Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-12-15

without arriving ut d conclusion which can
be regarded as satisfactory to IFS most ear
nest advocates, should suggest the inquiry,
whether there may not be a plan likely TO
be crowned by happier results.
Without perceiving any sound distinction,
or intending TO assert any principle as OPP
posed TO improvements needed for the pro-
lection Of internal commerce which does not
equally apply TO improvements upon the
seaboard. for the protection Of foreign COM
inerce, submit to you, whether it may not
be anticipated safely that, il the policy were
once settled against appropriations by the
General Government for local improve
ments for the benefit of commerce, localities
requiring expenditures would, by modes and
means clearly legitimate and proper, raise
the funds necessary for such constructions,
as the safety or other interests Of their CON-
fnerce might require.
If that can be regarded as q system which
in the experience Of more than thirty years,
has at no time so commanded the public
judgment as TO give It the character OF
settled policy-which, though it has pro-
duced some works of conceded importance,
has been attended with an expenditure quite
disproportionate to their value, and has re-
suited in squandering large sums upon OBJ
jects which have answered no valuable pur-
poses, the interests of all the States require
it TO be abandoned, unless hopes may be in
dulged for the future, which find no war
rant in the past. With an anxious desire
for the completion of the works which are
regarded by all good citizens with sincere
interest, / have deemed it my duty to ask at
your hands, deliberate reconsideration Of
the question; with hope that, animated by
desire to promote the permanent and sub
stantial interests Of the country, your wis
dom may prove equal to the task Of devils
lug and maturing plan which, applied to
this subject, may promise something better
than constant strife-the suspension of the
powers Of local enterprise, the exciting OF
vain hopes, and the disappointment Of cher
ished expectations.
In expanding the appropriations made by
the last Congress, several cases have arisen
in relation to works for the improvement of
The harbors which involve Questions as to the
right of the soil and jurisdiction, and have
threatened conflict between the authorities
of the States and General Government.
The right TO construct breakwater, ietty
or dam, would seem necessarily to carry
with the power to protect and preserve
such construction. This can only be effee-
tually done BY having jurisdiction over the
soil. But no clause Of the Constitution Is
found on which to rest the claim of the Uni
ted States TO jurisdiction over the soil Of II
} State, except that conferred by the 9Th sec
} tion Of the LIST article Of the Constitution.
1t is, then, submitted, whether in all cases
} where constructions are to be erected by the
General Government, the right of soil
should not first be obtained, and Legislative
provision be made 10 cover all such cases.
J Fer the progress made in the construe~
; ton of roads within the Territories, as pro-
vided for in the appropriations of the last
> Congress, refer you to the report Of the
5 Secretary Of War.
8 There is one subject Of domestic ma
e ture which, from its intrinsic importance.
8 and the many interesting questions Of fu-
ture policy which il involves, cannot fail to
e receive your early attention. allude to the
5 means Of communication by which different
Q parts Of the wide expanse Of our country
l are to be placed in closer connection, for
n purposes both Of defence and commercial
: intercourse, and more especially such as APP
: pertain to the communication Of tho great
d divisions Of the Union, which lie on the op-
: posi!s side Of the Rocky Mountains.
= That the Government has not been I'M
mindful Of this, heretofore, is apparent from
6 the aid it has afforded through appropria-
e tons for mail facilities and other purposes.
Y But the general object will now present it.
e self under aspects more imposing and more
e purely national, by reason Of the surveys
Il ordered by Congress, and now in the course
s Of completion, for communication by railway
1t across the continent, and wholly within the
II limits of the United Statss.
:. The power 10 declare war, to raise and
IS support armies, to provide and maintain a
j. navy, and 10 call forth the militia 10 execute
IS the laws, suppress Instructions and repel
h invasions, was conferred Upon Congress as
means Of defence, and to protect Territory
l. and population now widespread and vast
ly multiplied. AS incidental to, and indis-
= sable for the exercise of thi, power, it muss
= sometimes be necessary to construct mill
h tary roads and protect harbors of refuge
i To appropriations by Congress for such OBJ
'f jects, no sound objection can be raised
It Happily for onr country, its peaceful policy
70 and rapidly increasing population impose
d upon us no urgent necessity for preparation,
It and leave but few tracklcss deserts bet W cen
assailable points, and a patriotic people ever
5, ready, and generally able to protect them.
Of These necessary links, the enterprise and
h energy of our people are steadily and boldly
p struggling to supply. All experience az
'f firms that whenever private enterprise will
Of avail, it is most wise for the General Gov
ID eminent to leave TO that aud individual
t, watchfulness the location and execution Of
It all means of communication.
l. The surveys before alluded to, were de-
r signed to ascertain the most practicable and
IS economical route for a railroed from the
is Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean; parties
e are now in the field, making explorations
If where previous examinations had not sup
e piled sufficient data, and where there was
, The heat raa.an La-a tLa ak;a.t sau..L4