The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-04-29
The Pacific Railroad.

We have no tears to shed over the an
nouncement, that the consideration OF the
Pacific Railroad bill has been postponed by
the Senate until It's next session. At all
events, by that time, Messrs. Rice and
SHIELDS will have taken their seats, and the
northern route now greatly in jeopardy, will
be promoted by their votes and voices.
The title Of the bill postponed by the
Senate, is AN act to authorize the Pre-
sident Of the United States TO contract for
the transportation of the mails, troops, sea-
men, munitions Of war, army and navy sup
plies, and all other Government service, by
railroad, from the Missouri river to San
Francisco, in the State Of California" The
bill confers no power upon the President
but to make q contract. The committee
were careful, in preparing this measure, to
confer no doubtful powers upon the Pres-
dent or any one else, and wished to avoid
constitutional objections from all quarters,
and simply provide for exercising powers
conceded to exist under the Constitution
from the foundation Of the Government.
The route to be chosen is left to the option
Of the contractors, but provides that its
eastern terminus shall be on the Missouri
river, between the mouths Of the Big Sioux
and Kansas rivers; and the western the city
of San Francisco. The bill makes it oblga-
tory upon the contractors to provide sub
stantial system of telegraphs
The bill has the advantage Of the favor OF
the Executive, and has strong support from
some leading Senators from the North, and
also from the South.
During the consideration OF the bill in the
Senate, Mr.. DooLirrLE of Wis, avowed bis
intention to offer an amendment, making the
eastern termination of the road at Breckin.
ridge, (JosErH X. BRowNs towu--JosErH
is in Washington at the confluence of the
Bois dcs Sioux. with the Red River in Min.
ncsota. Mr.. DooiirrL1 said:
Mr. President, before the question istaken on
the amendment proposed by the honorable
Senator from Missouri, | desire TO offer an
amendment to his amendment. His amend
ment, II l understand it, is. that the point Of
starting shall be between the mouth Of the Big
Sioux river and Fort Smith, on the western
boundary Of Arkansas. The amendment whe b
propose IL, that the northern point shall be on
the western boundary Of Minnesota, at Breek
inridge, at the confluence Of the Bois des Sou
with tho Red River Of the North. IL IL = point
for railroad TO which grant Of land has al
{ ready been given to Minnesota. 1t IL a upon
the line Of the proposed road as surveyed By
Governor stevens; and il is, in my Judgment
upon that route which Is capable Of settlement
upon the entire line up the Missouri river anc
down the Columbia river, and capable OF belne
inhabited, across the entire continent. on tha
route there is no desert plain Of i've hundred
miles, OF Of one thousand i've hundred miles
but at the very summit Of The dividing ridge
there IL scarce dye miles from good pasturag'
on the one side 20 good pasturage on ihe other
simply offer this amendment 80 that the ques
ton may De taken between these two po,nts-
Breckenridge, a, the confluence Of the Bos de;
sioux and the Red River of the North, and Fort
Sm ia ca ;hc south.