Congress
asking for a grant Of sl5 600 a mae 20 help in
the construction Of the work. They propose
10 build the road on such q route as after due
examination SHAH appear best for the public
with a single track complete by the LIST Of
/ April, $50, and with a magnetic telegraph
along the entire Inc. Ia Congress il seems
that Mr. Hamlin, Of Maine, has taken up this
scheme. He has moved an amendment to
Mr.. OWNS bill, by which thirty millions are
appropriated 10 aid IN building the road-the
mails, military forces and public officials TO be
carried free and the Government TO have the