New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-01-07
XXXVth CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.
SENATE IV.sutxCrox III

SENAlE. w AsHiNhION, Udu. VI i'O-s
Mr.. SEWARD ~ " presented the Constitution
adopted by the late Constitutional Convention hell at
LeavenwoItb Kansas, which WA referred to the
Committee on Territories.
On motion Of Mr. CRITTENDEN, the French
Spolstou bill taken up by vote Of ~ sgans IL.
This bill brought IL Js1aaly Of last year by Ar
Fessenden, and referred to Special Committee, Mr..
CritteLden Chairman, and reported without amend
ment
The bill provides that not exceeding FIVE
illons Of dollars shall be paid pro rata in satssac
ton Of the claims Of American citizens Who had valid
claims upon the FIerch Republic arising out OF Illegal
captures and corfscstions prior to the ratification on
July 81, 1901 Of TIE convention between the United
States and France.
Tie claims are 10 be ascertaned AMI settled by s
Board Of CoIumii siouers at Washington within two
years.
Mr.. CRITTENDEN addressed the Senate, urging
the justice OF these claims, and reminding Sena-
tors that Washington, Jefferson, Adams Webster and
other statesmen recognized their validity and show
Jog historically how faith is pledged 10 France as
well as TO our owa citizens for their liquidation.
The special order, viz, the PACING Railroad bill,
coming up the Spostiou bill postponed without
action, and Mr.. BIGLER finished 'his speech, CON-
MERGED yesterday, IL favor OF the railroad
Mr.. 81 iLER began by saying that he was happy TO
discover IN the many speeches on th' subject that but
little diversity OF opinion exists as 10 the necessity OF
the construction Of rsllrosd across the public domain
to the Pacific Ocean. The main difference ia the
Senate ard the country is to the proper means TO
accom- sh the desired end and as to It's proper l)c.
ton. For himsef, he would Lot be tenacious on minor
poiIts. His object to secure the oonsiruc-
ton Of the road-rot so much as means OF de-
velopipg the material wealth Of the intermediate
county as Of maintaining our rights eod protect
ing our citizens on the Pacific side. The where
Abcuts Of the road is sn object Of secondary
importance whether il be few degrees further north
or south, so that il be great national highway. No
or will contend that il shocd be forced where natore
never intended il 10 be. He hin self prefe -red
ira route. he could for serious differ
ence about either terminus Of the 70 I'd The main
trunk through the mountains is the main considers
ton. In locating this due consideration should be
had the cost Of the work. the hight Of the grades,
ard character OF the curvstures, bet above ell
crows. Mr.. Bigler here made DEPRESSION to
notice the progress Of railroad enterprise in
the United S.ates. .hoEirg is effect on the
trade commerce. wealth political growth and strength
of the Union, Illustrating lis statement by the fact
that many weeks elapsed before the Declaration Of
Irceper De known ~ al partI VI the infant
Republic, and lae as lsh. il was long before all
the Ss;es kew that the capital was laif in ashes
Yet now whatever transpirss Ia any ore State IL
krova promptly IN ell, except in the one on the
Pacific. Were any one Sts.e ssssled to-day by q
fore. Il foe the fac. would be krosn ali the others
save one, tomorrow, ard the whole military power Of
tie Republic ocald be sntrsted for ia defense
Meantime, the belt Of barren country between
the Mississippi ard Pacific has arrested the westward
progress Of railroads. nc the task Of overcoming ths
obstacle Is evidently too great for Individual mears
over phospitable country, lily adapted 70. agrcu
ture, however rch il may be in mineras. Therefore,
il be left 10 commercial consider Atioos il Is
likely 70 Re cops.rc I'd n time for the nscessit Of
the Government. Considering. as he did, that is ID
far more u q military aid POLITICAL measure thsa OF