The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-20

territory-if ever people have subdued the
forest, and by The application of industry,
levelled the mountain to the plain, or elevated
the plain to the mountain-lt is ours. Through
our vast territory, in the valley Of the st. Law
renee and in the basin of the great lakes. over
almost endless prairies and more extended noun
tains, through cultivated fields and unbroken
forests the spirit of enterprise holds its coun-
ellis and asserts its dominion. and there are none
to disturb the one OF question the other.
Indeed, in the history Of voluntary labor
there is no monument Of industry and skill
equal or at all comparable to the system OF rail
roads and steamboats, by which every section
of the United States is traversed. They are not
more wonderful for their extent tlan for the
evidence they give of the far seeing bold, and
ndomitable character Of the men upon whom
fortune has iayished the means of their con-
structior. All this, be it recollected, is the re-
suls Of unmitigated enterprise-ofa naked, pri-
mitive spirit, whose energies have trampled
under foot the cautious and vaeillating coun-
ellis of capital. turned away from the allure
ments of the city, from the ease and luxury of
wealth. and carried into every part Of the land
tireless and never-ending industry.
Not because capital had accumulated and
must find mediums Unemployment; not because
rewards to those who would open avenues Of
commerce and travel; nor yet because success
full example was before us with certified divi-
dends and magnifed profts-not to these are
we indebted for the gigantic system Of railroads
and steam navigation which have been extended
over us like net drawing us into common
interests and sympathies. and unfolding therein
a common destiny. The whole work is ORR
ginal, daring and successful and constitutes
at once the heart of our commercial triumphs
and the arterial blood of our physical
Development. These great works have dis
tinct bearings upon our commercial, federal and
international relations The first is obvious in
its daily fruits, gathered from every section Of
our extended territory. The motion of the feder-
al machine has been quickened by the sy and
rapid means Of communication which it assures.
Distant parts, with imaginary conflicts Of
interest, have been drawn together and harmo-
nized Sectional jealousies and local animosi-
cord, have been allayed by it's peaceful minis
tratons; the productions of various climates
and soils have been secured to all; the imple-
ments of education have been multiplied; the
press has been extended, and broader and
more liberal opinion formed. Time and space
have been annihlated, leaving capital to triple
its usual offices the diameter and the circum-
ference of the political circle have been drawn
within the scope Of the popular vision and un-
Outstanding. All this is the development of
the physical and moral power Of the nation, and
in it is found the fulflment of the prophetic in
junction, They shall beat their swords into
ploughshares and their spears into pruning
hooks" These triumphs enter into the moral
and physical constitution of the republic, and
largely modify, and indeed wholly change, the
force Of its geographical congurations. Never
before was such country subdued-never be-
fore has individual enterprise accomplished
such work-never before was nation SO
strengthened and fortified by the peaceful Ia
hors Of commerce. Physical power depends of
conrse. ON the facility with which larsA ,a4ii--
ofmen may be moved from place toplace. For
tifcations serve only to interpose a temporary
check upon an invading foe, thus enabling the
assailed party to concentrate means Of defence.
In the latter view the United States have ex-
pended large sums Of money in the construction
of such defensive works
Private enterprise, in aid Of commerce, and
without thought of the gigantic war instru-
ment it was making, has expended much
more; yes and this peaceful instrument Of in
dustry constitutes to-day in the United States
more available, useful, and efficient means OF
defence against invasion-possesses more posi-
tive power, more aggressive and reliable
strength, than the combined works of the war
and navy departments. The whole resources
of the United States, in men and things, are by
it placed at once within the power Of the gov
ernment The means Of maritime construction
commissary, machinery. men, no matter where
found. where in operation, where employed, by
the magic power of the present railroad and
steam navigation enterprises Of the country.
are at all times available. Where now are our
military roads? Where our system of internal
improvements by the government? Where our
Notifications? Where the army Where the
navy? And where. too. are the govern
ments of the Old World? and where are they
bound?
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON THE CUBA
QuEsTIoN.-We have received a pub. doc"
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