Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1854-12-20

explicit than the magnitude of the subject
and subsequent Developments would seem
TO render proper and desirable. OF the
soundness of the principle then asserted
with regard to the Limitation of the power
of Congress, I entertain no doubt; but In
its application it is not enough that the
value of lands in particular locality may
be enhanced; that, in fact, a larger amount
of money may probably be received, in
given time. for alternate sections, than
could have been realized for all the Sec
tons, without the impulse and influence
of the proposed improvements. a pru-
dent proprietor looks beyond limited sec
tions of his domain. beyond present re-
suits, to the ultimate effect which a par
ticular line of policy is likely to produce
upon all his possessions and interests
The government, which is trustee in this
matter. for tho people of the States, is
bound 10 t"ke tie same wise and compre-
hens''e vie~. Prior TO and during the
last session of Congress, upwards OF 3d.
UOO,O of acres of land were Withdrawn
from public sale with view to applica-
tons lot5grants of this character pending
before Congress. A careful review of the
whole subject led me to direct that all
such orders be abrogated, aud the lands
restored to market; and instructions were
Immediately given TO that effect. The
applications at the last session contempla-
ted the construction Of more than 5000
miles of road, and grants to the amount
Of nearly 100000 Of acres of the pub
lie domain. Even admitting the right on
the part of Congress to be unquestiona-
BILE, is it quite clear that tie proposed
grants ";ou!d be productive Of good and
not evil ? The different projects are con
lined. for The present, to eleven States OF
this Union and one Territory. The rea-
sons assigned for the grants, show that it
is proposed to put the works speedily in
process of construction. When we re-
fleet, that since the commencement of the
construction of railways in the U. States,
stimulated as they have been by the large
dividends realized from the earlier works
over the great thoroughfares. and between
the most important points of commerce
and population, encouraged by State le-
gislaIion, and pressed forward by the ANA
900 miles have been completed in all the
States in a quarter Of a century-when
we see the crippled condition of many
works commenced and prosecuted upon
what were deemed to be sound principles
and safe alculations-whenw we contem-
plate the enormous absorption of capita
Withdrawn from the ordinary channels OF
business, the extravagant rates of interest
at this moment paid to continue opera
tons, the bankruptcies not merely in mo-
ney but in character, and the inevitable
effect upon finances generally-can it be
doubted that the tendency is 10 run to eX-
cess in this matter? Is it wise to aug
ment this excess by encouraging hopes OF
sudden wealth TO flow from magnificent
schemes dependent upon the action of
Congress? Does the spirit, which has
produced such results, need to be stimu
lated or checked? Is it not the better
rule to leave all these works to private
enterprise, regulated, and, when expedi-
ent, aided, by the cooperation of States ::
If constructed by private capital, the slim
u!ant and the check go together, and fur
n,h a saIutary restraint against sDecula-
tive schemes and extravaganza. But it is
manifest, that with the most effective
guards, there is danger OF going too fast
and too far.
We may well pause before a proposition
contemplating simultaneous movement
for the construction of railroads, which,
in extent, will equal, exclusive of the
great Pacific road and all its branches,
nearly one third Of the entire length Of
such works, now completed in the United
States, and which cannot cost. with equip
mcnts, less than than $3.50, 900. OOO.-
The dangers likely to result from cOmbi-
nations of interest of this character, can
hardly be over estimated. But, indie
penIentIy of these considerations, where
is the accurate knowledge, the comprehen-
sive intelligence, which shall discriminate
between the relative claims of these %
proposed roads, in eleven States and
one Territory Where will you begin,
and where end? If to enable these com
pants to execute their proposed works, it
is necessary that the aid OF the general
government be primarily given, the policy
will present problem so comprehensive
in its bearings, and so important TO our
political and social we'll being, as to claim,
in anticipation, the severest analysis
Entertaining these views, recur with sat
isfac.ion to the experience and action Of
the last session OF Congress. as furnishing
assurance that the subject will not fail to
elicit careful re-examination and rigid
scrutiny.
1t was my intention to present, on this
OCCASION, some suggestions regarding in
ternal Improvements by the general gov
eminent, which want Of time at the close
of the last session prevented my submit
ting on the return to the House of Repre-
sentatives, with objections, of the bill en-
titled, can act making appropriations for
the repair, preservation, and completion
of certain public works heretofore COM
menced under authority Of law;;" but the