The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-08-02
The Pacific Railroad.

In the argument which we submitted few days since
upon the constuonaity OF governmental aid TO the Pa
cifc railroad particular base the power upon
the single consideration of the necessity oil the work
means Of protection and defence in fulhlment Of PLAN
obligation imposed BY the constitution 10 our view OF
the constitution. the inducements to embark in the enie
prise arising out OF the ncalcuabe commercial advan
tages and benefits promised by lis consummaon cannot
be leetmately weighed in asceraning the existence OF
the power but, the other hand. such incidental and
collateral considerations may well be allowed to quicken
the energies OF the government and TO hasten much as
possible the final accomplishment of the undertaking.
But il must be borne n mind that there prelmi-
nary questions to be arranged after The constitution
al power is conceded, which may result in much more de-
lay, even in commencing the work. than would be agreea
Bile TO its friends Wepropose advert briefly 10 some of
these questions with the hope that may be able TO
make such prudential suggestions as may contribute in
some measure TO their earlier settlement
In the presen, financial condition OF the government
ii is obvious that have abundant the
completion of the road within space of time tina, all
would regard reasonable Blu, until the route OF the
road is determined The sufciency of cannot
be made available The selection OF the route, therefore,
presents the first preliminary question TO be adjusted
few years ago there would have been another question
preliminary 10 ihsthe praciicabty OF any route The
late triumphs of science and energy, however, have
pretty nearly Withdrawn this question from consideration
in railroad enterprises 1t may be WELL however, 10 re-
member that the obstacles which have heretofore called
for the highest degree OF scientific skill and the greatest
amount OF physical energy and pecunary capacity have
existed in the mountain elevations which have crossed
The lines OF railways These have been successfully
in alion these there ire oiheTa of
wholly different nature, which understood to stand
in the way Of the Pacific road 1t may be lha, of
the contemplated routes may prove mpracteable
count Of the shows, and that others may be equally so
on accoun, Of the desert wastes bu, until the erpora-
tons and surveys being made shall ascertain dif
feent result we shall not doub, that one or
will be found entirely practicable. We have greater APP
prehensons arising from the expectation tba, the reports
OF these surveys will present rya practicable routes, be-
tween which !, will be necessary TO make selection,
is in anticipation OF such result that apprebend
mos, formidable obstacle to the early commencement,
Of the enterprise. The fact is notorious that ndivd-
ual statesmen OF commanding talents and influence
already deeply enlisted in giving prominence TO com
pe,ipe lines and that individual enterprise actively
poyed In aseertanng for itself other routes than those
designated for examination by the government We adj
vert 10 these acs, not 70 onect OF censufe but only 10
show lba, the selection OF the route after all The surveys
are completed is des1ed TO become the most stubborn
obstacle ia way, unless the friends Of the enterprise
carefully guard against those xorabe feelings which
are too sp, TO spring up geographical or sectional
questions. Now is the time 10 look at the ubject DELHI
sra,ey. Il is always best to look danger full in the
face and TO prepare for il in advance Let the friends OF
the road examine the formidable aspect in which
the question may Suppose the issue comes up be.
tween northern and southern route-and we are moi
the first who have used these words-how The selec-
ton 10 be msde Who does not in this question the
little dark spot which may grow into the storm cloud
We know not how other friends OF the enterprise may
regard the matter but for ourselves we are constrained
10 say that we look forward 10 The issue with gloomy
forebodnss We are heartily sick OF sectional agtaiions
and hence when see prominent politicians preparing
an issue which may be made the pre,cx for the revival
Of such agaiions in heir worst FORM we canno, bu,
look TO the future with some misgIvngs.
All issues which involve anlsgonislio Interests are diff
cult OF adjustment and the difficulty increases when ts
discussion necessarily engenders sectional feelings and
arouses local jealouses; but when TO these elements
of discord are added schemes of political ambition
which embrac, within their range subject. on which
the public mind IL peculiarly sensitive, the Issues be.
come too complicated for easy or speedy adjustment
II becomes the friends OF the great national enterprise 10
ponder over these suggestions and to prepare their minds
TO resist all attempt. to involve the undertaking in
ional political agtaions We looking 10 il.
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