Year: 1859

the Isthmus of Central America are at best but a
very uncertain and unreliable mode OF communi-
cation. But even if this were not the case they
would at once be closed against us in the event
of war with a naval Power much stronger
than our own as to enable it to blockade the
ports at either end of these routes. After all
therefore, we can only rely upon military read
through our own Territories; and ever since the
origin of the Government, Congress has been in
the habit of appropriating money from the public
Treasury for the construction OF such roads.


"The difficulties and the expense of construct
ing military railroad to connect our Atlantic
and Pacific States have been greatly exaggerated.
The distance on the Arizona route near the
thirty-second parallel Of north latitude, between
the western boundary of Texas, on the Rio
Grande, and the eastern boundary of California.
on the Colorado, from the best explorations now
within our knowledge, does not exceed four hun
dred and seventy miles, and the face of tile coun-
try is in the main, favorable. For obvious rea-
sons, the Government ought not to undertake the
work itself. by means Of its own agents. This
ought to be committed to other agencies. which
Congress might assist, either by grants of land
or money, or by both, upon such terms and condi-
tions as they may deem most beneficial for the
country. Provision mi ght thus be made not only
for the safe, rapid, and economical transportation
of troops and munitions of war, but also Of the
public mails. The commercial interests Of the
whole country. both east and west. would be
greatly promoted by such road; and above all,
it would be powerful additional bond Of union.
And although advantages Of this kind, whether
postal, commercial or political, cannot confer
Constitutional power. yet they may furnish auXil-
larry arguments in favor of eXpediting Il work
which, in my judgment, is clearly embraced with
in the war-making power.


'For these reasons commend to the friendly
consideration of Congress the subject of the Paci-
fc Railroad, without finally committing myself
to any particular route"


His recent message goes even further than his
previous declarations in favor Of this great mea-
sure.


| have been thus particular in bringing before
the Senate the solemn pledges of the Democratic
National Convention and the Democratic Presi-
dent, in favor Of the construction of this great
national highway. because this body contains a
large ajorty Of the members of that party.
But when look round this Chamber, | see no
member Of the Senate who was not an earnest
advocate of Of the three nominees for the
Presidency in 1856, who did not then, and who
does not nov, profess allegiance TO the parties
which contcnded for supremacy in that contest,
and whose party tealty. if not official honor does
not require at least his earnest consideration Of
this important measure On this side Of the
Chamber among my Democratic associates | see
the men who led the columns of the Democracy
in this last great contest in the popular forum.
and cannot but entertain the hope that by their
efficient cooperation, in the language Of the rcsolu-
tion Of the Democratic National Convention, "the
whole Constitutional power OF the Government
will be eXercsedf to build the Pacific Railroad.


1t is not by the volition, merely, of any one
Senator, that this measure is called up before
you; but as one of the great popular issues sub
mitted to- and decided on tavorably by the ver-
dict of the people in 1856. it now presents itself
for ju gment. Therefore. without arrO Oguting to
myself any special credit in pressing for carly
action on this question, | nevertheless occupy
peculiar relations to it, which will justify what
may seem importantly on my part. 1t is now
seven years since gave notice to the Senate of my
intention to introduce bill for the construction
of the Pacific Railroad. was member Of the
Committee on Territories when its chairman, the
Senator from Illinois, Mr. Douglas more than
six years ago, under instruction from that COM
mittee, reported the first bill in favor of building
the road. | have. on four occasions been mem
Der, and three times chairman. of select commit
tees appointed by the Senate to consider the sub
iect. The late lamented Senator from Texas
| Mr.. Rusk,] than whom this great project never
had truer or more efficient friend, as chairman
of the first select committee. reported bill
which would have passed the Senate by the change
of single vote only. and at time when we had
the certain assurance of its passage through the
other House.


The wisdom of our fathers, inspired as l believe
they were in their labors framed this Govern
ment with so many nicely adjusted checks and
balances, that the greatest measures ever cons-
dered in Congress have often been decided by a
single vote; and | cannot contemplate without a
pang of regret, that the most disastrous conse-
quences may result to this country for the want
of the vote on that occasion. Four years ago,
bill reported by me, as chairman of a select
committee, was mere successful as it passed this
body: but owing to either treache1y or bad man
agement in the other House, it failed to become a
law.


If the necessity and benefcent effects of this
measure were matter of doubt, should hesitate
in thus earnestly urging action upon it; but is
there Senator who will rise in his place. and say
that the construction Of this road would not in
sure military protection, and add to the greatness
and glory of the Republic The btterest enemies
of this measure in this body acknowledge it
Even the Senator from Virginia, Mr.. Mason,l in
his speech against this bill at the last session.
admits that the building of this road "is desde-
ratum" and that sit would be fraught with great
and beneficial results to the country if built"


This being admitted, shall proceed to consider
the most plausible objections to this bill. 1t is
contended, first, that Congress has no constitu-
tonal power to enact such law; and secondly,
the grant of land is exorbitant and the advance
of money or credit by the Government in aid OF
| the road will be enormous


| These are the general objections urged by those
who oppose Government aid in any form, while
other and more formidable difficulties exist among
the friends of the measure, growing out of sec
| tonal and local interests.


The Senator from Virginia, [Mr. Mason whom
look upon as the most determined of all the op-
ponents of the bill, says that the Government is
authorized to establish post Offices and post roads
and to carry the mails, but it has no further au-
thority on that subject"
This bill does not propose that the Government
shall build road, or take stock or give money
to build a road, but simply provides that the
President shall make contract for the transpor-
tation, by railroad, of its mails, troops, seamen
| and munitions of war.


That the Government has right to provide
for the carriage of the mails is not denied but