The Nevada journal., 1854-01-06
President Pierce and the Pacific
Railroad, -

The synopsis of the Presidents Message re-
ceived by the Sierra Nevada sets at rest one
question that has been anxiously asked-wllf
Mr.. Pierce oppose government assistance be-
ing rendered to the Pacific railway! The mes
'age takes ground that no such road is necess-
ary for the common defense" and thus effectu-
ally bars the sanction of government to the road
as for such a purpose only, according 10 lne
tenets of the democratic party can the road oe
built. We do not choose at present to take
exceptions to the restricted view OF the duties
of government implied in this cardinal doctrine
of democracy. But Mr.. Pierce has allied him
self by his decision with the smaller and more
ultra portion of his party, instead of accepting
the moderate views of the majority, who are
willing to render assistance to the great nation
al enterprise by donations Of land and the use
of the credit of the government under proper
guards. <' -
That the premises laid down by Mr.. Pierce
are incorrect, no one acc 1uainted with the sub
iect can doubt. The Pacific Railroad. is i'm
peratively necessary to the common defence
in case of war with q powerful maratime pow
er, the integrity of the union cannot be main
tained. Even if, as declared by some, no force
would be able to reduce California by arms,
nevertheless strict blockadge of our coast
would reduce us by starvation. by means OF
armed steamers our principal cities could be at
once destroyed, while our navy is altogether in
adequate to protect both the Atlantic and Pa
cifc coasts. The transportation of troops and
the munitions of war by water, even if vessels
could be spared for the duty, is a slow process,
and these would arrive too late for service. In
order to render nation truly impregnable it
must have facilities for the internal transporta-
tion of the sinews of war, so that it may con-
centrate on any point of attack from the sea, an
adequate force to resist. Although we ascribe
due weight to the spirit and fortitude of the peo-
ple of California in resisting an invasion, yet
we can but believe that, without the materiel
of war, without organization or preparation, the
state would soon be conquered, and virtually
wrested from the Union. By rail communica-
ton between the Atlantic and the Pacific the
government would have the means to provide
ehectually against assaults upon California, and
furnish means to keep us from being starved
into subjection. The Pacific railway is as nee
essary to the common defence as the building
OF fort at New York or New Orleans.
But there is another view of the case. If
the general government throws upon California
the whole burden of its defence, how long will
this state retain its allegiance? If We are to
derive no benefits, no assistance from the I'm
ion, how long will this state pay its customs
to the government? If the only effectual de-
fence We can have is denied US, and the weight
of war is thrown on our shoulders, even if we
succeed in repelling the foe, can it be expected
We will longer pay duties to distant and
neglectful government instead of appropria-
ting them to our own wants, and organizing an
independent government !? When the idea
shall have fully been impressed on our people
that we are treated but as a mere province Of a
selfish empire, that hour will the bond of union
be withered, and new republic be organized.
Oregon could complain of the same grievances
with less power to help herself. This magnif
cent territory on the Pacific, with the motives
we have sketched, would organize an indepen
dent nation, and wrest from the Union it
choicest possessions.
To Californians who have interested themseIvel
in the politics of the State this matter suggest
other reflections. who of as does not remember the
reiterated declarations of democratic orators ant
press that Gen. Pierce would make the Pacific Raj
Road great government measure? Theydeclaret
the democratic party, though opposed to local i'm
provements by the government within State, woult
adopt and urge this measure, it was for the com
mon defense and benefit. Contrary to the convic
tions Of wings they declared that Mr.. Pierce woult
favor the enterprise. When wings quoted from hi
past Congressional career, and cited his opposition
to the Maysvlle road, the Improvements of harbors
even the guns of democracy thundered out tha
those restricted and local matters not for th
common benefit, but gave unhesitatingly pledge
for his support of this national work The Benici
convention "resolved that the party and Genera
Pierce were in favor of the road. How smiserabl
was California deceived! Its interests are boun
mp in this road 1t trusted to deceitful promises
and now must reap the reward. Every vote give
for Pierce was a vote ag anst the Pacific Rail roac
But Gen. Pierce has made great mistake. Hi
mind is evidently not of those that is able to al
preciate great issues. and seize auspicious moment
for glorious fame. The 18th Brumairs arrives an
departs, bat he is no Napoleon. ''There is tide i
the affairs Of men, which taken at tho food ":&t
By overstepping the contracted bounds of factions
prejudice, and viewing this railroad in tho compre
hsnsive view of = statesman and patriot, he woul
have placed laurel on his brows that no succeed
ing one however great and prosperous, could rende
insignificant BY giving cheering word, and th
influence of his position to the enterprise, eccoul
have signalized his administration and ennobed hi
country He could have thrown into the lap of th
nation the trade of the world. China and Japa
would pour into our midst untold treasures
wealth. British India, reduced by Britain at th
cost Of millions would be tributary to tina
to her. The United States would contain the gran
artery Of the world. Her future progress woul
Dear no comparison even wish her glorious past
Within her grasp she would hold the surest pledge