The true Democrat., 1854-04-18
Pacific Railroad Routes.

tains to California, has been unfortunate We have already stated that he was found by Col Rabbit, near the Great South Lake in state of destitution having lost his way, and was fur nlshed with provisions and the means of pro- ceeding. In our San Francisco papers we find a letter from Col. Babbltt correcting some errors m the past reports, and stating the facts of his rencOntre with Col. Fremont. Col. Rabbit Is the bearer of memorial to Congress from the Legislature of the territory of Utah, and of the reports of Capt Beckwith, the officer who suc- ceeded the command of Capt. Gunnison's par ty, after the murder of that officer, and of Capt. Morris, who commanded the escort. Hisroute from Washington was from the Great Salt Lake to San Francisco He found Col. Ere mont on the 9th of February, about twenty miles from Little Salt Lake, in Parawan val ley about two hundred and sixty miles south of the Great Salt Lake. He had been overta- ken, wi h his party by snow in the mountains. The game on which they have relied for sub- sistence, disappeared they were compelled to kill their mules and horses for food, and were reduced finally to dozen and some little four which he obtained from an Indian chief for blankets. He was out of ready money, but horses and mules were obtained for him, by the aid of Mormon bishop, who advanced the sum out of the tithe funds, and accepted a draft on Palmer & Cook, at San Francisco, in favor of Gov. Young. Col Babbitt represents Col. Fremont as jaded and worn, but not dis couraged, and determined to proceed on the central track, through to San Franssco, which, however, Col. Rabbit thinks impracticabe.- Several of his men had died, not as at first stated, seven"
 This is not very gratifying news for the ad- | [ IT. 4i,. I route to the Pacific, of which Col. Fremont set out to determine the practicability. The San Francisco Times, however, says that Col. Babbitt, after leaving Col. Fremont, turned in a more southerly direction, hoping to find less snow but to his entire surprise discovered that the further south he proceeded, in the Great Basin the more he encountered. It does not follow, however, that the regions he quilted were not encountered by heavier falls after he quilted. Col. Rabbit is reported to have eros sed the country from Missouri to the Salt Lake i eighteen times, at different seasons, and to have | much experience in snow travelling. He is of I opinion that the upper country through which I Col. Fremont Is now struggling is less liable to i impedment from snow for railroad routes than ( that by the south riln of the basin. The least difficulty will be found close up on the mortimer | lv side or to avoid it altogether the route must l. run south of the Great Desert country atogeh- CT. The views of man of his experience oiought to count for something until reliable eX- <, examinations are made, and fully reported y We get also, by way of San Francisco, by Orthis arrival some accounts of the surveys made .hby the most northerly expedition for exploring ! route across the continent. Lieut. MauIv, at- of ached to Gov. Stevens party, reached San M francisco and is on his way to Washington ing he different parties despatched by Gov. Ste le lens to the Cascade and Rocky mountains had B. burned, and were either at Pugets sound or III h camp preparing theirlnaps and reports, which
 was believed would be ready for transmission le y the next steamer or the steamer thereafter. si- The reports received from Lieut.. Maury are ve ,at five passes have been discovered ill the ne ocky mountains and have been partially ex-
 ored. One has been ascertained to be practi- ne .ble for a railroad, and three are believed to 7e so; but no choice has been made. We quote: IS From the Rocky mountains to Puget's sound O. 10 distinct lines have been examined. The ne ,rthern a4d most direct passes through the Sno
 talmi Pass ofthe Cascade range, north of Mt e. liner in nearly straight line. It was sut- of wed by Capt. Mcclellan, who reports that it t. iIuite practicable, although for the road tun- to ling high grades and heavy side cutting will ] l ed Ger route diverges to the southward, follow or l down the Columbia river, and passing
 tough the Cascade mountains at the Cas- ed ces It then pursues the course of the stream he ttsome distance, and strikes across to Puget's on sead. This route is considered decidedly lip Erticable. The road can be made without
 tu1eling, with grade not exceeding fifteen he fe to the mile, and at a cost no greater than es tn of the Hudson river railroad.
 Ehould these routes be decided against, a O. coection of Oregon and the Columbia river
 wi the East will be sought by route inter e seug the great route to California, through the
 soh pass. Mr. Lander, chief engineer of the il exdition, proposes, on his own responsibility,
 to ake the survey for this route, trusting to )r. Coress to remunerate him hereafter. It is an
 esstial part of the plans which Congress have en alrdy authorized.
 Is not unlikely that the reports from Gov. Id Stems and from Col Fremont will be receiv-
 ed time to be laid before Congress at the pre- a senession so as to assist in the decision of the
 raihd blls.-M 0. Picoyune.