Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1854-12-13
has led me to direct that all such orders

be abrogated, and the lands restored to
market, and instructions were immediat-
ly given to that effect. The applications
of the last session contemplate the con-
struction of more than 5000 miles of road
and grants to the amount Of nearly 3d.
100000 acres of the public domain
Even admitting the right, on the part of
Congress, to be unquestionable, it should
be Quilted clear that the proposed grants
would be conducive of good, and not
evil.
The reasons assigned for the grants
show that it is designed TO put the works
speedily in process of construction. OF
railroads in the II. S. estimated as they
have been by the large DIVIDENDS realized
from the earliest works over great thor
oughfares between the most important
points of commerce and population, en-
couraged by state Legislation and pressed
forward by untiring energy of private
enterprise only 1000 miles have been
completed in all the states in a quarter Of
d century. When we see the crippled
condition of manv works commences and
prosecuted on what we deem sound prin-
ciples and safe calculation--w!ien we
contemplate the enormous absorption OF
capital Withdrawn from the ordinary
channels &C business, the extravagant
rates of interest 1T this moment paid 10
continue operations, the bank ruptures,
not merely in money but in character, and
the inevitable effect upon the finances
generally, can it doubted that the tenden-
cy is 10 run 10 excess in this matter.
Is it wise to augment this excess by
encouraging hopes of sudden wealth,
expected to flow from magnificent schemes
dependant upon the action of Congress
Does the spirit which has prevailed such
results, need to be stimulated, or checked?
Is it not better rule 10 leave all t.ase
works 70 private enterpize, regulated,
when aided by the cooperation of States
ST constructed by prsvate capital, the
i,smulant and the check 90 togeather, and
furnish salutary restraint against specu'
1ative schemes, aad extavagencies.
1t is manifest that, with TIE most effec
tive guards, there is danger of going too
fast and leo far. We nay well pause,
before propositions contemplating sim
ultaneoas mo ement for the constructions
of railroad. watch in extent will equal.
exclusive of the great Pacific road, in all
ether branches near y enc third OF the
entire length Of such werks now compile
ted in The L. S. which cagnet with equip,
snents cost less t!.an $50, geo, 0e0.
The dangers likely to result FROM com
oinations of interest Of Ibis character can
hardly be over estimated. But, indepen
IDENTITY of this consideration, where Is the
accurate knowledge, the comprehensive
intelligence which shall discriminate be.
tween the relative claims Of these IS pro
posed roads in eleven states and terrific
Ties.
Where will yeu begin ard END, if TO
enable those companies 10. execute their
propose works,it isnecessary that the aid
of the general government be primarily
given. The policy will present a prob
lem so comprehensive in lis bearings, and
SO important 10 our political and social
we'll being, as to claim in anticipation the
severest analysis.
Entertaining these views; refer with
satisfaction To the experience and aclioe
OF the last session OF Congress, as furnish
ing evidence tina, the subject viii not fail
10 elicit careful re-eAaminaiion, and
rigid scrutiny.
1t was my intention TO presnt on this
occasion some suggestions regarding in
.ernal 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 Repre-
sentatives, with objections, the bill enti-
tied IAN Act making appropriations for
the preservation and complexion of Ger
lin public works, heretofore commenced,
under authority of law; but the space in
this communication already occupied with
other matters of immediate public exigen
CIV constrans me 10 reserve thai subject
for a special message, which will he
transmitted to the two Houses OF Congress
at an early day.
The Judicial establishment OF the U.
S. requires modification, and certain re-
forms in the manner of conducting the
legal business of the government are also
much needed but as have addressed
you on both of these subjects at length
before, leave them in your hands
call your attention to the suggestions
made in nay former recommendations in
relation TO suitable appropriations for va
rious objects of deep interest to the in
habitauts of the District of Columbia
Many of these objects partake legally Of
national character, and are important
in their relations 10 the prosperity of the
oniv considerable organized community
in the Union, entirely unrepresented in
Congress.
have thus presented Suggestions on
such subjects as appear 10 ME 10 be of
practical interest or importance, and
therefore most worthy Of consideration
during the short remaining period allotted
TO the labors of the present Congress.
Our fore fathers of the United Colonies,
in acquiring their Independence, and in
founding this republic of the L. S. of
America, have devolved upon US their
descendants tbs greatest aud the most no.
bic trust ever committed to the hands of