The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-07

result from territorial communication by such safe and
rapid means as railroad would supply
These difficulties which have been encountered in q
period Of peace would be aenhsd and still further in
creased in time Of But WI list the endorsements
already encountered and others under cont aces
to be- anticipated may stkingy to exhibit the i'm
portance Of such work. neither these all consicera
tons combined can have an appreciate value, when
wes he'd the obligation strcyto adhere the con-
stuton and faithfully to execute the powers it coners
Within this limit and to the extent Of ths interest Of the
government involved II would both xpedient and
proper II economical and practicable ue shalt be
found 10 ard by all constitutional in the consruc
ton OF road woich will unite by speedy transit the po
puatisns Of the Pa ihc AID Atlantic States To guari
against misconception it should be remarked that,
although the power construct aid in the consruc
ton OF ad within the limits Of territory is not EN-.
barassed by that que ton Of jurisdiction which would
arbe within the limits OF state II H. nevertt esss hell
10 be OF doubtful power and than doubtful proprie
y even within the limits Of territory, for the general
government to undertake to ad minister the affairs of
railroad canal, other similar construction, and
therefore that its on with work OF this chara
should Re incidental rather than primary | will
tniy add At present that fully appre'atins the mag
ntude Of the subject and solieous that the Allan.
tic and Pacific shores of the Republic may be bound
together by inseparabls ties OF common interest,
we'll "a Of common feAlty and attachment to the
Union shall be disposed, 30 far as my action is
concerned, 10 follow the lights of the constitution
expounded ano illustrated by those whose opin.
ious and expostons constitute the standard Of my
p tiosl faith in regard 10 the of the federal Gov
errmcnt. 1t is ! trust, not necessary to say that
no grandeur OF entt rprsa, and present urgent
inducem' mt promising popular favor, will lead me
TO disregard those lights or to depart from that
which Ia radiant with the glow OF prosperity
and les iiimate constitutional progress We can
afford TO wait but cannot afford to overlook the ark
OF our security.
1t is no part OF my purpose to give prominence to
any subject which may properly be regarded set
1T rest by the deliberate judgment Of the people.
But while the present La bright with promise, aud
the future full Of demand and inducement for the
exercise of active intelligence the past can never
be without useful lessons Of admonition aud in
struction. II its dangers not az beacons
they will evidently fail to fuld the object OF wise
design. When the grave shall have closed over all
who endeAvoring to meet the obligations OF
duty, the year 1850 will be required TO a. period
6llei with anxious apprehension. successful
war had just terminated. Peace brought with 1t .
vast augmsnta ion of territory. Disturbing ques-
ticns arose, bearing upon the domestic institutions
,f portion OF the con ederscy and involving the
cor stiutionsl rights Of the States. But not With.
standing differences OF opinion and sentiment
which then existed in relation 10 details and specific Or
Visions the scquescepcs Of distinguished ctssns
TO the Union be doubted has given 70
rewed or instu lions, and restored sense of
reyose and security TO the public mind throughout the
coLfedeacy. Tht this rep0ss Ia to suffer shock
ring my Off sisl term. II have power To avert It, taose
who have placed here may be assured. The wisdom
Of men. who knew what Independence cost-who "A
put all at stake upon tbs issue Of the sug
eledsposed of the subject to which refer Ia the only
way consistent with the union Of those States With
the march Of power aud prosperity which has made us
what w Ms Significant faet, that n0n the Adop