Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-12-29
Overland Mails.

It appears that there are three routes now in active operation, but the preference Is univer- sally given to Butterfeld's route. The Mis- sourians, although they are prosecuting north ern route by way of Salt Lake with vigor evil dently believe that a more southern route is the only practicable one and will endeavor to divert the line to St. Louis and intersect it so far west of us as to have no terminus in this S.ate. MT. Phelps is man of acknowledged ability and we rather doubted that he would ignore the interests of his own State to build up any place in Arkansas or Tennessee. Know ing that the route on the Both parallel would meet with supporters and could be established, he was content to have terminus at St. Louis and one at Memphis, and afterwards to discon- tinue the part of the line through Arkansas Mir. Phelps is a Missouran, and naturally had the welfare of his State at heart. In all this thing so far as he did not deal double and we do not know that he did, his acts were com mendable. But it appeared to Us at the time and does yet, that instead of playing into the hands of Missouri, it was the policy of western Arkansas to encourage a line of roads, railroads if possible, up the valley of the Arkansas river. It is evident that, unless regular and speedy communication can be had with Memphis, that the line of travel will tend to St. Louis. This once established and the detour to Van Buren and Fort Smith, will be sought to be avoided and no part of the route will pass through our of tba frop Mpm to Ft. Smith, should be insisted upon and the contractors not permitted to discontinue service on any portion of 1t.
 In connection with:.this subject, we give the following from the San Francisco National of late date.
 The arrivals of the overland mails within the past fortnight have closely approached schedule time, aud created very general conh- dence in the operations of the mail service by | the Butterfied route. We are informed that the contractors are entirely satisfied that the route chosen is best suited for the service they have undertaken. The latest overland mail rom St. Louis aud Memphis is now arrived, briu ging dates to October llth. Although we cannot look for as great punctuality during the entire wet season, yet we may safely expect
 
 by the reception, overland, of dates comprising one half the interval between their semi month ly departures. The principal impediments in the winter tIps by the now established south ern line, will be found within the limits of Cal ifornia Portions of the road in this State will be rendered difficult of travel by the rains but the more serious obstacle of snow is entirely avoided. The latest news from Utah announce. that snow had already fallen on the mountains east of Salt Lake, rendering it necessary for | the merchants of that city to dispatch one hun dred head of oxen to aid trains in crossing.- Dr. Chorpening, the mail contractor by this route, had however reached Salt Lake on the 18th October. The period for testing the re. ative advantages of the several lines of over- land communication is near at hand and Con- gress will at it's approaching session be in pos session of that positive knowledge relating thereto, which Is necessary to the attainment of prompt and united action upon the great measure of a continental railroad