The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-12-15

iHu 6COHOiIllCdf TOute LOT TdllTOdu lIoth
he river Mississippi to the Pacific ocean.
PARTIES are now in the field making expo.
atoms, where previous examinations had
lot supplied sufficient data, and where
here was the best reason to hope the OBJ
ect sought might be found. The means
and time being both limited, it is not to be
expected that all the accurate knowledge
desired will be obtained: but it is hoped
that much and important information will
be added to the stock previously possess,
ed, and that partial, if not full reports Of
The surveys ordered will be received, in
time for transmission TO the two houses Of
Congress, on or before the first Monday
in February next, as required by the act
Of appropriation. The magnitude of the
contempt ated has aroused, and
will doubtless continue 10 excite a very
general interest throughout the country
In its political, its commercial, and its
military bearings. il has varied. great and
increasing claims to consideration. ! he
heavy expense, the great delay. and at
times, fatality attending travel by either
of the islhmus routes. have demonstrated
the advantages which would result from
international communication by such safe
and rapid means as railroad would
supply.
The difficulties, which have been en-.
countered in a period OF peace, would be
magnifed and still further increased in
time OF war. But while the embarrass.
ment already encountered. and others
under new contingencies to be antlclpa.
Ted, may serve strikngIv 10 exhibit the
importance OF such work neither these,
nor all considerations combined. can h We
an appreciabe value, when weighed
against the obligation strictly TO adhere To
lne Constitution, and faithfully TO execute
The powers it COnlers.
Within this limit and TO the extent OF
the interest OF the government lnVoIv d It
would see.n both eXpedienI and proper. II
an economical aud practicable route shall
be found. to aid. by all constitutional
means. in the construction OF road
which will unite, by speedy transit. the
populations Of Inc Pacific and Atlantic
States To guard against sconceplon.
II should be remarked that. although the
power to construct or aid Ihe cOnSIruc
ti0n of, road within the limits OF ii
territory. is not elnb trrassed by that
question OF jurisdiction which would
arise within the limits Of a Stale. 1t is
held to be OF doubtful plwer
and more than doubltu proprirty
even the limits OF territory, Tor the gene
raj government to undertake to admlniS
Ter the affairs of railroad. a canal or
other, similar construction. and therefore
that its connection with work OF thls
character should be incidental rather than
primary.
| will only add at present that fully ap.
pfecaling The magnitude Of the subject
and solicit tons that the Atlantic and Pa.
eff shores of the republic may be bound
together BY inSrperabp ties Of common.
interest, as well as oI common f'alty and
attachment to the Union. | shall BE- dis
posed as lar as my own action Is concern
ed to follow the limits OF the constitution
as expounded and illustrated by those
whose opinions and cxpo>ltons c0nstlut'
The standard OF my political faith. lure
gard 10 lhe powers OF the federal govern
ment, it is, ! liu,t, not necessary to say
that no grandeur OF enterprise aud no
present urgent iuducemrnlpromlsngpop pop
uIar favor. will lead me to disregard these
lights or to depart from that path which
experience has proved to he safe, and
which is now radient with the glow OF
prosperity aud legitimate constitutional
progress.
We can afford to wait but we cannot
afford to overlook the ark OF our security
1t is no part ot my purposes TO give prom
lnence TO any subject which may prop
trly be recorded as set at rest by the de-
liberale judgement Of the people. But
while the present is bright win promise
and the future lull OF promise aud induce
ment Tor the exercise OF active intelh-
gence, the past can never be without us
tuI lessons of admontion and instruction.
II its dangers serve not as beacons they
will evidently fail To iuGI the object Of
wise design When the grave snail have
closed over all who are now endeavorlng
to meet The obligations Of deity; the year
1850 will be REQUIRED 10 as aperiod filed
with anxious apprehension OF a success
tul war which had DIFFERENTIATED. Peace
with it vast augmentation OF ter
rllory. Disturbing questions arose, bear
lug upon the domestic institutions oI one
portion OF the ooniederaoy, and involving
Ihe constitutional rights OF the States, but
Notwithstanding difference OF oplnIon aud
sentiment, which then existed in relation
% details and specific provisions, The ac
lulesccnce o distinguished ctlzens whose
devotion to the Union can never be doubt
I'd has gwen renewed vlgor 10 our nst.
uuons and restored sense oil repoSe aud
security to the public mind throughout the
Contederacy.
That this repose il to suffer no shock
lurtngmy oticla term, if have power 10
'verl 1t, those who have placed me here
nay be assured. The wisdom of the mon
Who knew what independence cost, who
ad put all al stake upon the issue Of The
evolutionary struggle disposed otthe sub.
eel to which refer in the march OF pow
T aud prosperity wnlchhaSm IN de US what
le are.
1t is a significant fact that from the
option ot the Constitution, nnlll the otli
ers and soldiers If the retoluuon had
asSeJ to their graves. or through the IN
rniiieS ot nttn and wonnds mad cpaseI II