The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-07
TIIIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 1859.
KANSAS.
Mr. SEWARD, (opp) Of N. Y, presented the constitution
adopted by the late Constitutional Convention held at
Leavenworth, Kansas, which referred to the Com
mittee Territories
FRENCH sPoIIATION
On motion Of Mr.. CRr1TENpES opp) of KY, the French
spoliation bill was taken up by vote Of "a against 49,
This bill was brought in in January Of last year by Mr.
Fessenden and referred to special committee, Mr. Crit
tenden chairman, and reported without amendment1
The bill provides that sum not exceeding five millions
of dollars shall be paid pro rata, in satisfaction Of the
claims Of American citizens who had valid claims upon
the French republic, arising out Of Illegal captures and
confscaons prior to the ratification July 81 1901 of
the convention between the United States and France The
claims are to be ascerained and Settled by Board OF
Commissioners at Washington within two years.
Mr.. CRrrENDEN addressed the Senate, urging the JUS
ce Of these claims, and reminding Senators that Wash
ngon, Jefferson, Adams, Webster and other statesmen
recognized their validity, and showing historically how
faith Is pledged to France we'll to citi
pKnATK on THE PACIFIC RAILROAD PROJECTS
The special order, w, the Pacific Railroad BILL coming
up, the Spoaton bill postponed without action, and
Mr.. BIeIER, (adm) Of Pa finished his speech, com
menced yesterday, in favor of the railroad He was
happy to discover in the many speeches this subject
that but little diversity of opinion exists TO the
sy OF the construction Of railroad across the public do
main TO the Pacific ocean, The main difference in the
Senate and the country is to the proper to
compsh the desired end, and as to its proper location
For himself, he would not be tenacious minor points
His object was to secure the construction of the road not
much means Of developing the material wealth of
the intermediate country of maintaining rights and
protecting citizens the Pacific side. The where
abouts Of the road object Of secondary importance
whether ii be few degrees farther north south,
that it be great national highway. No one will
contend that it should be forced where nature
never intended it to be. He himself preferred
central route. he could see no reason for serious
difference about either terminus of the road The main
trunk through the mountains is the main consideration
In locating this due consideration should be had to the
cost of the work. the height of the grades and character
OF the curvaures but, above ALL TO the nature of the
climate and depth of the SHOWS Mr. Bgler here made
DEPRESSION to notice the progress of railroad enterprise in
the United States showing its effect the trade,
merce, wealth political growth and strenh of the Union,
illustrating his statement by the fact that many weeks
elapsed before the Declaration Of Independence was known
to all parts Of the infant rcpublc and late 1874
long before all the States knew that the capital
laid in ashes. Yet now, whatever transpres in any
State is known promptly in all, except in the
on the Pacific We're any one State assaed to-
day by a foreign foe, the fact would be known
to all the others, one tomorrow, and the whole
military power Of the republic could be concentrated for
its defence. Meantime the belt Of barren country be-
tween the Mississippi and Pacific has arrested the west
ward progress Of railroads. and the task Of overcoming
this obstacle is evidently too great for individual means
over an inhospabe country, lily adapted for agriculture
however rich it may be in minerals Therefore, If it be
left to commercial considerations it is likely TO
be constructed In time for the necessities of the
ment Considering, as ne did, that II is far more of
military and political measure than of immediate
mercal wealth. he asked why the government
should not lend it its aid, its countenance ana its credit
way but he considered that individual capital equal
TO the task and hence that the strong of government
should be extended TO the work. especially much of the
country through which IL would pass is ineligible for i'm
mediate settlement c2lts completion precautionary
measure of defence would be wise and sagacous poll
cy. Viewed strictly as military measure, II is worthy
OF the best efforts OF the government for
break out with a great maritime Power, without this
OF concentrating forces California would in all
probability, within sixty days. be cut Off from all commu
ncation with the Atlantic States lie could sec little diff
ference between the construction of such work and Of
fprtcf Tho enftl aI.,o.t
Why not prepare in time OF peace, for contingencies
which must inevitably arise in case of WARP
have no war he trusted in God not for war is
always calamity; but not such calamity as insult and
degradation II would be idle to say that we not in
voved IN an mbrogo now in regard TO Central America
Nicaragua, Mexico and Span from which such calamity
may readily spring II would be singular If the first
months Of such did not cost more than would the
construction Of such road. Will any man say that we
in n condition TO defend Pacific possessions?
Then how we talk about the acquisition Of additional
possessons-about for Cuba, protectoratc
Mexcop Let establish this proectorae ourselves,
and shall then be in better position to influence the
destnics OF others. Probably Senator himself
included but would vote three four hundred millions
for the purchase Of Cuba; yet they would not
grant of public lands for the preservation Of California,
Oregon and Washington Yet what Power would be
strong enough TO meet us on the Pacific with such rail
road, or weak enough not 10 annoy withoutY As
channel Of commerce would open the direct from
China and japan. 1t would be route not for heavy
mage certainly but for the precious metals for the finer
aprcs and for the mails recprocaly from East to West
brtan watchfu to forestal these advantages and s
now asceraincd that railroad practicable through the
British valleys OF the Red River Of the north and Fraser
river FINALLY, Mr. Bger disposed Of the various objec-
lions urged against the road and concluded by warning
ne government not to be pennywisc and pound foolish
put 70 pnd together this confcdcacy Of sovereign
for their mutual aid and protccon No statesman need
fear the effects OF such precedent
Mr HARLN (opp iof Iowa, spoke forciby on the pro-
pricty OF Congress locating the route Tho capital re-
quired s one hundred Millions nearly one third of the
surplus capital OF the country Few native individuals or
companies can control 80 much, hcncc Is sure 10 be
OO
there that the contractors, baying secured the eight mil