The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1868-03-07
THE REMOVAL OF THE NATIONAL
CAPITAL.

1.-THE Iowa Legislature has Instructed Con-
the national capital to the West. George
Francis Train has selected . suitable spot at
columbus, Nebraska, which he says Is the centre
seat Of Government what is to become OF the
n ,a building Which has been erected At so
a suburban residence t-Portldnd Prtis.
We very much doubt II there be any consid-
cradle portion OF the people OF this country who
entertain any very settled conviction that the
capital ought to be removed. One thing is GER
tain, that IL It is ever done II will not be in
hurry. 1t is an undertaking of too gigantic pro-
portions to be accomplished In minute. Many
serious questions and difficulties will arise which
cannot be adjusted and overcome by a single
vote on the part Of Congress, or by one stroke
of the pen of the Executive. What is to be
done with the numerous public buildings which
have been erected here at great expense, and as
the Press suggests. The Capitol building, as
An obstacle in the way OF removal, who will
take that To what purpose can 1t be put, 1t
is one of the largest-if not the ldrgcSi-buildings
OF the kind in the world. Shall It be taken
down and carried away by plece-meal, or shall It
remain as monument TO show the folly OF a
people who were not content to let well enough
Nlonel This and a hundred other kindred ques-
tions growing out OF what the nation has ex.
pended here, and to what practical ends this vast
property can be put, will come up to trouble and
perplex those who advocate removal.
Then again there are some historical remi.
nisccnccs connected with the founding of this
capital shat will of necessity have their innu-
cnce in retaining II as the seat OF the national
Government. 1t was founded by Washington,
and took it's start under his direction and ad-
vice; and the people of this land who desire IN
cherish and forever keep his memory green, and
TO preserve the old landmarks that shall con-
tlnually symbolic the early labors and active
deeds OF the Father Of his Country will be slow
to tear down and to blot out the monuments
which ever speak to US Of his greatness, his
heroic deeds, and his glorious achievements.
As there was never but one Washington, SC
there can never be but one city called by his
name. Its beginning was coeval with the Gov.
eminent, and 1t should keep pace with 1t. II
should grow In greatness, In beauty, and In
everything that symbolizes American institu.
tions, science, law, art, religion, and national
greatness. 1t should be the mission of our Con.
gress to accomplish all this.
To talk, therefore, Of moving the capital &c
the centre Of the continent may be worthy o
such highty individuals as George Francis Train
1t may answer as topic for young members o
Congress to make buneom6e speeches upon. The,
may trot It out now and then and give II an air
Ing, but till this people become willing to for
swear their cherished memories of the grea
Washington. they viii hardly consent to the re
moval of the seat Of Government, even thougl
it be advised by the members Of the Legislature
of the prosperous and vigorous young state o
Iowa.
The States of the great West and Northwes
are fast becoming mighty power in this Gov
ernment, as we know, but they must not on thi
account assume too much. They had bette
wait awhile, or at least "tarry In Jericho til
thoir boards arc grown"