Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-01-12

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A knowledge Of the geology ofthe country
is important, as aifording essential data re-
lative TO the construction and use Of the
railway. 1t teaches in advance of an ex-
pensive experience, the obstacles which will
be presented by rocks TO be excavated, and
their fitness for use in masonry, and dis
closes the presence of sand, which may
drift over the track or damage the rubbing
parts of the machinery. From the character
of the geological formation is to be inferred
the probability of the existence of coal, and
from the dip and strata of the rock the
feasibility of procuring woter by artesian
wells for the use ofthe engines, and whether
or not the supply may be extended beyond
this want, and happily serve for the irrigation
Of the land. Should this last result be OBJ
tanned, it would furnish the means to con-
vert sterile waste into fertile region, and
add to the power and wealth Of the United
States by extending their settlements in a
continuous chain from sea to sea.
Observations were directed to be made as
to the zoology and botany of the country,
which enter into the question of the choice
Of routes, because they are indicative of the
country to sustain life and furnish materials
for construction.
Allusion has been made 10 the inadequacy
Of the appropriation for surveys TO ascertain
the best route for railroad from the Ms.
sssippi river to the Pacific ocean. In
determining the route of ordinary railroads,
through thiclly settled countries Of easy
access, one-half per cent on tn he,,actual cost
Of construction is not considered too liberal
an allowance for the preliminary surveys,
and therefore it cannot be expected that the
best line of a road which has been estimated
10 cost one hundred million dollars can be
located through an uninhabited and com
paratively unknown region for one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars.
There is but little doubt that the best
Inc which can be chosen will present COM
hinatioa oG ncorly all the obstacles which
lave up TO this time been successfully en-
coun'ercd by the art Of the engineer, and
thoi my haste or negligence which should
cause m improper location Of the road to be
made, must lead to consequences which
would endanger the success Of the whole
enterprise.
/ A striking illustration Of the value Ct
CT opinions not based on instrumental survey
is presented in The developments made by
Lieut.. WIlliamson's exploration of Wal
ker's Pass. 1t will be remembered that
this famous gap was considered fixed
point, and the various spcculations on
routes, differing in everything else, gener-
ally coHcurrcd in tending 10 Walkers Pass.
Recent information from Lieut.. Williamson
establishes the fact that this pass is imprao.
ticab.e for n railway.
The information which has been received
from the parties now in the field is too lin
tied and imperfect to justify an opinion on
the question proposed by the act of Congress.
When the reports Of these parties shall
have been received, or at the date prescrib-
ed by Congress, 1t is my purpose to submit a
condensed statement and map, exhibiting
, all the reliable information possessed, with
proliles annexed Of all instrumental surveys
which have at any time been made, and
which serveto answer enquiry contained
in the act Of appropriation under which
surveys are now in progress.
If | seem TO have pressed the magnitude
Of the obstacles, to the successful execution
/ Of the contemplated work it has not been TO
suggest the abandonment of the undertaking,
bur only to enforce the propriety Of much
caution in the preliminary steps, and the
necessity for concentrating all the means
which can be made available TO the COM
| pIetion OF so gigantic project.
Preconceivel opinion or prejudice, per-
sonal interest and sectional rivalry, must
be held subject TO the developments OF
/ instrumental survey, and subservient tc
the purpose Of final success, or the result tc
be anticipated is failure; and when from
the consideration of the magnitude of the
difficulties to be overcome, we pass TO the
Importance Of the effects to- be produced
there is enough 10 sustain patriotism in the
sacrifice Of any personal or local interest
which may be involved. Its commercial
and agricultural advantages; its political ant
and military necessity, have attracted the at,
tention nj excited the interest of our Who'll,
country. Congress has by its appropriation
manifested the purpose to obtain such in
formation as will secure proper location
of the road.
The necessity for more rapid means o
communication has been referred TO in 9th
er' parts of this report, when treating of th'
defence of our southern boundary, the west