Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-12-21

to- .:.S~.; - -: i;i'','"iJ iUuS ana pro-
TIC, harbors of refuge 10 appropriations by
Congress for such objects no sound objections
can he rlised.
Happily for our country, lis peaceful policy
and rapidly increasing population impose upon
us no urgent necessity for preparation, and leave
but few trar,lcss deserts between assalla5e
points and patriotic people ever ready and gcn-
eraIly able to protect them. These necessary
links the enterprise and energy of our people
are steadily ami boldly struggling t" supply
All experience ailirms that, whatever private en-
terIrise will avail, it is most wise for the Gene
raj Government TO leave to that IN individual
watchfulness the location and execution OF all
means of communications
The surveys before alluded to were designed
10 ascertain the mast practicable and economical
route Tor railroad from the river Mississippi TO
the Pacific orean. Parties are now in the field.
making explorations where previous examlna-
tons had not supplied sufficient data, and where
there WIS the best reason to hope the object
sought might be found The means and time
both being limited it is not TO be- expected that
all the accurate knowledge desired would be OBJ
t,iuel, but it is hoped that much and important
information will be added to the stock previous
ly possessed, and that partial if not full reports
of the surveys ordered will be received in time
for transmission to the two Houses of Congress,
on or before the first Monday in February
next, as required by the act of appropriation
The magnitude ofthe enterprise contemplated
hes aroused, and will doubtless continue to cx'
rite very general interest throughout the coun.
try. In It's political, its commercial and its mill
iary bearings, it has varied, great, and increasing
claims to consideration. The heavy expense, the
great delay, and, at times, fatality attending ira
vel by either of the isthmus routes, have demon
straied the advantage which would result from
interlcrriloria communication by such safe ano
rapid means as railroad would supply.
These difficulties which have been encounter
ed in period of peace would be magnified ant
still further increased in time of war. But willis
the embarrassmpnts already encountered. and
others under new contingencies to be antcipa
ted may serve strikngy to exhibit the mpor
tancc of such 4 work, neither these, nor all con
sideralions combined, can have an apprccabIt
value when weighed against the obligation strict
" to adhere to the Constitution, and faithful,
to execute the power it conftrs.
will only add, at present, that. fully appreci
atng the magnitude of the subject, and solci
tous that the Atlantic and Pacific shores of TIN
Republic may be bound together by inseparahl
ties of common interest, as well ~ of common
frally and attachment to the Union, shall b
disposed so far rs my own action is concerned
to follow the lights of the Constitution, rs eS
pounded and illustrated by those whose opinion
and cyposiions constitute the standard of M
political faith in regard to the powers of tn
Federal Government. 1t is. trust, not nccessar
to say that no grandeur of enterprise and no pre-
,, sen urgent inducement promising popular favo
will lead ME to disregard those lights, or to dc
part from that path which experience has prove
to be safe, and which is now radiant with th
glow of prosperity and legitimate constitution;
progress. We can afford to wait, but we cannc
= afford to overlook the ark Of our security.
! It's no part of mS purpose to give rromincnc
to any subject which may properly be regarde
i. as set at rest by the deliberate Judgment of Il,
people, But, while the present is bright wit
r promise, aud the future full of demand and il
F.. ducement for the exercise of active intelligenc
j. the past can never be without useful lessons {
4 admoniion and instruction. IT its dangers ser'
i not as beacnns, they will evidently fail to full
the object of wise design.
!. When the grave shall have closed over all VII
l. are now endeavoring to meet the obligations
l. duty, the year 1850 will he rccurred to as p
d Rod filled with anxious apprehension. a su
y cesSful war had just terminated; peace broug
j. with il Il vast augmentation OF territory dstnr
}; ing questions arose bearing upon the domcst
Il Institutions of one portion Of the Confederate