The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-12-14

,lzed from all the sections. without the
impulse and influence of the proposed |
A prudentpr proprietor looks
beyond limited sections Of his domain.
beyond present results, TO the ultimate
effect which a particular line Of policy
is likely to produce upon all his posses
sions and interests. The government
which is trustee, in this matter, for the
people Of the States, is bound TO take the
wise and comprehensive view. Prior 10
and during the last session Of Congress.
upwards of thirty millions Of acres Of
land were Withdrawn from public sale
with a.view TO applications for grants Of
this character pending before Congress.
A careful view OF the whole subject led
me to direct that all such orders be abro.
gated, and the lands restored TO market;
and instructions were Immediately given
to that effect. The applications at the
last sesoion contemplated the construct
ion of more than five thousand miles oil
road, and grants TO the amount of nearly
twenty millions of acres Of the public
domain. Even admitting the right on
the part of Congress to be unquestona
BILE, it is quite clear that the proposed
grants would be productive of good, and
not evil. The different projects are con-
fined, for the present TO eleven States
and one territory. The reasons assigned
for the grants, show that it is proposed to
put the works speedily in process Of con.
struction.
When we reflect that since the com.
mencement Of the construction Of rail.
ways in the United States, stimulated as
they have been by the large dividendsre
allied from the earlier works, the great
thoroughfares, and between the most i'm.
portant points of commerce and popuIa.
lion, encouraged by State legislation, and
pressed forward by the amazing energy
of private enterprise, only seventeen
thousand miles have been completed in
all of the States in quarter of centu-
ry--when we see the crippled condition
of many works commenced and prose-
cuted upon what we're deemed to be sound
principles, and safe calculations-when
we contemplate the enormous absorption
of capital Withdrawn from the ordinary
channels OF business, the extravaganl
rates of interest at this moment paid 10
continue operations, the bankruptcies moi
merely in money. but in character, and
the inevitable effect upon finances gen.
erally-can it be doubted that the tend
ency is 10 run 10 excess in this matter!
Is it wise 10 augment this excess by en-.
couraging hopes OF sudden wealth expec.
ted to flow from magnificent schemes de-
pendent upon the action of Congressl-
Does the spirit, which has produced such
results, need to be stimulated or checked.
Is it not the better rule 10 leave all these
works 10 private enterprise, regulated,
and when excellent, aided, by the coop.
Grafton of States? II constructed by pri.
vate capital, the stimulant and check 20
together, and furnish salutary restraint
against speculative schemes and extrav-
agance. 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 PROPOSE
ton contemplating simultaneous move
ment for the construction of railroads.
which, in extent, will equal. exclusive Of
the great Pacific road and all its bran.
ches, nearly one.third oflhe entire length
of such works, now completed, in the
United State, which cannot cost. with
equipments, less than one hundred and
fifty millions OF dollars. The dangers
likely TO result from combination of inter.
ests of this character, can badly be over
estimated. But independently of these
considerations, where is the accurate
knowledge, the comprehensive intelli.
genoe, which shall discriminate between
The relative claims of these twenty.eight
proposed roads, in eleven States and one
Territory? Where will you begin, and
where end? II TO enable these compa.
MES to execute their proposed works. il is
necessary that the aid of the general gov.
ernment be primarily given, the policy
will present a problem so comprehensive
in its bearings, and so important to our
political and socalwell being, as to claim,
in anticipation, the severest analysis
Entertaining these views, recur with
satisfaction to the experience and action
of the last session of Congress. as fur.
nishing assurance that the subject will
not fail to elicit careful re. examination
and rigid security.
1t was my intention to present, on this
occasion, some suggestions regarding in.
Iernal improvements by the general gov.
ernment which want of time at the close
of the last session prevented my submit.
ting on the return to the House of Rep.
resentatives, with objections, OF The bill
entitled. tan act making appropriations
tor the repair, preservation and compile.
ton OF certain public works heretofore
commenced under authority of law;" but
the space in this communication already
occupied by other matter OF immediate
public exigency constrans me to reserve
that subject for a special message, which
will be transmitted to the two houses OF
Congress at an early day.
The judicial establishment of tho Uni.
ted States requires modification, and Ger.
tain reforms IN the manner of conducting
the legal business of the government are
also much needed; but as have address.
ed you upon both Of these subjects at
length before, have only to call your
attention TO the suggestions then made.
My former communications in relation