The Yazoo City weekly Whig. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 18??-1855, 1853-09-09
Rnilroad to the Pacific.

The project Of asrailroad to the Pacific is
one Of such magnitude and involves such
startling consequences, that it should be
well considered, in all its points and bear
ings, before It is undertaken. The proba-
bic. cost of such work; who is to furnish
the means necessary for its construction;and
what interest has the country in in its com
pletion, are all questions which should be
we'll considered
There is one thing, we must confess. that
strikes US as rather strange, and as coming
from an unexpected point OF the political
compass. lis this. The Democratic party
have always protested, whatever may have
been their practice, a holy horor at every
thing in the shape Of Internal Improvements
by the General Government. They have
denounced the principle upon every occa-
sion when such denunciation was important
to the success of their party projects, and
have avoWed in every solemn form and au
thoritative shape. their opposition to the ex-
ercise Of any such power by the National
Legislature It seems saoao that a new light
has suddenly burst upon the democratic Wis
ion of the country. The great question Of
building railroad from the Mississippi to
California, by means appropriated by the
General Government, is now thrust upon
the public attention by the members Of an
Administration which was supposed to en-
body all the cardinal principles recognized,
as orthodox, in the democratic decalogues.
The Presidents Cabinet Ministers, some Of
whom belong to the laced jacket order Of
strict constructionists, are found travelling
through the country and addressing the peo-
pie at every railroad station, on the import
anee Of opening the Golfers Of the public
treasury and pouring out, in aid ofthis
great Western internal Improvement, the
untold millions that win be required in lis
progress.
Now, we should like TO be informed why
such works beyound the Mississippi are con-
sistent WITH the constitution of the country,
when on this side they are SO clearly a vio-
lation of that sacred instrument? Accord
ing to democratic notions, as ayowed by lhe
accredited and official organs Of the party
not cent shall be expended TO build roads,
improve rivers and harbors, or advance the
great commercial interests and add TO the
facilities of intercommunicaton between the
Atlantic and Mississippi, but countless mil
lions may be appropriated to one great en-
terprise between the Father of Waters and
the shores of the Pacific This IS what
strikes us as being peculiarly strange in this
matter. as it has been foreshadowed by the
responsible members of a democratic Ad-
ministration.
We make these remarks with no purpose
of creating opposition 10 the great work al
luded to, but simply 10 hint at the utter and
unblushing Inconsistency of the party now
controlling the destinies Of this great coun-
try. With that party, it would seem, an act
is constitutional or not as it may promise 10
secure the rewards and profits of political
power. The overshadowing West begins
to be looked upon, in all the national strug.
giles for party supremacy, as the controlling
section of the Union. The West demands
the building Of the Pacific Road by tic
General Government. and hence we find q
Democratic Administration swallowing al
the professions of itsssupporters on the sub
ject of Internal Improvements, and coming
forth unbidden as the champions of pro-
iect whose magnitude almost bewildcrs the
minds of ordinary men. One thing. how
ever, is very clear to our minds: the nd
mnistration and the Democratic party will,
according 70 their oft expressed convictions,
have to sanction violation Of the Consti-
tuition and pretend to feel an oyerpowering
interest in the Road to the Pacific, or they
will find The weight Of the mighty West as
crushing to their future hopes, as would be
the voice of doom itself. This they feel,
and this it is that has wrought change SO
4 sudden, and at the same time so radical, in
i their views of the constitutional prohibition.
There is about as much principle in such a
course as that party usually exhibits.
~~-~~,------->--o----4~-~
yyFaisiIislg TO keep their Courage UP.
This Is an old expedent resorted to by ur-
chins to keep up their spirits whilst passing
Through dafk and gloomy places. The Loco
foco editors Of this State, particularly the Mis-