The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-02-23

thai direction, and do not doubt that the route has been
travelled TO extent from New Mexico TO San Fran.
CISCO but say IL is not the route OF emigration and
appeal 10 The information OF The country 10
tain III the assertion.
MIR. BoRLAND. The senator will permit me to state
further, that there is certain information, not only that
persons have gone from New Mexico, but that a con-
siderable emigration. starting from the frontier OF Arkan-
sas, went IN the direction OF Santa Fe and from nior.
NATION which they there got, and which was satisfactory
TO them large portion OF them turned TO the south and
went through Albuquerque and by Walkers Pass in the
mountains the Others went in more norherly direc.
uon. and through the South Pass The result Was that
NOSE VINO went by Albuquerque had the most expedi-
nous and pleasant route. aud they back 10 their
trends that Il not only practicable bat one Of the
best routes that could we'll be conceived Of ectoss the
Mr.. CHASE have not denied that there is a prac.
ticabe route Tor railroad there do not know wheh-
e. there is or not My friend from Arkansas says people
have travelled from the Rio Grande TO the Pacific through
Walkers Pass, and found II good route am strong
~ inclined to the opinion that he will examine careful
" The facts be relies on, he will be apt to correct his
that designated in the bill Of the senator from California
which is the one | am speaking OF.
But however this may be, the fact remains beyond ques
ton that the great route OF emigration is that through the
South Pass Let il not be said however. that am urging
any particular route lido not design what have said
Argument in favor OF the northern route, Of the mid
die route, of the southern route only stating these
facts TO show that we have not sufficient information 10
enable to determine the proper route And if we
have not the President has not What, then, should be
ing similar private enterprise in hand would doescer
tain the best rou,eseltle upon the proper etIn If it
shall be found that those ermni arc Memphis the
side and San francisco the other, and that the best
route is through Walkers Pass, pledge myself to 20
heartily aud cheerully for that route. If, on the other
hand, it be found that another rone and another ern
mus in the Mississippi valley demanded by the pub
lie interests am willing 10 trust the sense OF public du
y which must govern the decisions OF every SENATOR for
the right decision in favor of the best route. go and
believe the Senate will CO. for the cheapest baes
n mali xuha
II 49,
Mr. PRESIDENT this sectional question By no in
genuity-ty no process of torture it be con-
verified into sectional question No expects more
northern terminus for this road than Independence in
Missouri; Well, Missouri is identified by her nsu-
ons with the southern States and if YOU look at The
map you will find that this town OF Independence is
nearer to the Gull OF Mexico than il is to the northern
border of Minnesota or Michigan repeat. then, this
10 be uttered in connexion with this road Let us as
certain the proper termn and the proper roue and make
the road where il ought to be made.
Mr. President, this amendment Contenpates another
object, and in my judgment, of very great import,
ance. That very provision in il which has been espe-
caly denounced by the senator from Connecticut seems
ommend il the Senate. The bill of the select commit
tee proposes to give $4,000 outright TO the corpora
ton 10 be created hs amendment provides. the
trary, for receiving proposals from individuals and com
panies for the construction of the road The senator
asks, who will make proposals under the amendment
when they know nothing about the route LIE, ask.
know nothing about The route The objection if valid
at ALL is fatal to the bill, well to the amendment
But we all know that proposals are made and works
dertaken upon general Information only 1t is very easy
for a company TO determine what amount of money or
land will form sufficient ndacement to embark the
necessary capital in the construction OF road between
certain teminl and on given route without inmate in
formation as TO the precise amount OF excavation or
embankment required, the exact measurement of
every curve and grade. What is wanted is general
exploration and survey, general information as 10 the
character OF the route, the obstacles TO be overcome,
and the distance 10 be lraversed The fuller the
information, OF course the better but the fullest and
proposals upon. The SENATOR then, may dismiss
his fears that proposals be obtained under
this amendment. Let him consider how they are to
be obtained under the bill. -
This amendment, then, is recommended by the consd.
eratons OF economy II will bring into competition the
various companies and individuals who have thought of
embarking IN the construction OF his road. II will
bring competing proposals from the Boston company, the
New York company, and various other companies,
gained and to be organized and who does not that
among these competitors, there IS the strongest probab
ty not only the cheapest but the best and safest plan
for the people will be brought outl
great many considerations will enter into these pro-
posals The character of the gauge will be OF them
and that in the present state OF railroad system,
will be one OF very considerable importance. Then
there will be the consideration OF the facilities upon the
route for the construction OF the road-the supply of tim
Der, OF iron, OF water, and OF food Then there will be
considerations pertaining 10 the working Of the road after
is constructed and chie among these will be the sup
ply OF coal The report OF Captain Sansbury shows
that there is an lnexhaustble bed OF coal upon of
these routes We do not know what quantities OF fuel
there may be on the others
IL then, adopt the amendment under considerations
we shall have the advantage OF information We shall
have also the advantage OF competition. And il is my
deliberate judgment that shall secure the construc.
ton OF this road in shorter time, upon better plan,
and BY better route than shall if adopt the pro-
visions OF the bill oil the selec, committee am there.
fore in favor OF this amendment do not wish TO con-
the time OF the Senate by any speculalions OF
mine to the great Importance OF this road. /
think ! see It's advantages as clearly, and appre-
ciate them as fully, other senators but | shall
satisfied am | Of the necessity OF the road and OF
its vast importance, that do not entertain doubt tina,
will be constructed. Commerce and travel private en-
ierprse and private capital will make the road Congress
shall do nothing But Congress ought to do something
Congress, representing the people who popretors
the vast districts 10 be traversed by it, ought do all
that is necessary to insure its construction merely
route, in the shortest time The adoption OF the amend.
men will, in my Judgment, all this without
ferng upon the President extraordinary powers, and
thus establishing precedent which may some day lead
to consequences which patriotism and prudence require
MS TO shun.
Mr. COOPER obtained the floor.
Mr.. MASON. II the senator from Pennsylvania de-
sires to address the Senate upon this question: l renew
the motion made short time ago TO postpone the fur
Their consideration of this subject until tomorrow, with
view TO 20 into executive session.
The subject accordingly postponed and the Senate
proceeded TO the consideration OF executive business ;
after which the doors reopened, and
The Senate adjourned.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1853.
CREDENTIALS PRESENTED.