The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-12-24
whether in all cases where construc-

submitted whether in all cases where construc-
tions are to be- erected by the general govern
meht the right Of The soil should not first be
obtained, and Legislative provision be made TO
cover such cases. For the progress made with
the construction of roads within the territories
as provided for in the last Congress, l refer you
to the report Of the Secretary of War.
There is one subject of a domestic nature,
which from intrinsic importance and the many
interesting questions of future policy which it
involves cannot fail to receive your carly at
tenton alludc to the means of commun;ca-
ton Of which different parts of our country are
to be placed in close connection, for the pur-
pose both of defence and commercial inter
course, and more especially such as appertain
to the communication of the great divisions
of the Union. which lie Oh the opposite sides of
the Rocky Mountains. That the government
has not been unmindfui Of this heretofore. is
apparent from the aid it has afforded through
appropriations for mail facilities and other pur-
poses. But the general subject will now pre-
sent itself under an aspect more imposing and
more purely national. by each of the SURVEYS
ordered and now in process of completion for
communication by railroad across the continent
and other places within the limits of the Uni
ted States. The power to declare war. to raise
and support an army. to provide and maintain
navy and to call forth the militia to execute
the laws, suppress instructions and repel in
vasions was conferred upon Congress.
AS a means to provide for the common de-
fence and protect the territories and population
now wide spread and vastly multiplied, as in
cdcnt to and indispensable for the exercise of
this power, it must be necessary to construct
military roads and protect harbors of refuge
10 appropriations by Congress tor such objects
no sound objections can he raised. Happily for
our country. its peaceful and rapidly advanc-
ing population impose upon us no urgent duty
for preparation aud leaves but few track less
deserts between assailable points and patriot
ic people are ever ready and generally able TO
to protect themselves. The enterprise and en-
ergy of our people are steadily and boldly
struggling to supply the rest. All experience
afrms that where private enterprise will avail
it is most wise for the general government TO
leave to that individual watchfulncss the loca-
ton and extension of all means of communica-
ton. The surveys alluded TO were designed to
ascertain the most practical and economical
route for a railroad from the Mississippi to the
Pacific Parties are now in the field making
explorations where previous examinations had
no! supplied sufficient data, and where there
were the best reasons to hope the object sought
might he gained.
The means being almost limited, it is not to
be expected that all the accurate knowledge
will be obtained, but it is to be hoped that
much and important information will be added
to the stock previously possessed and that par
tia}, if not full reports, will be received in time
for Transmission to the House before the first
Monday i'll February next, as requested by the
act ofapprodriation. The magnitude of the en-
terprise has aroused and will doubtless con-
tlnue to excite very general interest through
ont the country. In its political, its CONNER
clal ard military behring's. il has varied, great,
and increasing claims to consideration
The heavy expense, the great delay and at
times fatality attending the travel on the 18th
mus routes have demonstrated the advantage
which would result from intcr-tcrritorial com
muncation by such safe aud rapid means as Il
railroad would supply. The difficulties which
have been encountered it appears would be
magnicd and still further increased in the time
OF way But whilst the embarrassment already
encountered and others, uudcr new contingent
cics to be anticipated, may seem strikingly to
exhibit the Importance of such work. neither
these nor all considerations united can have an
appreciate value when weighed against the
obligations strictly to adhere to the constitu-
ton and faithfully to execute the powers il
cOnfrrs.
Within the limit and TO the extent Of the in
forests OF the government involved it would
seem both eNpedient and proper if an cconomi-
cal and practical route shall be found to aid by
all the constitutional means in the prosecution
of road which will unite 10y speedy transit the
population of the Pacific and Atlantic states.
To guard against miscOnstruct!on it should be
remembered that although power to construct
or aid in the construction OF u road within the
limits of Il state exists, it is nevertheless held
to be doubted power and more than doubt
full prUpriety save within the limits of a terrific
~ for the general government to undertake to
administer the affairs OF a railroad. canal or
other similar constructions, and therefore its
II
be incidental rather than primary
Approaching the magnitude of the subject
and solicitations that the Atlantic and Pacific
shores of the republic may be bound together
by inscparablc ties of common interest as well
as of common fcalty and attachment to the In
ion, shall be disposed as far as my own action
is concerned, to follow the light of the consti-
tuition a. cNpoundcd and illustrated by those
whose opinions and cxpositions constitute the
standard of my political faith. In regard to the
Federal government it is not necessary to add
that no grandeur of enterprise and no present
urgent inducements promising popular favor
will lead Inc to disregard these lights or to de-
part from that condition which experience has
proved to be safe and which is now radicnt
with the glow of prosperity and legitimate,
constitutional progress. We can afford to wait
but we cannot afford to overlook the ark of our
own security to give prominence to any subject
which may be regarded as set at rest by the de-
liherate judgment of the people, But while
the present is bright with promise and the flu
ture is full of demand and inducement for the
exercise of active intelligence, the past can
never he without usefulness of admonition and
instruction. fits lessons serve not as beacons
they will evidently fail to fulfil the object OF
wise design.
When the grave shall have closed over all
who are now cndeavoring to meet the obliga-
tons of duty, the year 1853 will be required to
as period filled with anxious apprehcnsions.
Successful war had just terminated Peace had
brought with it a vast acquisition of territory
disturbing questions arose bearing upon the do
nestle institution of one portion of the confede-
| racy and involving the constitutional rights of
the States. But Notwithstanding differences of
opinion and sentiment which then existed in re-
lation to details and specific provisions the az
quicscence of distinguished citizens whose de-
votion to the Union can never be doubted. has
given renewed vigor to our institutions and re-
stored sense of repOsc and security to the
public mind throughout the confedcracy. That