, 1854-04-08

DD- We take pleasure in transferring to
our columns the following leading editorial,
which appeared in the Orgon Weekly TImc,
of March 18th. Too much light cannot be
thrown upon a subject which is at present
elciting so much of the attention of Con-
gress, and upon which, and the immense re-
suits connected with its completion, the
thoughts of the capitalists and masses Of
both Europe and America are more or less
occupied. The suggestions relative 10 the
proposed homeward bound survey of FRED.
w. LANDER, Esq, Civil Engineer, Of whom
mention was made two weeks ago, is well
worthy of careful consideration, as the high
reputation Of that gentleman for ability in
the line Of his profession, will enable Con
gress and the public TO determine, and dis
crilninatc very critically, upon the proper
line for Pacific railway best adapted, in all
respects, TO mcot the expectations of the peo-
pie Of the entire Pacific coast.
Tho report of Mr.. Lander, by unani-
nous concurrence of the Legislative Assem-
bly, Of this Territory, has been recommend.
cd 10 be printed, and il is to be hoped that
the expectations Of the members will NOT be
disappointed. We hope that neither the
press or public opinion will be muzzeled in
any respect, as we live in an age Of reason.
From the Oregon Weekly Times.
TIE PACIFIC RAILROAD.
The location OF the great Pacific Railroad
will probably BE- decided upon during the
present session of Congress. II has evident
y not occurred to the people of OrcgonTe
rilory, how much their own future is involy
ed in the position this line may occupy
We have remained very quiet while the Pa.
cifc Railroad project has been discussed by
our ncighbors of Washington Territory; Gu
listed the attention Of the great American
people in the east, and now unwcaried and
eager comments from the press Of Califor-
mia. But our attention has recently been
drawn 10 a view Of this subject, at once com
Prchensivc, national and practical, and to
which we give our most hearty support and
cooperation. A northern route from Lake
SuperiOr-which is frozen during a great
portion Of tho year-lo Puget Sound, if ev-
cr built, would necessarily aid emigration to
Oregon, and would in some measure develop
lis interests, should it pass through the val
ley of the Columbia River.
A cA,,elae, - Tf,l.cor,sa 4
interest us particularly, save in the consid-
Grafton Of its importance as a patriotic ma
tional undertaking. But il has been dem
ons,ratcd 10 us that central route 10 Cali
lornia, by the valley of the Great Sail Lake,
is vital 10 the interests Of Oregon, and that
the support Of our people should be given
to the location Of the road TO California, in
this position by Congress. II is believed
that very practicable and favorable route
for Railroad exists from the valley Of the
Salt Lake to the valley of the Columbia
rive, and that this route would become the
preferable line for the commerce of the
west, from IFS passing the great coast range
OF mountains upon nearly level grades, or
through The even valley Of the Columbia
River.
While it is not probable that a Railroad
Will be built for half a century, from the
frozen waters of Lake Superior to Puget
Sound, il is very possible that a short spur
line from the Salt Lake valley might be
built through the valley Of The Columbia 10
Puget Sound. Our first step towards secu-
ring the advantages Of Railroad to the
northern Pacific coast, must be to unite our
efolts with interests Of sufficient importance
10 justify the construction Of a road.
A Railroad is actually necessary TO Cali
iornia and The nation, and will be built
Let US move so heartily in the matter that
at least our voice may be heard, and onr
claims be asserted in the location OF that
road. Seven hundred miles of Railroad, or
the distance between the South Pass and
Puget Sound, would give railway communi-
cation to the Pacific through the best pass
in the whole Pacific rangc, and upon level