The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1854-06-01

The Fremont Expeaiuon.--Col. Benton.
Since the arrival of Colonel Fremont at
Washington, some interesting inklings of his
late expedition have transpired.
1t is well known to the country that Col.
Fremont started on this arduous and impor-
tsnt expedition in October last, for the grand
purpose of making scientific observations,
and obtaining information which would
throw practical and reliable light upon the
unrivalled Pacific Railroad project.
In this connection, it is but simple justice
to Col Benton, to say, that the achievements
Of his dauntless energy in behalf OF West
srn interests, have had greater influence
in the development Of the resources and ca
liabilities Of the great Western Wilderness,
than all others combined. The history of
Col. BeDton's public and political life, COM
mands for him the acknowledgment of a
most noble purpose and Jealous devotion TO
the advancement Of the ns,oer West, and the
settlement and subjugation Of the border ter
ritories. His first pioneer adventure by way
of public improvement, was the opening of
q wagon road from independence to Santa
Fe, which has since its construction been Of
invaluable service to the country in the add
vancement of both our military and civil in
terests.
This project was long treated by the U. s.
Senate with ridicule, yet it was none the less
his favorite project, and his indeiatigable
pursuance of the object, up TO its final ac-
complishment, evinced striking prescience
in the future dcstinies of the UNEMPLOYED ter
ritories, which is now being proudly realized.
His zealoss exertions in this project were of
the most unselfish character, and prompted
merely by his adventurous spirit for scientific
and historic requirements. How far the re-
searches of Col. Benton, and the early ac-
QUESTION of his valuable store of Topographic
cal information, enters into the subsequent
ter of interesting speculation. That both
these gentlemen are entitled to immortal
fame for their enterprising exertions and ha.
zardous sacrifices, in developing the topo-
ritories, every body is proud to concede.
The late expedition Of Col. Fremont was
one of extraordinary merit, both in the i'm
portance of its objects and the peril and SUI
fering endured by the parties enc aged. The
ideas which we have been able to gather
from California nans-s,-'.d -tiro copJectures
Of the knowing Washington gossipers, the
official report of Col. Fremont upon the prac.
ticability of the Pacific Railroad project
will be highly favorable, as well in respect tc
the vast utility of. the enterprise, as to ia
Feasibility of construction. His examna
tons, made as they were through the Rocky
Mountains in the dead of winter, will expos,
the worst obstacles which the enterprise wi,
have to encounter. The route persued be
tween the Mormon settlement and the Pa
ci6c terminus was entirely new, and present
ed many advantages over any other pre-
viously explored. The route ranges in il
variations but little more than single de
gree of latitude from straight line.
The success of the expedition was NOR
fortunate than formerly reported, as only on
man was lost, who died from excessiv
fatigue and exposure. The report will ap
pear officially in few weeks s, and it is hope
will receive that attention by Congress whic
the importance of the subject demands.