The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-03-06
MAIL sERvIof mo cALIfoRNIA.

California and the other States the Pacific coast
This is the reception of Oregon into the Union The
connection Of the Pacific and Atlantic countries in
wolves something beyond mere social domestic, and
commercial considerations. There high political
and State interests looking out great fu-
ture, which the least reflective mind can eompre-
bend, demanding OF the federal government for the
benefit Of all the members Of tho confederaey the
utmost efforts to link the Atlantic and Pacific
together by the strongest bonds Of legislation We
have made great efforts to open the Isthmian
passages to the free transit Of the world because
our own domestic interests demanded it, We have
employed diplomatic agents in, and they now
watching with unusual interest, the affairs of all
Central America because the common Judgment of
the country has determined that the isthmian States
are exceedingly important to not political de-
Tendencies, nor even because their trade was de-
sirable, but because the passages between the two
oceans, which they command, can never be closed
without inaiciing upon us irreparabe injury. The
distant governments of Europe, seeing how those
transits might ultimately affect the commerce and
trade of the East, have in like manner used every
effort to their freedom for the benefit and ad
vantage of their own shipping,
When it is remembered that the trade of the
world is undergoing a complete change by the APP
plicaton Of steam 10 navigation, and that the
proximate annihilaton of distance is the leading
idea Of the age, the great Importance of the transit
routes referred to will be more fully appreciated.
We have only just entered upon this new work =
we have only just sent out our typographical engi-
TO report upon the surface, to fix base lines,
and to prepare a future generation for intelligent
labor.
Ii will be conceded by the least learned in poii-
cal economy and statesmanship that our people are,
in the very nature of things, interested than
any other in the prosperity Of the Pacific States with
which is identified the freedom of the Central Ameri
can transts.
Aud how did the late Congress regard and treat
this important subectl Did they show proper
spirit toward the Pacific States and indicate proper
appreciation of the trarsits Of Central America
They failed to provide ordinary mail facilities be-
tween the two oceans. They struck down all APP
preparations for carrying the mails between the
Atlantic and Pacific States. The literal construc-
ton to be put upon this conduct is this that
the California mail shall cease from the first
of October next. An overruling necessity exists
on the other hand, that it shall be maintain
ed 1t must be maintained. 1t is due to the
whole country-t is due to the high political and
commercial interests inyolved--that it should be
maintained. The government has employed car
rers, and paid them liberal rates for many years
and the parties, whoever they may be, we trust
~ A..
exacting the least obligation from the department
for payment, but submitting to the next Congress
| the whole question OF compensation. The depart
ment is left without the power to pay, and cannot
therefore, with any justice, be asked to agree tc
pay Meanwhile the service is needed, and it is pre-
emnently universal interest extending far beyond
and higher than thomer question of furnishing mai
| facilities to individuals.
| Nobody can for moment question the judgmen
of the American people in reference to this matter
| California is represented from every State of tn,
Union; and the communications of her people will
all parts Of the country intimate and i'm
| portant than those of any other member Of the con
| lederacy. There is cruelty in the deprivation re
ferred to which borders closely upon malice ans
| alton. Ii is species of embargo or non-ntercours
to refuse to provide mail facilities under such cir
| cumsances The republicans have sought to efiec
| the end achieved for the purpose of embarrassing
! the administration. We trust that by a spirit o
accommodation their exerons will be abortive. w
know the anxiety of the President to do justice t
the Pacific States; and ii is to be hoped tina
contractors viii promptly signify willingness t
continue the work without exacting of the depart
ment any agreement to pay but leave the who'll
| subject to Congr ess.