Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-12-14

icular locality may be enhanced; that, in
fact, larger amount of money may proLa-
bly, be received in given time, for alter
nate sections, than could have been realized
for all the sections, without the impulse and
influence Of the proposed improvements
A prudent proprietor looks beyo limited
sections of his domain, beyond present re-
suits, TO the ultimate effect which particu-
lar line OF policy is likely 10 produce upon all
his possessions and interests. The Cow
eminent which is trustee in this matter, for
the people OF the States, is bound TO take
the anne wise and comprehensive view.
Prior to, and duing the last session Of
Congress, upwards Of thirty millions Of acres
Of land were withdrawn from public sale
with II view 10 applications Tor grants Of tins
character pending before Congress. A
careful review Of the whole subject led me
TO direct that all such orders be abrogated,
and the lands restored TO market; and in
structions were Immediately given TO that
effect. The applications at the last session
contemplated the construction Of more than
! five thousand miles Of road, and grants TO
the amount of nearly twenty millions Of
acres OF the public domain. Even admit
ting the right on the part Of Congress TO be
unquestionablc, is it quite clear that the
proposed grants would be productive of
good and not evil ? The different products
are confined, for The present, 10 eleven States
Of this Union, and one territory. The rea-
sons assigned for the grants, show that it is
proposed TO put the works speedily in pro-
| cess OF construction.
When we reflect that since the commence
ment of the construction of railways in the
| United States, stimulated as they have been
by the large dividends realised from the
earlier works over the great thoroughiares,
and between the most important points Of
commerce and population, encouraged by
State legislation, and pressed forward by
the amazing energy Of private enterprise,
only 1900 miles have been completed in
all the States in a quarter OF century,
when we see the crippled condition OF many
works commenced and prosecuted upon
what were deemed 20 be sound principles
and safe calculatuns;- we contcm-
| plate the enormous absorption Of capital
withdrawn from the ordinary channels Of
/ business, the extfavagant rates Of interest
at this moment paid 10 continue operations,
y the bankruptcies not merely in money but in
character, and the inevitable effect upon ii.
nances generally; can ii be doubted that the
tendency is to run 10 excess in this matter?
Is il wise to augment this excess by en-
couraging hopes OF sudden wealth expected
to flow from magnificent schemes dependent
upon the action OF Congress.
Does the spirit, which has produced such re-
suits. need TO be stimulated or checked? L. it not
the better rule TO leave these works TO private en-
terprse, regulated, and, when eXpedicnt, aided, by
the cooperation Of tine States? If Constructed by
private capital. tie stmulent and the check 90 to-
gether. and furnish salutary restraint against
| speculative schemes and extravaganza. But il is
manifest, thAt with the most etcc tive guards there
is danger of going too fast and too far. We may
well pause before a proposition contemplating a
Simultaneous movement for the construction of
railroads, which. in extent, will equal exclusive
of the great Pacific road and all its branches near
ly one-third of the entire length of such works
now completed. in the United States, and which
cannot cost. with equipments, less than one hun
dred and fifty millions of dollars. The dangers
| likely 10 result from combinations Of interests OF
this character, can hardly be over-estlmaed.
But, independently of these considerations.
where is the accurate knowledge; the comprchen-
sive intelligence. which shall discriminate between
the relative claims of these wenty-Pig ht proposed
roads. in eleven States and one Territory? Where
will you begin and where end? If, TO enable
these companies, TO execute their proposed works,
it IS necessary that the lid Of the General Govern
ment be primarily given, the policy will present
problem so comprehensive in IFS bearings. and
SO important 10 our political and social well
beng, as TO claim in anticipation, the severe
est analysis. Entertaining these views, | recur
with satisfaction to the experience and action of
the last session Of Congress furnishing
that the subject will not fail TO elicit a careful re-
examination and rigid scrutiny.
/ 1t w my intention 10 present on this occasion
some suggestions regarding internal improvements
by the General Government, which want of time
at the close of last sessions. prevented my submit
ting on the return TO the House Of Representatives,
with objections. OF The bill entitled ''act making
appropriations for the repair preservation and com
pletion of certain public works heretofore COM
Inpnced under authority of law;'' but the space in
this communication already occupied with other
matter of immediate public eXgency. constrains
me 10 reserve that subject for special message,
which will be transmitted 10 the two houses Of
Congress AT an early daY.
The judicial establishment of the United States
Requires modification. and certain reforms in the
manner OF conduCtngthe legal business of the Gov
errmrnt are also much needed; hut as have adj
dressed you al length on both of these subjects be-
fore, have only to call your attention to the sug
CestionS then made.
NV former recommendations. in relation to suit
able provisions for various object of deep interest
TO The inhabitants of the District of Columbia. are
renewed. MANY of these objects partake largely
of a national character, and are Important: indie
pendently of their relation 10 the only considerable
organised community nthe Union, entirely uurep-
resented in Congress.
i have thus presented suggestions on such sub
iects as appear 10 TO be of particular interest or
Importance, and therefore most worthy of consid-
eruion during the short remaining period allotted
TO he labors Of the present Congress.
Our forefahers of the thirteen United Colonies,
in acquiring their independence, and in founding
this Republic of the United States OF America,
boun lavolypl no Nh cir dor tbo
est and most noble trust ever committed 10 the
hands Of man. imposing upon all, and especially
such the public will have invested, for the time
being, with political functions. the most sacred OBJ
legations. We have TO maintain invioIate the great
doctrine Of the inherent right Of popular self-gov-
ernment 10 reconcile the largest liberty of the in
diyidua citizen. with complete security of the pub
lie ord"r; to render cheerful obedience to the laws
Of the land; 10 unite in enforcing their execution,
and to frown Indignantly on all combinations 10
sst them; TO halmoniZe sincere and ardent deyo-
ton 10 the institutions of religious faith with the
most universal religious federation; 10 preserve The