Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1853-12-14

certain the most practical and economical route
for a railroad from the Mississippi to the Pacf-
ic Parties are now in the field making explo
rations where previous examinations had not
Supplied sufficient data, and where there were
the best reasons to hope the object sought
might be gained. The means being limited it
is not to be expected that all the accurate
knowledge will be obtained that is desirable,
but it is to be hoped that much and important
informato will be added to the stock previ
ously possessed and that partial and not full,
reports will be received in time for transmits
sion to the House on or before the frs. Monday
of February next, as requested by the act OF
appropriate on The magnitude of the enter
prise has aroused and will doubtless continue
to excite very general interest throughout the
country.
In its political, its commercial and military
bearings, it has varied, great and increasing
CLAIMS to consideration The heavy expense,
the great delay, and, at times, fatality atten-
ding travel by either Of the Isthmus routes,
have demonstrated the advantages which
would result from inter territorial communica-
ton by surh safe and rapid means as rail
road would supply. The difficulties which
have been encountered. it appears. would be
magnified and still further increased in time of
war. But whilst the embarrassment already en-
countered, and others, under the contingencies,
to be anticipated may seem strikihgly to ex-
hibit the importance of such work, neither
these nor all considerations combined, can have
an appreciate value when CHE against the
obligation 10 adhere strictly to the construc
| ton and faithfully to execute the powers it
coniers. Within ,his limit, and to the extent
of the interests of the government involved, it
would seem both expedient and proper, il an
economical and practical route shall be found,
to aid by all constitutional means in the pros
ecution of road which will unite by speedy
transit, the population OF the Pacific and At
lantic States.
To guard against demonstrating it should
be remarked that although ipower to construct
or aid in the construction of a road within the
limits of State, it is nevertheless held to be
doubtful power, and Of more than doubtfu.
propriety, even within the limits of Terrific.
~, for the General Government to undertake
to administrate the affairs Of railroad, "A canal,
or other similar construction, and therefore its
connection with wGrk Of this character should
be incidental rather than primary.
APPrecia.ting the magnitude Of the subject
ana Selections that the Atlantic and Pacific
Stores of the republic may be bound together
by inseparable ties Of common interest as well
; as ofcommon fealty and attachment to the
Union, shall be disposed, SO far as my own
act on is concerned, to follow the light OF the
Constitution as expourded and illustrated by
, those whose opinions and expositions consti-
tute the standard Of my political faith. In re-
, gard to The powers of the Fedora, Government.
it is not necessary TO add, that no grandeur OF
/ enterprise, and no present urgent inducement
{ promising popular favor will lead me to disrt :
, gard these lights or to depart from that posi-
{ ton which experience has proved to be safe
: and which is now radiant with the glow OF
prosperity aud legitimate constitutional prog
ess. We can afford to wait, but We cannot
afford to overlook the ark Of orr own secu
, rity.
1t is no part Of my purpose to give promi.
t nence to any subject which may be regarded
q as set at rest by the deliberate judgement OF
the people, but while the present is bright
n with promise, and the future is full of demand
a and Inducement for the exercise of active in
!. telligence, the pastean never be without use
. fulness of admonition and instruction. If ITS
' lessons serve not as beacons, they will evil
denly fail to fulfil he object Of wise design
. When the grave shall have closed over all who
are now endeavoring to meet the obligations
of duty, the year of 1853 will be required to
i as period filled with anxious apprebensions
o A successful war has just terminated: peace
I brought with it a vast augmentation of terrific
/ ry; disturbing questions arose bearing upon
. the domestic institution of one portion of the
Confederacy, and involving the Constitutional
. right of the States. But notwithstanding diff
d ferences of opinion and sentiment which ther
4 existed in relation to the details and specific
: provisions, tho asquescenoe of distinguished
. citizens whose devotion to the Union can new
i er be doubted, has given renewed vigor to GU
4 institutions and restored sense Of repose ant
). security to the public mind throughout tn,
/. confederacy. That This repose is to suffer nc
shock during my official term if | have powe
to avoid it, those who placed me here may b,
n assured.
: The wisdom of men who knew what indie
pendence cost, who had put all at stake upon
!. the issue Of the revolutionary struggle, dis
e posed of the subject to which l refer 10 tn,
h only way consistent with the union of thest
r States, and with the march of the power aue
. prosperity which has made US what we are. 1
q is significant fact that from the adoption o
the constitution until the officers and soldier.
of the Revolution had passed to their graves
h or through the infrmities of age and wound
had ceased to participate actively in public at
D fairs, there was not merely prompt vindica
i tion of the constitutional rights of the States
i but the reserved powers were scrupulously re
q spected. No statesman put forth tn marrow
views of casuistry to justify interference ant
r agitation, but The spirit of the compact wa
!. regar ded as sacred in the eye of honor, and in
4 dispensable for the great experiment of civil
r liberty which, environed by inherent Difficult
ties. was yet borne forward in apparent weak
: ness by power superior to all obstacles.
There is no condemnation which the voice
o! freedom will not pronounce upon us should
we prove faith ess to this great trust. Will,
. men inhabitng different parts of this cont
. nent can no more be expected to hold the sam,
a opinions or entertain the same sentiments thar
every variety of climate or soil can be expect
, ed to furnish the same agricultural produce
they can unite in a common object and sus
tain common principles essential to the main
tenance of that object.
The gallant men of the South and the Norif
could stand together during the struggle Of thu
Revolution. They could stand together in the
more trying period which succeeded the clan
! gor of arms. As their united valor was ade
quate to all the trials of the camp and dan
. gers of the field, so their united wisdom PROVED
equal to the greater task of founding upon
deep and broad basis institutions which it has
! been our privilege to enjoy, and will ever b
our most sacred duty to sustain.
1t is but the feeble expression of faith
: strong and universal, to say that the sons
whose blood mingled so often upon the same
field during the war Of 1912, and who have
: more recently bore IN triumph the flag of on!
country upon foreign soil, will never permit
an alienation of feeling to weaken their united
efforts, no internal dissentions to paralyse the
great arm of freedom uplifted for the vindica
ton of self government.
have thus briefly presented such sugges
tons seem to me especially worthy of your
consideration, In providing for the present
you can hardly Tail to avail yourselves Of the
. light which the experience of the Past casts
upon the Future.
! The growth of our poup'a.ion has now
brought us in he destined course of our ma
t tional history to a point which it well be-
t hooves us to expand our vision over the vas
prospective.
The successive decennial returns of the cen.
: sus since the adoption of the constitution have
revealed law Of steady progressive develop
ment which may be stated in general terms as
a duplication every quarter century. Carried
forward from the point already reached 70,