WESTERN INCIDENTS. 65

cannot but be struck with the net of railroads which traverse
our domain on the east side of the Missouri River, from Maine
to Florida. This bird’s-eye view immediately evolves the
immense traffic, social comfort, and political homogeneity and
harmony which these roads must develop and enforce ; and
not only so, it also discloses the wonderful progress which
has been made in bringing the different sections of the por-
tion of our country alluded to, in close bonds of affiliation, and
therefore of Christian love and sympathy.

But still farther scanning the map of our extended country,
we find a most important portion of our domain along the
Pacific coast, already filled with a teeming population, and
capable, agriculturally, mineralogically, commercially, mili-
tarily, politically and socially, of still farther development, so
remotely situated, with regard to the portion on the east side
of the Missouri River—so isolated by distance and barriers of
mountain chains and extended deserts, that it at once suggests
the deficiency and the absolute requirements of the extension
of our railroad system, so as to bring this portion of our
republic into closer and more sympathetic relation with the
other; and thus to bind all portions of our country in one
homogeneous organism of political, military, social, com-
mercial and Christian nationality and power.

This is to be effected by the Pacific Railroad and branches ;
and because of their infinite importance in this respect, their
completion ought to be pushed forward by the people and Gov-
ernment with the greatest possible dispatch.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION.

The acts of Congress bearing on this important project are
chiefly the act of July 1, 1862, the act of July 2, 1864, and
the act of July 3, 1866. These acts, as they now stand, author-
ize the construction of one main line, commencing at Omaha,
Nebraska, the initial point fixed agreeadly to law by the late
President Lincoln, and extending westward in the most direct