WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
80
benefits which can flow from no other location. It communicates directly with the Mississippi at a point where it is navigable at all times. The points indicated by the amendment of the Senator from Missouri, as well as the other amendments, are subject to obstruction in navigation. At the points designated by me, navi- gation can at no time be interfered with. The distances are less; the results are greater than can be derived from any of the other routes. Gentlemen say it is the duty of patriotism to open this com- munication by the most direct and immediate means, and they appeal to us for the purpose of aiding in the construction of this road. If that is really the object, we ought to disregard localities, we ought to disregard sections, we ought to lay our hands to the work in good earnest, and for the purpose of accomplishing a national object-an object that will redound beneficially not only to California, but to the States of the Atlantic. This can only be done by taking that route which is the most facile, and at the same time most convenient, where the appliances necessary to the accomplishment of the object can be most immediately com- manded. That is the route by El Paso, the terminus of which I have indicated. Neither of the points I have suggested as the eastern terminus directly affects the State in which I am. Neither of them is within the limits of the State of which I am a citizen. But, sir, when you strike the Mississippi at the points I have suggested, the whole Atlantic Ocean is open to you. You com- municate with the southern roads to Charleston, and other ports, so that the whole South is accommodated. You also have direct communication with Cairo, at the junction of the Ohio and the Mississippi. In the winter season, when the navigation beyond the mouth of the Ohio, up the Mississippi and Ohio is obstructed, railroad facilities begin at that point, so that the North is not excluded. If, however, you begin at any point on the Mississippi River above St. Louis, or above the junction of the Mississippi and the Ohio, you completely lock up this commerce to the South; they have no intercourse with that section of the country by any direct means, whereas that section would have all the advantages that could result to an ice-locked country, as it is at seasons. I insist strenuously on the·superior advantages of the southern route. It passes through fertile regions, where the soil is rich, the facilities for the work great, timber sufficient, until you reacfi the El Paso; and on this route emigration will keep pace with, and even anticipate the progress of the road, so soon as the line is marked out. Then you will have way travel; you will have all
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