Year: 1860




devote some attention to enterprises tending
to the general welfare--that they can turn
their thoughts outward from self, and give
encouragement and assistance TO works that
must result in the more rapid development
of the resources of the country, and in giving
more stability to our population, and perma-
nency to our towns, mines and farms, than
they have yet had.


We refer to the interest awakening in diff
ferent parts Of the State, upon the subject of
railroads. 1t shows that a large portion of
our population have become so far identified
with the interests of California that they in !
tend remaining as real citizens, and are anx-
ious to acquire the same prosperity, the same
advantages, enjoyed in the older States-
This is pleasing indication--it is an assur-
ance that genuine public spirit is not wholly
wanting in California; but requires to be
prompted, encouraged, to be yet called into
active play. And it is gratifying to know
we have some of this spirit here in Placer;
and our neighbors in Nevada and El Dorado o
find they also have some of the same sort,
and have concluded it to be about time
to wake up; and in this connection we
observe that the people Of Nevada and
Grass Valley are beginning to take a
lively interest in the movement Inaugural
ted in this place last summer, to connect
Nevada and Auburn by railway with Sacra-
mento by constructing line from Folsom
to the former places. The great benefits
arising to Placer and Nevada counties, by
the proposed road is patent to every man
who is at all familiar with enterprises Of the
kind. 1t would increase the property, pop
ulation, and business of the two counties to
an extent now scarcely to be realized. 1t
cannot be nrged with reason, that it is too
soon to build this road, as accurate statistics
taken Of freight and passengers show bu
siness really wonderful in extent-sufficient
to pay handsome interest upon heavy out
lay of capital. This road being built close
into the mountain ridges would forever COM
mand all the vast trade lying east Of it, to
the summit Of the Sierras, and large por-
ton from the territory beyond that seems
destined soon to possess large population.


That the friends Of this enterprise have
not been idle, we will state that preliminary
and locating lines have been made between
Auburn and Folsom, and the Engineers are
now making up estimates and Report upon
the work. Between Nevada and Auburn,
Mr.. Elliott, with assistants, is now running a
preliminary line, and between Nevada and
Grass Valley, considered the most formda-
bic part of the line, has found favorable
route, with grades not exceeding sixty feet
to the mile.


This is an enterprise in which the citizens
of Sacramento have deep interest, as it will
be one of the main arteries of the trade OF
that city, and destined to add greatly to her
and wealth; and there is no rea
son to disbeieve, that the people there. when
apprised Of the great benefits they will derive
from the road, will come with liberal hand
in aid Of the work.


But there is much to be done, much to be
said, and many obstacles to be overcome,
before the snort Of the iron horse will be
heard in climbing the foothills, but the road
is a necessity, and will be built.