, 1854-04-08
OLYMPIA WASHINGTON TERRITORY SATURDAY, APRIL s. 1854

grades. Eastern capitalists wish northern
road 10 Puget Sound. This led in some
measure 10 the survey by Gov. Stevens par.
Iy. Eastern capitalists combine their efforts
with the almost unanimous opinion of the
American nation, that central route is the
proper location 10 the Pacific. All interests
ate served, and both these obi acts gained BY
a central Railroad to California, and a nor
thern branch to Puget Sound, through the
valley Of Columbia River. The south will
mol be wrOngcd by such a location for pri-
vate capitalists have already undertaken the
construction OF an extreme southern line to
secure the rich land grants of the sovereign
State Of Texas. Bot the north and the
northwestern Territories will most undoubt-
cdly be wronged, and their most vital inter-
rsls neglected, il the great national ronte to
the Pacific is in addition to this Texan line,
likewise located far 10 the south, or in any
position but such as 10 afford the proper op-
portunity for direc, connection with Pu-
get Sound hereafter.
10 urge the claims Of a Railroad line
"hlSuH IdN'ilNG hlOIlE AllO huOhN ItSlOlS vi
the northern frontier, is of such a character
as 10 prevent its construction by private
capital, and is Of such unimporance in ma
iional considerations as never to be attempt
ed by government, is prePosterous The
advocates of an extreme southern line, and
Of diagonal line far to the south Of Salt
Lake, hold up the northern route to notice,
and the friends Of the north do not SIZE the
insidunus influence this support will exert
upon their interests. Il is a weapon in the
hands of an enemy. The north, relying too
implicitly upon an extreme northern line,
will waive their claims 10 a voice in the To-
cation of the main trunk to California, and
the chance Of a connection lost until too
late, or until that location is fixed.
The whole subject resolves itself into
question between routes, or whether Rail-
road line of seven hundred miles in prac-
ticable and patriotic position, is not more
likely to br constructed than a Railroad of
two thousand miles in far less favorable
locaion We refer TO the extreme north
rrn route, and the northern route from the
South Pass.
1t has been presented to us that north.
crn central route, or the South Pass route,
possesses these advantages over an extreme
northern route. II is less liable 10 molesla-
ton in event Of war-bcing farther from
the frontier located farther south il will be
less obslructrd by snow. 1t is connected
with an'easlcrn harbor not Obstructed by
ice. II is on the grand route of emigration
TO the northern and southern Pacific coast
II is 81 situated az 10 furnish communication
with the Great Salt Lake valley. 1t gives
railway connection with California until
route up the coast is constructed. 1t passes
over-heds of coal and iron. II can be read
ily supplied with provisions during construc
lion, from fhe abundant resources Of Salt
Lake vallcyAthe great Provision-growing
central State of the Union-and the Terri
tory OF Oregon. It becomes for a portion
of its distance, part of the great route 10
California, thus saving the construction Of
1870 miles Of Railroad. Ii is the direct
Continuation of those great eastern railway
lines which have so aided and developed the
central States Of the Union, upon that de-
gree Of latitude over which all emigration
secks its passage 10 the Pacific. With these
advantages it is vitality important 10 Oregon,
whilst the northern route 10 Puget Sound
dos not possess that advantage.
The people of Oregon Territory should
call meetings and make direct expression
of opinion upon this subject, claiming that
from their isolated position and the growing
importance Of the northern Pacific coast,
that the location of the national road 10 Cal
ifornia, should assume such a position as 10
afford proper connection for line from
that route through the valley Of the Colum-
bia River to Puget Sound.
Frod. w. Lander, late estimating engineer
Of tho northern Pacific line, gentleman Of
the highest standing in his profession, has
organized a party and starts Immediately
for the States 10 examine this route, and
submit a report 10 Congress prior to any
fual action upon the Railroad question =
He receives, as will be seen in another col.
umn, the especial endorsement and unani-
nous vote OF thanks from the Legislature Of
Washington Territory. It behooves us to
take at least equal interest in this matter, by
sailing public attention 10 il, and urging our
fllow citizans 10 use their best endeavors
for its development, in the manner above
stated.
POPULATION OF UTAH TERRIToRY,-