The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-06-13

tions Of the Union, Mr.. whitney was
sneered at as a dreamer, but now 1t seems
that his dream is about to come true. Judge
Kelley was one of the first to adopt his views
and he became an enthusiastic advocate for
Northern Pacific Railroad, and has ever since
earnestly favored the enterprise upon ma
tional grounds, as well as on account of tho
advantages that would accrue to Philadelphia
and Pennsylvania. The facts related by
Judge Kelley last evening with regard to the
early movements for the construction of
Northern Pacific Railroad were doubtless new
to very many of his auditors, and we invite
for them the attention of those who did not
hear the address but who will read it, as they
serve to show how the great enterprise has
won its way to the favor of the public entirely
upon its merits, and against opposition aud
prejudice that at one time appeared to be
unconquerable. After relating the facts with
regard to the birth and growth of the Northern
Pacific Railroad idea, Judge Kelley gave q
general review of the progress of California
and other portions of the Pacific coast, of
what had been accomplished by the construc-
ton of the Central Pacific route, and of what
still remained to be done in the way of
binding the West still more firmly
to the East by the construction
of other transcontinental lines. The differ
ence in SOIL climate, and mineral wealth of
the West from the East we're dwelt upon, and
especially it was shown how erroneous the
notions entertained upon this side of the
Alleghanies were with regard to the climate
of the Northwestern States and Territories.
Valuable statistics were given to show how
great were the riches of the still undeveloped
territory, and how it was not questionable
that the wilderness now inhabited but by
rowing bands of savages could in the not far
distant future become other than the home
of aprosperous and hardy population, if the
proper facilities for communication and trans
portation were provided. The commercial
advantages of Puget Sound with regard to
the China trade were dilated upon at consid-
erable length, and the Importance of the fact
that the Northern Pacific Road would furnish
the shortest route between Europe and Asia
was set forth in such manner as to command
attention. Not the least interesting
portion of Judge Kelley's address was the
reference to the effect that the Northern
is matter in which not merely the capital
lists but the mechanics, and, in fact, all
classes of citizens of Philadelphia, have an
immediate interest. Judge Kelley expressed
the decided opinion that this city would de-
rive more immediate and decided benefits
from the construction of the road than any
other. The fact was stated that the building
of single bridge by the Union Pacific Road
gave to one Philadelphia firm a contract
for 100000 worth of steel, and
that even now hundreds of Philadelphia
mechanics are employed in building locomo-
tives and cars for the Northern Pacific Road.
Apart from its national Importance, it will be
readily seen that the Northern Pacific Rail-
road is an enterprise in which Philadelphia
has a particular concern. Judge Kelley s
effort last night was one of the best he has
made, and as an eloquent resume of subject
of great public Importance it will undoubt-
edly attract much attention and serve to ex-
cite greater interest than ever in the North
ern Pacific Railroad.