The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-08-05
Routes to the Pacific-virginia.

scription Of the Union Pacific Railroad
route across the Sierra Nevada which We
publish this morning. In reading 1t ne
must be struck with admiration of the bold
spirit of engineering and construction which
characterizes the age in which we live.
Yet the fact that where it is displayed IN
the grandest style is often where its practi-
cal results are much marred by the natural
causes which have elected its greatest en-
terprise and labor will be fully manifested
There win be unavoidable difficulties ana
delays, probably disastrous accidents ~
such elevated sections rs those OF the ROCKY
Mountain and the Sierra Nevada summHs
on this Pacific route. While there can DC
no doubt that this route, accomplished
tbrouoh .such difficulties, will be taxed
to it's utmost capacity in transporting
freight and passengers, it is gratifying to
know that there are easier and better routes
for railroads to the Pacific. These will have
to be built, for the Union Pacific cannot
accommodate the business that will spring
no between its termini while on cach
route there will be n local business suliicich'
alone to sustain railroads, and richly re-
ward the owners Of the capital invested IN
them. The more southern lines that will be
built in time will be preferred; while their
construction will protect the public from
the cxtortion and unaccommodating dlspo-
sition which monopoly always enSenders.
The southern route, or routes, VIII W
freed from the disadvantages ana perils
that, both summer and winter, must DeSe'
,hc Union Pacific line, which, In lis great
o., elevations, of more than 900 feet above
the level of the sea, encounters the re-
pions of perpetual snow. Observe the de-
scripton of the scenes of snow in the article
which we publish to-day, whose writer
crossed the Sierra Nevada in midsummer
Accidents and interruptions more or less
serious are inevitable on n route where
such scenes occur.
The most elevated pass of the more south
ern routes is $500 feet lower than the
Sierra and Rocky Mountain SUBMITS OF the
Union Pacific route. At this lower eleya-
ton the SHOWS melt rapidly, and arc pre-
sent but u small part of the year, while on
the most southern, that through lei Paso,
snow is almost entirely avoided. me
southern lines traverse rich mineral ana
agricultural regions, and oil that are pro-
iected concentrate in the famed valley OF
San Joachim, extending from San Francisco
nearly to the Mexican boundary. 1t is one
of the grandcst, as well as most fertile, III
the world, and it is estimated will sustain
in comfort and luxuriancc q population OF
$4,000, 600. The marvellous production OF
wheat which has made California famous
has occurred in this valley.
Considering the mineral and agricultural
riches of the southern routes, they are ut
least equal, and we conjecture superior, to
the Union Pacific route, while for mildness
of climate and easy grades they are inf
nitely preferable, and will command the
greater part Of the through business be-
tween the oceans.
In rejecting upon this comparison OF
routes we see what advantages the lower
temperate latitude has over all others for
purposes Of commerce, art, and industry.
A line or lines of railroad communication
between the Atlantic and Pacific upon this
latitude are inevitable, for upon this will III
time be concentrated the chief commercial
activity and enterprise Of the continent.
Virginia is in this line, and her superior
routes from the Mississippi to the Atlantic,
through her remarkably favorable low
mountain passes, will become the most &c
tive and popular conduits for the vast trade
across the breast of the national territory.
Their annual capacity will exceed that OF
routes either north or south of them, as
well on account Of superior grades ana
shorter distances MS on account OF tempefa-
ture, which saves them from obstruction IN
winter and preserves in full force the phy-
steal energies of men operating them du-
ring summer.
The Virginian, in taking broad view OF
these relative advantages Of his State, can
not fail to be inspired with hope-nay,
perfect faith--in her future. Her polltlco-
economical system heretofore has diverted
her people from commercial enterprises
which would have led to q more vigorous
prosecution of canal and railroad enter
prises; but through the revolution that
system has been changed, and must be sue
ceeded by one which will bring into existence
u greater variety of human pursuits, and a
vastly more active commerce, that will soon
lead to the building of roads, and, we hope,
the completion Of the James River and
Kanawha canal; thus putting the Vir-
ginia scaboard in direct and superior com
munication with the great West, and ulti-
mately the Pacific. Can We, in anticipation,
ovcr-estimate the general prosperity, the
grand commercial and manufacturing &C
tivity, which will then take place in this
favored region of the Union9
WHEN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
TAXES PLACE.-We said the other day that
the election for President would take place
on the second Tuesday in November. The
law fixes upon the Tuesday after the first