Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-05-05
The Pacific Railroad,


construction of this mighty work will pass
Congress during the present session. And
why should it not? Instead of wasting time
and temper in fruitless wrangles, it would be
much wiser, and more in accordance with tho
true dignity of Senators and Congressman to
discuss measures and pass laws tending to the
general welfare and increasing prosperity of
our country. The question of railroad con-
| nection with our Pacific coast eommends its
self, by its Importance in the present, as well
| as by its unavoidable necessity in the future.
The Pacific coast is fast being settled !;
commerce with it is rapidly increasing, aud
every day discloses more and more the in
conveniences, the utter inadequacy of the ex-
isting routes to meet the absolute require
! ments of the times. The trade with China
is already very considerable but it will be
incalculable in extent and value when the old
wall of ignorance and exclusiveness shall be
broken down. The time will soon be here,
when the hitherto hidden wealth of Chinese
commerce shall be exposed to our grasp.
Shall we be prepared to take advantage of it9
m addition to tAe proximity to our western
coast, there are many ChiDamen in Califor-
MIA who will naturally point their countrymen
to the advantages of American intercourse.
If direct way could be opened by which
China could reach the interior of our coun-
try, and the Atlantic coast with comparative
ly little inconvenience and expense, there
can be no doubt but she would speedily and
eagerly rush in, and We might have almost
monopoly of her trade The rich islands
of the Pacific would also contribute much to
the general prosperity.
The effect of such road upon our western
territory would be almost marvellous it wo'd
act like an enchanter's wand, waking towns
and cities from their invisible existence in
the forests and praries, and decking the hills
and plains with waving grain and flowers.
and fruits: No extrnvsganee Of language
could surpass the reality of prosperity and
wealth which must inevitably follow upon a
completion of this road to the Pacific, and
thereby developing all the unknown beauty
and riches of the west
Another potential reason for the construc-
tion of a railroad to the Pacific is furnished
US by the Mormon rebellion and the Difficult
ties In quelling it. The bold defiance of the
general government displayed by that fanati-
cal people, and the delay and expense in ad-
mlnistering deserved punishment, have caus-
ed us indignation and chagrin. The gorgon
head Of rebellion should not be permitted to
show itself before the sword of power was
raised to cut it off. A delay of chastisement
makes those deserving it bolder and more in.
solent. Had we railroad over the Plains.
the army could have rushed down on the reb-
els like an avalanche, and crushed them in
the incipiency of their treason
AS postal route. also, it is much needed.
The circuitous and tardy transit of the mails
is exceedingly annoying and detrimental to
prosperity. So that. for the purposes of com
merce with Asia, for the development of our
own country, for protection of our western
frontier. for preventing and Furnishing inter
nal rebellion, and for conveying the mail
there are an hundred sufficient reasons to ;us-
tify the prompt and energetic commencement
of this great enterprise.
TIE Cost to the United States under the
bill proposed, would be inconsderable. The
Utah war will cost more than it would take
to complete the entire road. The expense of
mail service is immense, and the amount re-
auired for protection against the Indian dep
relations and foreign foes, Is vastly more
than would be required if tho road were COM
pleted Add to this. the increase of trade.
IN itself worth more than it would cost to Sc
cure it, and tho development of our wonder
Gus agricultural and mineral wealth, the in
creased glory and greatness of our country.
until all other-nations shall bow in reverence
before her splendor, and her children shall
e1ult with virtuous pride in mighty and in
dissoluble Union, and who can refuse to aid
IN this consummation so devoutly to be wish
ed! We hope to record the passage of the
bill during the present session. - Union.
Exg The Soiapfi6o A