The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-12-15

which lie on the opposite sides of the
Rocky Mountains.
That the government has not been un-
mindful Of this heretofore, is apparent
from the aid it has afforded, through ap-
for mail facilities aud other
purposes. But the general subject will
now present itself under aspects more i'm
posing and more purely national, by rea-
son of the surveys ordered by congress,
aud now in the process of completion, for
communication by railway across the con-
tinent, and wholly within the limits of the
United States.
The power to declare war, to raise and
support armies, to provide and maintain
a navy, and to call for the militia to exe-
cute the laws, suppress instructions, and
repel invasions, was conferred upon Con-
gress, as means to provide for the COM
mon defence, and to protect territory
and a population now widespread and
vastly multiplied. As incidental to and
Indispensable for the exercise of this pow
er, it must sometimes be necessary to
construct military roads and protect har-
bors Of refuge. To appropriations by
Congress for such objects, no sound OBJ
Jcction can be raised. Happily for our
country, its peaceful policy and rapidly
increasing population impose upon US no
urgent necessity for preparation, and
leave but few trackless deserts between
assailable points, and patriotic people
ever ready aud generally able to protect
them. These necessary links the enter
prise and energy of our people are stead
lily and boldly struggling to supply. All
experience afirms that wherever private
enterprise will avail, it is most wise for
the general government to leave to that
and individual watchfulness the loca-
ton and execution of all meaus Of COM
munication.
The surveys before alluded to were de-
signed to ascertain the most practicable
and economical route for a. railroad from
the river Mississippi to the Pacific ocean.
Parties are now in the field making ex-
plorations, where previous examinations
had not supplied sufficient data, and
where there was the best reason to hope
the object sought might be found The
means and time being both limited, it is
not to be expected that all the accurate
knowle dge desired viii be obtained, but
it is hoped that much and important
information will be added to the stock
previously possessed, and that partial,
if not full reports of the surveys or
dered will be received, in time for trans
mission to the two Houses of Congress,
on or before the first Monday in Februa-
ry next, as required by the act of appro-
priation. The magnitude of the enter
prise contemplated has aroused, and will
doubtless continue to excite, q very gener
al interest throughout the country. In
its political, its commercial, and its mill
tary bearings, it has varied, great, and
Increasing claims to consideration. The
heavy expense, the great delay, and, at
times, fatality attending travel by either
Of the isthmus routes, have demonstrated
the advantage which would result from
intcrterritorial communication by such
safe and rapid means as railroad would
supply.
These difficulties, which have been en-
eountered in period of peace, would be
magnifed and still further increased in
time of war. But whilst the embarrass-
ments already encountered, and others
under new contingencies to be anticipated
may serve strikingly to exhibit the i'm
portance Of such work, neither these,
nor all considerations combined, can have
an nappreciable value, when weighed against
the obligation stricly to adhere to the con-
stitution, and faithfully to execute the
powers it confers. Within this limit and
to the extent of the interest of the gov
ernment involved, it would seem both ex-
pedient and proper, if an economical and
practicable route shall be found, to aid,
by all constitutional means, in the con-
struction Of road, which will unite, by
speedy transit, the populations of the Pa
cifc and Atlantic States. To guard a.
gainst miscouceptlon, 1t should be remark
ed that, although the power to construct,
or aid in the construction of, road with
in the limits Of the territory is not embar-
rassed by that question of jurisdiction
which would arise within the limits Of a
State, it is nevertheless held to be of
doubtful power, and more than doubtful
propriety, even within the limits of ter
ritory, for the general government to un-
dertake to administer the affairs of rail
road, canal, or other similar construction,
and therefore that its connexion with
work of this character should be inciden-
tai rather than primary. l will only add
at present, that, fully appreciating the
magnitude of the subject, and solicita-
tons that the Atlantic and Pacific shores
of the republic may be bound together by
inseparable ties of common interest, as
well as of common fealty and attachment
to the Union, | shall be disposed, so far
as my action is concerned, to follow the
lights of the constitution, as expounded
and illustrated by those, whose opinions
ana expositions constitute the standard
of my political faith in regard to the pow
ers Of the government. 1t is, trust, not
necessary to say, that no grandeur of en-
"a,