Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-06-08
Pacific Railroad.
Brunswick, May 29th.

This question has been taken up in the
House, in Committee of the Whole. The
bill proposes Railroad and telegraph line
from the Mississippi river at point not
north of the 9Th parallel of north latitude, to
San Francisco, and Railroad and telegraph
line from some point on the northerly shore
of Lake Superior, or the Mississippi river,
in Mianesotu, 10 the waters Of the Pacific
Ocean.
Mr. Drum. (Democrat) Of Pennsylvania,
asked and Obtained permission TO print
speech on the subject,
Mr. Florence. Demccrat) OF Pennsy'va-
nia.-That is q pretty good hours speech
Mr.. McDo'real, lDemocrat) of Caliror-
mia, said this bill was in his judement-and
he believed in that of the whole country
the most important one which has claimed
the consideration Of this body in peaceful
times, since the establishment of the federal
constitution. II was question of the first
magnitude and the greatest national impor-
lance. The select committee who reported
this bill, was organized at an early day in
the session. They had met for upwards of
two months. The result of their delibera-
tions was the measure now under consider
alton, and it was different in its features
from any heretofore introduced for that pur-
pose.
The provisions are now more guarded and
the interests of the government better
protected. 1t provides for no immediate
grant of lands-no absolute grant. If indi-
viduals, corporations or States shall come
forward and give sufficient guarantee to the
government that they will construct the road
then they will be afforded certain facilities.
The Secretary of War, on the passage of
this bill, is requested to advertise that bids
will be received, the parties Offering, to
stipulate as TO the time required for the con-
struclon Of the road, and as to the amount
Of road 10 be built in any one ycar--,he
most favorable bidder to be selected. The
government is 10 convey fhe land as the
work progresses and not otherwise. 1t is
not proposed that the general government
shall become the proprietors of this work,
but as States are organized in the Terrific
ries through which it will pass, portion after
portion Of the road is 10 be surrendered them.
This bill will not, according to other provi-
sions, establish large land monopoly and
great political influence. 1t carefully
guards againt all anticipated mischefs. He
commended that the government has no con-
s!itutonal powers to give lands in aid of the
enterprise, and quoted strict construction
views in support of his position. Govern
ment now pays $4,000,0OO per annum for
the conveyance OF mails and naval and
military stores between the two oceans. This
bill proposes to perform, mot semi-monthly
or six or nine month trips, but frequently
trips across the continent, at a maxiIm S -
zoo ,OOO-thus effecting a great saving of
money, apart from the facilities afforded in
case of war. In allusion to the resources of
California, he said, she exports more Of her
natural products than the entire Union did
twenty years ago. With the present means
of communication the general government is
unable 10 afford protection 10 the Pacific
coast hence the necessity of speedy tran
sit across the continent. He dilated on the
trade between the Atlantic and Pacific
States. showing that by the present slow and
devious way to the Pacific in comparison
with the facilities offered by railroad, sew
eniy millions OF dollars were lost, while by
railroad there will be saving Of over for
ty-eight millions per ann,m, equal 10 the
annual expenditures Of the government
He pressed the measure in a social and DO.
litical aspect. The country calls for this
road. Whether this Congress order il or
not, it will ultimately be constructed.
Mr.. Shaw, (dem. Of N. c., made speech
against the policy of distributing lands among
the States.
Mr.. Gerrit Smith, (aboliiion) of N. Y.
obtained the foor-saying he intended to
speak against the Pacific Railroad bill.
The Committee rose.