The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-06-23
s e L E C T E D .
Remarks Of Judge Moore.
Tuesday mornaag, June Z, IN coaue"-
m tion at Menu phis.

@ tion at Memphis.
Mr.. John Moore, delegate from Loui-
siana, in obtaining the floor, said
mfr. President-In pursuance of the
invitation that you have just given, |
will introduce for the consideration of
the Convention the following resolu-
tions and in offering them hope that
I will be permitted to say few words
by way of explanation:
Resolved, That the construction OF a
Railroad direct from the Mississippi
river to the Pacific ocean will be one
of the most effectual and practical
means of promoting and securing to
the Southern and Western States a
due share OF the commerce OF the Uni
tes States.
ResolUed, that Congress has the power
to make liberal grant of the public
funds to aid in the construction OF said
Railroad under the conditions hereto
fore stipulated in like grants tor the
carving of the mails and transporting
The troops and property OF the United
States.
was present at the Convention held
in Baltimore in December last, of which
this is an adjourned meeting | then
felt, as / feel now, deep interest IN
the welfare OF my native South, and OF
this great valley. my residence for more
than half century. listened atten-
lively TO the different means proposed
(offurihering the commerce OF the South
South. West and West. | heard the
beautiful and learned addres OF BrantZ
Never. ESQ, and. the remarks in rela-
sion TO the value OF the commerce OF
the South-American States, by Lieut..
Maury, one of the most learned and
practical men of the age, and various
other suggestions by master minds. L
have since thought much on the subject,
and feel convinced that the most etfec-
tual and practical means of promoting
and insuring to this great valley and to
the States Of the South and West, due
share OF the commerce of these United
States. will be by the construction OF
Railroad from the Mississippi river
direct To the Pacific ocean. The qnes-
ton then arises how is so great work
to be accomplished How are the
wavs and means to be raised, involving
probably an expenditure of at least one
hundred millions of dollars? | say,
Mr.. President. most unhesitatingly, IN
part by a grant or grants of The pnbllc
lands. I maintain that the constitution
ality of grants of the public lands BY
Congress TO aid in the constructlono oil
Railroads under certain conditions anu
with certain limitations, can nolonger
be considered an open question after
1he various and repeated grants here
7ufore made. Indeed grants of the
public lands for the public use and tor
purposes of internal Improvements are
almost en-eval with the adoption OF the
constitution before the acquisition OF
Louisiana. The lands held by the
General Government had been ceded
by several Of the States for specified
purposes. yet grants were made there
from for public use A grant for this
great work would not be liable TO the
same objections, because the lands TO
be granted were acquired by purchase,
and the purpose to which they would
be applied is of general and national
importance, wanted by the General
government 10 carry the mails and for
tue transportation of troops and their
supplies. The power expressly grant
ed to Congress by the constitution to
DISPOSE of. and make all needful rules
and regulations respecting the terri
tory and other property of the United
States. in connection with the power to
establish post. offices and post roads, to
raise and support armies, and 10 pro-
vide for the common defense, covers
the whole ground Congress clearly,
then, has the power to make contracts
for carrying the mails. and for the
TRANSFORMATION of armies and their sup
plies, and payment may be made in
lands, as wen as in money.
Many objections were made to the
bills before the Senate at the last ses-
sion to make grants for this purpose,
but most Of those objections were rather
as to the details than the power to make
the grant; it is true some few men,
bars had constitutional objections.
Il Is useless for me to attempt to lay
before this enlightened assembly, the
immense advantages 10 be derived
from the construction of this great work
they must be apparent to all. Indeed
It seems 10 me that every competent,
unbiased mind who has studied the his
tory of his country, of commerce and
railroads, must come to the conclusion
THAI this the most important work, for
thepurpuse indicated. of the age. ns
Thsnsxt point is as to the most feas-f
ible and best route thatcanibe travelled
a all seasons. This is q question of
Importance and involving soma diff
Guilty, becausesof the clashing of local
,ntarests and local iealousies but like
all other questions, where the welfare
of nj is nc stake, it is hoped that 1t can
be compromised.
II perceive by the public prints that
under the appropriation made By Con-
.rfess Mt the last session, for the purpose
that four parties have been organized
o. survey several rontes; one to survey
q rpufe from the head waters of the
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