, 1855-04-21

EACIFC DTA0k MUTE AND NAIL INOAD.-
It is a matter of common regret with the
friends Of the proposed wagon road and
mail stage line from the Missouri frontier
to California, that In tho hurryof congress
sional proceedings at the close Of the last
session. no decided action was taken to en-
couruge or facilitate the project for the es-
tabllshment Of q more direct line Of COM
mun;cation with our Atlantic frontier, and
which would have The effect, at the same
time, to very materially and substantially
reduce the expense of travel between the
valley Of the Mississippi and the Pacific.
Next to the construction of rail road
to our shores, as we have before observed,
We consider the establishment of good
wagon road across the mountains and
plains as only second in importance. 1t is
demanded by every consideration and ar
gument which tends to accelerate the set
tlement Of q new territory-pecuniary con-
siderations, comfort and convenience-al
are forcibly embodied in the project; and
We hope that the private enterprise Of Mis-
souri, and California, with whatever aid aud
comfort Washington and Oregon terrific
res may feel at liberty to extend, will join
each other at the city Of the Great Salt
Lake in the establishment OF line Of sta
gcs, along which, in connection with regu-
lar station establishments, continuous set
tlement will spring up, atfording mutual
protection from Indian hoStilties, Of O
more reliable character than o standing
army conId youchsafe, and by which the
hand OF civilization can bc extended,
through now perilous and savage region
| from one end Of tho route to tho other.
The Pacific railroad project, too, as pro-
posed by Mr.. Douglass, was lost sight Of,
and with mass Of unfinished business,
was postponed for future congressional ac-
ton. Sometime previous TO adjournment,
the real friends Of the road in congress, we
understand, held q meeting to endeavor to
reconcile differences, and adopt plan
which could receive their entire support.
That conference resulted in the adoption Of
Senator Douglas plan--providing for three
routes--a northern, contrnl and south
crn, md received the appreciation Of all
other gentlemen who had introduced bills
for that object-Senator Benton alone ex-
cepted. In that favorable shape--the on
ly national shape it could he made to as
sumo, where private capital could have q
choice in Investment, it passed the Senate,
Int the House failed 10 reach IT,
Commenting OH the subject. the San
Francisco SNn says:
"That this road will be made at some
time We entertain not the slightest doubt;
but we consider ii important that the work
shonld be speedily commenced, and there
fore regret the difference Of opinion which
prevails in Congress among the friends Of
and mode OF construction. Col. Benton
says. that company Of individuals is pre-
pared to make the road at their own ex-
pense and risk, il Congress will but grant
a free right Of way through the public
lands. We believe that the capital requi-
red could DO raised without difficulty, as
the road would nnquestionably pay well.
On this subject, however, Col. Benton has
changed his position; for, some short time
ago, he reported bill in congress to clear
track one mile wide, and TO lay down a
railroad upon q part Of II, leaving the re-
maindcr for future improvements. or for the
construction Of wagon road, &c. This
was n magnificent scheme, worthy Of the
country and age in which we live. We ap-
prove his project and yet hope that it may
be carried into effect. But if congress bc
indispOsed to undertake this work on pub
lie account, let it be transferred at once
no private company, who will make their
own selection of route, and prosecute the
road to completion as rapidly as possible.
II zoe rOHld preserve our possessions on he
Pacific pithia The Union, zoe mast eORsirnet
rail road 10 make Communications tOith
them more rapid and less erpeRsirs than BY
the present mode.