The New York herald., 1868-06-26
mn. CHASE AyD THE PACIFIC RAILROAD.

The folowing letter from Chief Justice Chase TO
General Dix expresses the views OF the former on
thai great work or American enterprise, the Pacific
Railroad. lsENI|ts e8I..t Ia.
WASHINGTON, Nov. IS, 1858.
My DEAR SlR-Your Kind invitation ..to write
something that may be used al the breaking Of
ground on the Union Paeihe Railroad in Nebraska,
found me In the midst OF engagements so exacting
that 1t has been impossible TO write anything worth
the reading. I'm w n
/ could not, however, omit writing altogether. for
that would imply an indifference to the work, which
no American feels. ----
IL Is among my most pleasing recollecttons or
tical measure looking TO the construction or
Pacific Railroad, uhich recetred the sanction or
Congress, lcds m0red \ me. That measure was an
amendment to the Army Appropriation bill, placing
at the disposal OF the Secretary Of War sl5ooOO TO
for the road. 1t was adopted by the Senate in
February, 1852 and was subsequently concurred in
by the House It's results & are a,5sa embodied in the
printed by order OF Congress-
1t is another pleasing recollection that had the
honor in March, 1885, Of presenting and commanding
to the Senate thei memorial OF DR.. Pulte, an inte
gent physician OF Cincinnati praying that measures
might be taken for the connection of New York with
London, by extending the existing lines of<eegraph
to the Pacific by way OF the coast across Behring
Straits through Northern Asia TO st. Petersburg. and
This great work has since been completed to the
Pacific by the indomitable energy OF Hiram Sibey
private citizen OF New York, aided by the simple
promise OF employment and compensation by the
government. on the other side OF the Paclhc the
Russian telegraph line from St. Petersburg, con.
structed by the imperial government approaches II
1t has not already reached the Pacific, and American
enterprise is enlisted in the task, certain to be
which the Cincinnati physician suggested over thir-
teen years ago.. --a
progress OF the railroad has been necessarily slower
than that of the telegraph. When the surveys and
the subject OF the railroad was again brought
before Congress-, and again had some con-
nection with it; now, howsyer, Of .oies less
soncitous for the progress Of the work, !
submitted resolution in January, 1854, instructing
the Committee on Roads and Canals to inquire into
and report upon the construction Of railroad from
| some point on the western lines OF the Western
States to some point on the eastern line OF California
On the motion OF Mr.. Gwin the reference TO the
Committee on Roads and Canals was stricken out
and the whole subject referred to select committee
OF nine Senator's from which was excluded because
then held about the same relation to the democratic
party on the subject of slavery as the war democrats
now hold on the question OF the rebellion: mo ,,.
much discussion and sundry amendments passed the
Senate in 1855 but falling to receive the sanction OF
Nothing further Of importance was done IN relation
to the Pacific Railroad during the next seven years
The attention Of the country was absorbed by other
Congress to give grand proof OF the stability OF the
republic and the worth OF democratic institutions by
taking up this great measure In the midst Of our
| terrible civil war; and framing 1t into q law. The
Thirty-sevenh Congress will be forever memorable
In history as TIE 6utuOT OI dIy aCts Ol ickisdou VI
4 transcendent importance and farreaching conse
| quences. Among these great acts the Pacific Rail
load bill Will remain as one OF the most INDUSTRIOUS
| monuments Of the wisdom and courage Of its mem
bers
shall not attempt any discussion Of its importance
to our industry, our commerce our Union. have
elsewhere said something these themes; but now
the road Ia its own most eloquent advocate. rejoice
In the belief that under your charge and that OF the
eminent citizens associated with you will go stead
fly forward to completion, and vindcate by perfect
success the most sanguine predictions and hopes o
| its advocates and promoters Very truly, yours.
| 8. p. CHASE.
| General JOHN A. DIX, President Union Pacific Rail
| road Company