The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1871-11-30
THE P. D. AND S. L. RAILROAD.

We learn from our Valley contemporaries
that on Thursday evening, November 23d, 9
railroad meeting was held at the Distric
Court room in Boise City, which was wei
attended, at which an address was delivered
by Colonel w. w. Chapman, President O
the Portland, Dalles and Salt Lake Railroad
Company. A report of Col. Chapman's nd
dress is published in the Statesman, from which
it appears, that the project has received the
cordial endorsement, not only of the citizens
of Portland and of the Dalles, but OF the peo
pie Of Eastern Oregon, who are enthusiastic in
their support of the enterprise. At the con
clusion of Col. Chapman's remarks commit
tee was appointed to draft resolutions expires
sive of the sense of the meeting, and the reso
lutions, which were unanimously adopted, en-
dorse the project of building the contemplated
line of road, and earnestly request of Congress
n grant of lands to the company to aid in the
speedy construction of the railroad through
Southern Idaho, as contemplated by the com
pany represented by Col. Chapman: and also
requesting the Senators and Representatives
in Congress from the Pacific slope, to use their
best endeavors in furthering the enterprise, by
procuring the aid desired. The last resolu-
ton endorses Col Chapman in complimentary
terms; and we are satisfied that he is in every
way worthy of the confidence of the people of
Idaho, as q man of sterling integrity, and one
whose ability, and known energy and persever-
ance, will greatly contribute towards forward
ing this great public enterprise. Committees
were appointed in oil the counties in the Ter
ritory to circulate and procure signatures to
the memorial to Congress, and we have no
doubt but that they will be unanimously signed.
The committee appointed for this county con-
sists of Jas. A. Pinney, Jonas w. Brown and
NJ. G. Luney, in Idaho City; G. C Patton and
James B. Duke. in CenterEille; Hon John II.
Cannady, in Pioneer City, and DR.. j. II. Raj
ston. in Placerville. They will doubtless re-
ceive printed copies of the memorial from
Boise City in a few days, and We have no doubt
but that the gentlemen comprising the commit.
tee in this county will make good report to
head quarters The building of this road is
project upon which we can all unite in gen.
eral effort; the necessity for its early construc
ton being admitted by everybody. Whether it
is built BY private capital, or through the aid
of land grants, or Government subsidies by
way of bonds, is matter, with US, of second
AIRY importance. 1t is with us, as Territory
or body polite, matter Of vital importance,
if not of selfpreservation. Other roads Of
less Importance, for which it was claimed that
their immediate construction would promote
the general welfare, and contribute to the pub
tation of troops and munitions of war in cases
of necessity, have received liberal endowments
from the General Government as works of Ma
tional Importance. The Portland, Dalles and
Salt Lake Road being located, as is admitted,
on much shorter route from any base of sup
plies in the East to the Northwest coast, than
any other road, it follows as natural sequence
that it should, in proportion to its Importance
as work prOmOtlve of the general welfare,
and Of the common defense, receive public
recognition as such, in the way OF aid from the
General Government in its construction.
Whether Government aid, in the construction
of such works, as q matter of principle, is
right in the abstract, does not enter into the
question at all. 1t may be called "dead is
sue," as the policy has been pursued in so many
instances, that we think If it is continued at all
Idaho is certainly entitled TO recognition of
her claims at the hands of the General Gov
eminent; and as the road will be not only
public benefit, but blessing to idaho Terrific
ry, we say, on with the work; agitate the mat
ter; circulate your memorials, and ascertain
the wishes of the people and knock at the
doors of Congress until the bounty of the
General Government is extended to us, and
our road built We want the road, and we
must have it; then let US all work for it,
H. Il.