The true Democrat., 1855-02-07

Sd. That over more than one half of the distance timber and building material of every description can be procured on the ground.
 4th. That several points are presented on the line not far distant from the heads of naviga- tion of the streams of Texas
 9th. That the only obstacle to an abundant supply of water is easily removed Cit appears that l25 miles of the route is entirely destitute of timber or water. To remove the latter ob- stacle he proposes the construction of Artesian wells.)
 9th. That over the most unfavorable portion of the route the grades are not difficult, and timber for the ties is to be transported but short distances.
 7th. That the agricultural and mineral re- sources of the route are in all respects good.
 0th. That the chain of military posts to be established for its protection would individual ly and collectively, combine all the necessary requisites to be considered in the establishment of military posts in the Indian country.
 9th. That the country traversed is of mild and genial temperature, and but little subject to the changes of the seasons; and, finally, that the route presents every combination of advan- tages and facilities, both for railroad and wagon road, for military purposes or for emigration, that can reasonably be expected west of the valley of the Mississippi
 He says that the road Is reduced from the consideration of line of 2,OOO miles to one of 800 miles, as the road from Cairo to Fulton will undoubtedly be finished as soon as the terminus of the Pacific railroad shall be fixed at the lat ter place, and long before that road can be built, and the magnificent contribution of Texas will build the road through that State.
 Lieut. Parke 1t is to be regretted, makes no estimates of the cost of the road from Dona Ana to the Gila, neither does he state the dis tance, although, from the description of the country as given by him over which the road is to pass, that portion of the route possesses ad- vantages, for the construction of a railroad equal to the other
 The Central Route.
 This route was explored by Capt Gunnison up to the time of his massacre by the Indians, and after his death, completed by Lieut.. E. G. Beckwith. This route commences at the mouth of the Kansas river via the Great Basin to the Pacific
 In this instance no estimates are given as to the distance and cost but it is very evident, from the scarcity and through great portion of the route the entire absence of water, fuel and timber mentioned as applying to almost the entire line of exploration, added to the hea-
 
 construction would be very expensive. MT. Benton's account of the country along the line of the route, however does not agree with the report of Lieut. Beckwith. Mir. Benton repre- sents timber and water as plenty, but from the known character of the country it is reasonable to suppose that Lieut.. Bckwith is correct.
 The Northern Route.
 This route was explored by Gov. Stevens, from Saint Paul to the Columbia river, dis tance of l, ,89O miles; the cost of construction he estimates at 126 19OOOO dollars.
 The Instructions to be met with Qn this route, are the Rocky and Cascade mountains. Tim Der and water are also wanting on many DOT tions of this route, which difficulties Gov. Ste vcns proposes to overcome by the planting ol trees and building of aqueducts. He proposes the plating of GAO acres of wood every twenty miles, which he estimates in fifteen years will yield fuel enough for the use of the eng ines doing large business on the road. He esti. mates the road can be completed within six years.
 The Secretary of War has informed Congress that these reports are incomplete, but we have sufficient data, by which to form an opinion in regard to the practicability of the different routeS
 It appears from the estimates given that the route from Fort Smith to the Pacific will cost 166, ,230OOO, or 89,9O3 dollars per mile. The route from Fulton to Dona Ana 100000, or 28, POS dollars per mile. The route from Saint Paul to the Columbia river 126, 18O,OOO or 66, 700 dollars per mile. No estimates are given for the route from the mouth of the Kansas river or of that portion of the Texas route from Dona Ana to the Gila river. This latter it is believed. fom the description of the country as given in Lieut. Parke's report will not be any more expensive than the portion from Fulton to Dona Ana.
 Although it appears according to these seve- ral reports the Fort Smith route is by far the most expensive, it and the Texas route are more practicable than the others and if placed upon that ground one of them would be adopted by Congress. In my opinion the estimates of all
 SALE OF LANDS FOR \