Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1853-12-22

The exercise obthis power, it must
sometimes be necessary to.conslruct
roads and protect harbors
of refuge. To appropriations by
Congress Tor su Oh objects no sound
objection can b e raised. Happily
Tor our country lis peaceful policy
and rapidly increasing population
impose upon Us no urgent necessity
for preparation, and leave but few
II acklcss deserts betwcch assala-
bic points, and a patriotic people
ever ready and generally able 10
protect them. These necessary
links, the enterprise and energy OF
our people are steadily and boldly
struggling 10 supply All expert
ence aflirms that, wherever private
enterprise will avail, it is most wise
for the general government 10 leave
10 that and individual uatchiulness
the location and execution of all
means OF comliuulcation.
The surveys before alluded to
were designed to ascertain the most
practicable and economical route
for a railroad from the Mississippi
to the Pacific ocean. Parties are
now inthe field making e explorations,
where previous examinations had
not supplied Sufficient data, and
where there i as the be st reason tc
hope the oljfct sought might be
found. The means and time being
both limited, il is not 10 be expect
ed that all the accurate knowledge
desired will be obtained, but il is
hoped that much and important in
formation will be added to the stock
prey iously possessed, and that par
;ial, iinot full reports OF the surveys
ordered " al be received, in time for
tran smlssion I'd the two houses OF
Congress, on or before the first
Mondayln February next, as requir-
ed by the act Of apRrpPriation.-
Tlihe magnitude Of tie enterprise
contemplated Il as aiou sfd, and will
doubtless continue To excite, a very
general interest tIlrpdghout the
country.
In lis polite jail, its c omnerc ial,
and its military bearings, ii has vari-
ed, great, and increasing claims TO
consideration. Tile hea ~ expense,
the great delay, and at times, fatali-
ty attending travel by either OF the
lsllimus routes, have de monslrateG
the advantage " hlch would result
from Intentional communication by
such safe and rapid NJ eaus as
railroad would supply.
These difficulties, which have
been encountered in a period of
peace, would be nlagnllied and still
further increas td i'm Time Of war
But whilst The embarrassments al
ready encountered, and others un-
der new c0ntinge ncies TO be aHtici-I
Plated. may sfrrd slrikingly 10 ex-
Illbillhe imp olttan ee OF such work k
neither tilesb. mort all considerations
d an ha We an appreciate
aIne, weighed against the obliga- 1.
lion strictly TO al here to Tie con- Still
tuition, and faitllld lily to execute the /
powers il conlcrs
Within the lfpit and 20 the tX-
.ent OF the interest of the govern
nent il Involved, it wou Id seem both |
xpedient and proper, if an e' onon
cal and practicable r pute shall be I
ound, to aid, by all constitutional I
means, i'm the cpnstruct ion Of road
which will unite, by S peedy transit,
he populations of the Pacific and
Atlantic States. To guard against
nisconeeption, it shout d be embarked
hat, although the powd r to construct,
r aid in the construction of, Il road
within the limits Of ter ritory is
lot embarrassed by THAT que stion Of
which would arts within
4 i
he limits ola State, it is nevertheless
ED to be of doubtful power, and i
lore than doubtful pfopriety, even
'ithin the limits Of territory, for
he general government to undertake +;
0 administer the affairs of railroad, ,
canal, or other similar construc-
ions; and therefore that its connec-
on with a work of thi Is character
hould be incidental rather than pri- {
larry {
| will only add, at present, that, !,
lily approaching the magnitude Of
lie subject, and solicit BUS that the a
.tlantic and Pacific shores of the /
public may be bound together by e
ties of com mon interest.
well as Of common ffalty and at S
eminent to the Union, | shall be "
sposed, SO lar as my dwD action is r
1 n